Sen. Lorraine Inouye

Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances. Specifies that a vehicle with an expired registration of one or more years may be subject to impoundment. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State. Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes. (CD1)

Authorizes the Adjutant General to expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include graduate degrees at the University of Hawaii for qualified enlisted personnel in the Hawaii National Guard. (CD1)

Maddy summarySB 2400 proposes to exempt operators of "wing-in-ground craft" (vehicles that fly just above water, like certain hovercraft) from Hawaii's Water Carriers Act. It directly affects businesses or individuals operating these specific watercraft by removing a regulatory requirement they currently face. The bill defines "wing-in-ground craft" to clarify which vehicles qualify for the exemption. The bill is currently pending committee review and has not yet been voted on.

Requires veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship, to be filled at the pharmacy of the client's choosing. Allows pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians. Specifies that violators may be subject to disciplinary action by the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license. (CD1)

No later than 1/1/2029, requires each county board of water supply to publish a map of its service area and a list of service-restricted areas on their website. Specifies a procedure for responding to certain water availability requests. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the State Fire Marshal to appoint a hydrogen fire safety expert to oversee the safety of hydrogen fuel production, storage, and distribution facilities in Hawaii. The expert would be responsible for ensuring these facilities comply with current national fire safety standards and would conduct safety training sessions at least twice each year. Additionally, the resolution asks the State Fire Marshal to provide ongoing training to county fire departments and building inspectors so they can properly understand and enforce hydrogen-related safety protocols statewide. This measure aims to improve fire safety preparedness as Hawaii develops its hydrogen energy infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Fire Marshal to appoint a hydrogen fire safety expert to oversee safety at hydrogen fuel production, storage, and distribution facilities. The expert would ensure these facilities comply with current national fire safety standards and conduct safety trainings at least twice annually. Additionally, the resolution asks the Fire Marshal to provide ongoing training to county fire departments and building inspectors on hydrogen-related safety protocols. This measure aims to prepare Hawaii's emergency response and inspection teams for the growing use of hydrogen energy while maintaining safety standards.

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms to address economic factors sua sponte or on application by a water carrier. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a water carrier inflationary cost index automatic adjustment mechanism. Beginning 7/1/2026, through 6/30/2029, requires the Public Utilities Commission to apply automatic adjustment mechanisms. Beginning 7/1/2029, through 6/30/2033, authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to apply automatic adjustment mechanisms. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to waive or exempt any water carrier from any requirement under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Sunsets 7/1/2033. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests that Hawaii's Board of Education work with the Department of Education to change public high school graduation requirements so that students must complete a standalone financial literacy course. The bill addresses concerns that the current approach, which allows financial literacy to be integrated into other courses or the Personal Transition Plan, may not provide sufficient dedicated instruction and accountability. It proposes specific implementation steps including teacher professional development, funding identification, student completion tracking, and a curriculum based on community input. The resolution is based on evidence showing declining financial literacy among younger generations and the benefits of dedicated financial education for post-secondary success.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport, which would grant high school cheer athletes equal athletic opportunities and access to resources like certified coaching and safety oversight. The bill directs the Department of Education to develop guidelines and safety standards in collaboration with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to meet federal Title IX criteria for classifying cheerleading as an interscholastic sport. This resolution applies specifically to high school competitive cheerleading programs in Hawaii and aims to align the state's policies with federal requirements for gender equity in athletics.