Sen. Laura Acasio

Creates an exception to the exclusive right to compensation under workers' compensation law where COVID-19 is contracted by an employee whose employer failed to maintain adequate workplace protections against exposure to the novel coronavirus. Creates a presumption that COVID-19 has been proximately caused by an employer's failure to maintain adequate workplace protections against exposure to the novel coronavirus.

Defines "pre-contact historic property". Clarifies that the historic preservation program includes providing consultation to counties and public and private agencies involved in historic preservation and the development, publication, and distribution of materials about protections for burials, historic sites, and archaeological resources. Amends the composition and duties of the Hawaii historic places review board. Increases civil and administrative fines for certain violations of historic and preservation requirements and makes violators liable for costs associated with mitigation or restoration measures.

Establishes a sustainable Hawaii workforce program, a sustainable Hawaii workforce advisory committee, and a sustainable Hawaii workforce special fund to meet the goals of the Aloha+ Challenge. Imposes a new 1.5 per cent sustainable tourism tax beginning on 7/1/2022, to fund the sustainable Hawaii workforce program. Special fund is effective on 7/1/2022. Program and advisory committee take effect on 1/1/2023.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the terms of members of the legislature to a maximum of sixteen years in the house of representatives or senate, or both, for terms beginning on or after the general election of 2024.

Establishes provisions within the department of agriculture to enhance farmer equity by ensuring inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, rule, policies, and programs. Requires an annual report to the legislature.

Until 7/1/2026, allows restaurants to apply a restaurant service surcharge for the sale of food or beverage services, the revenues of which shall be used exclusively by the restaurants for economic recovery from COVID-19 impacts. Authorizes establishments with a class 2 restaurant liquor license to allow the consumption of liquor anywhere on the premises, including the restaurant's outdoor property and sell liquors in their original packages for pick up, delivery, take out, or other means for off-premises consumption.

Requires the judiciary or supporting agencies to establish and support a program for restorative justice in each county and inform various criminal justice representatives of the existence of the program. Appropriates funds.

Allows public employers to establish and implement a telework program. Requires public employers with a telework program to establish a telework policy and post it on the employer's internet website; provide the teleworking employees with equipment that is reasonably necessary to perform their job functions at the teleworking site; and reimburse teleworking employees with communication costs incurred by teleworking.

Establishes a state highway patrol within the sheriff division of the department of public safety to actively patrol all highways and facilities owned or leased by the State. Appropriates moneys.

Establishes an agricultural production tax credit that includes agricultural producers who produce at least fifty per cent of food crops for local consumption.