Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of "bicycle" for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines "electric bicycle" in place of "low-speed electric bicycle". Defines "electric micro-mobility device" and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro-mobility devices. Prohibits a person under the age of sixteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Authorizes a person under the age of fourteen to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision. Prohibits a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Authorizes a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances. Prohibits a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of eighteen without a helmet. Repeals the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes. Substitutes the word "motor-driven cycle" with the word "motor scooter".
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2023 increases the income or revenue thresholds that require businesses to file the General Excise Tax and Transient Accommodations Tax. This change would directly affect businesses currently subject to these taxes but operating below the new higher thresholds. The bill modifies the filing requirements by raising the monetary limits for when these tax filings become mandatory.
Subjects the Hawaii Tourism Authority's updating of the Tourism Functional Plan to availability of funding. Requires the Governor to submit an approved updated plan to the Legislature before the Regular Session following an update, rather than before the Regular Session of 2025.
For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, establishes a 5-year aquaculture investment tax credit for taxpayers that incur qualifying investment costs relating to qualified aquaculture businesses.
Maddy summarySB 22 exempts state actions related to fisheries operations and management from standard environmental review requirements. This directly affects commercial and recreational fisheries operators, as well as state agencies managing fisheries resources. The key provision removes the need for environmental assessments or reviews for routine fisheries management activities, such as stock assessments or habitat projects. This change aims to streamline regulatory processes for fisheries management without altering the underlying environmental protections.
Maddy summarySB 20 provides funding to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program, administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. This bill directly affects young participants in the program, who gain work experience in environmental conservation and sustainability projects. The key mechanism is allocating state funds to maintain the program's operations, including job training and fieldwork opportunities for youth. The bill does not create new policies but ensures ongoing support for an existing initiative focused on environmental stewardship and youth employment.
Clarifies that the Board of Land and Natural Resources' authority shall supersede the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority for all lands designated under the state conservation district; provided that the Board of Land and Natural Resources upholds its affirmative and non-transferable duty to protect the traditional and customary rights of native Hawaiians as articulated in the Hawaii State Constitution. Clarifies that the natural resource management enforcement and emergency response over Mauna Kea lands shall remain the responsibility of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Takes effect 7/1/2026.
Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer the stewardship of the Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Provides a general excise tax exemption on gross proceeds received from the construction, sale, or installation of electrical vehicle charging infrastructure in certain circumstances. Repeals on 1/1/2031.
Maddy summarySB 16 exempts individuals conducting aquaculture research from needing an aquarium fish permit. The bill specifically defines "aquaculture research" to clarify which activities qualify for this exemption. This change directly affects researchers in fields like fish breeding or aquatic biology, removing a permit requirement for their work. The policy simplifies compliance for research-focused aquaculture without impacting commercial aquarium businesses or general pet fish sales.