Establishes the Hawaii Airports Corporation (HAC)to assume the authority, functions, and duties of the Department of Transportation related to airports and aeronautics. Makes HAC subject to chapters 103D and 104, HRS. Provides for project labor agreements. Appropriates funds for the transfer of functions from DOT to HAC.
Maddy summarySB 837 authorizes school districts to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation when specific safety conditions are met. It directly affects school transportation providers and districts by expanding the types of vehicles they may legally operate for student travel. The bill establishes requirements for vehicle safety standards and operational protocols to ensure student safety during transport. The bill is currently pending in committee (TRS/EDU, WAM) and has not yet advanced to a vote.
Requires owners, lessees, or managers of real property to maintain their property and establish penalties for failure to do so. Allows for exceptions.
Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii for the establishment and administration of the Plant-Based Building Materials Working Group to study how best to develop the plant-based building materials industry in the State. Requires a report to the Legislature.
Establishes the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District. Provides for the transfer of land and leases within the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Hawaii Community Development Authority.
Appropriates funds for salaries and fringe benefits of positions for the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy's Space Science and Engineering Initiative Workforce Development Program, Maunakea Scholars Program, and Internship Program. Appropriates funds for office equipment and supplies, operational costs, and stipends for the Maunakea Scholars Program and Internship Program.
Temporarily allows each county, by resolution of its county council, to petition for the redistricting of land from an agricultural district to a rural district through the Land Use Commission's declaratory ruling process. Effective 7/1/2026. Sunsets 6/30/2029.
Maddy summarySB 1082 designates the 'ōpae 'ula (a native Hawaiian shrimp species) as Hawaii's official state shrimp. This symbolic bill directly affects Hawaii's state identity and conservation recognition efforts. Its key mechanism is formally establishing the 'ōpae 'ula in state law to raise awareness about protecting anchialine pools - unique coastal ecosystems vital to Hawaii's biodiversity. The bill aims to highlight conservation needs through this state symbol, without imposing new regulations or funding.
Makes a person or entity liable for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses when the person or entity knowingly enters state, county, or private property, knowingly enters a hiking trail that is closed to the public, or violates applicable laws, provided that the closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device that gives reasonable notice of the closure. Requires counties to adopt ordinances and the State Fire Council to adopt rules as necessary to pursue reimbursements.
Establishes a criminal penalty and monetary fines for aquarium fishing violations. Clarifies that each fish or aquatic life specimen taken in violation of certain fishing laws regarding aquarium fish and the possession and use of prohibited explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances constitutes a separate offense.
