Sen. Laura Acasio

Establishes a cover crop reimbursement pilot program to provide up to 75 per cent cost reimbursement to farming operations in the State for the acquisition of cover crop seeds, green manure, or compost. Requires the convening of a review panel to screen and rate applicants on the quality of their cover crop, green manure, and composting practices. Establishes a cover crop reimbursement pilot program manager position within the department of agriculture to administer the program. Requires reports to the legislature. Appropriates moneys. (CD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program, administered by the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Department of Budget and Finance, to provide a state-facilitated payroll-deduction individual retirement savings plan to private sector employees who do not have access to employer-sponsored retirement savings plans beginning on an implementation date to be determined by the board. Authorizes an implementation and evaluation study, followed by an implementation strategy and timetable, prior to implementation of the program. Provides a state match of up to $500 to the accounts of the first 50,000 covered employees who participate in the program for twelve consecutive months after initial enrollment. (CD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Genetic Information Privacy Act. Requires direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies to adhere to certain requirements pertaining to the collection, use, and disclosure of genetic data. Establishes fines for violations. Allows the Office of Consumer Protection to bring civil action against violators. (CD1)

Establishes and appropriates funds for a compost reimbursement program within the Department of Agriculture and for one full-time permanent compost reimbursement program manager position. Requires an annual progress report to the Legislature prior to each regular session. (CD1)

Establishes the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program and subaccount to encourage the purchase and use of electric bicycles and electric mopeds. Appropriates funds for the electric bicycle and electric moped subaccount. (CD1)

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife to adopt rules and issue funds to licensed hunters at a per unit rate for feral axis deer herd management. (CD1)

Authorizes the Department of Human Services to require the staff of licensed and registered early childhood programs to annually provide specific information to the Department's Early Childhood Workforce Registry. Requires a report to the Legislature. (CD1)

Establishes a School Garden Coordinator position within the Department of Education. Makes an appropriation to fund the position and related expenses. (CD1)

Appropriates funds for the Hawaii State Loan Repayment Program administered through the John A. Burns School of Medicine, subject to a matching funds requirement. (CD1)

Appropriates funds to the John A. Burns School of Medicine to create further medical residency and training opportunities through a partnership between the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (CD1)