Sen. Les Ihara

Requires the Comptroller and State Librarian to identify state office buildings, including state libraries, that can provide equitable telecommunication access to allow certain residents, including residents with disabilities, to participate remotely in legislative hearings and estimate the costs and resources, including additional staffing, to effectuate this purpose. Allows the Comptroller and State Librarian to partner with the University of Hawaii in performing these tasks. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)

Clarifies that the School Facilities Authority is responsible for certain development, planning, and construction projects for prekindergarten, preschool, and child care facilities, as well as workforce housing. Allows the School Facilities Authority to use the Department of Education for certain recruitment and hiring responsibilities. Allows the School Facilities Authority to partner with public and private development agencies to develop prekindergarten facilities. Exclude School Facilities Authority Board workgroups and subcommittees from the Sunshine Law, except as it relates to permitted interactions.

Establishes a program within the Office of Community Services to authorize the formation of community collaborative capital improvement projects eligible for state grants, which may be exempted from certain state and county regulatory requirements under specific circumstances. Requires the Office to adopt rules and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Repeals 6/30/2030.

Maddy summarySB 1594 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit state legislators in Hawaii to a maximum of 16 years of service in the Legislature. This would directly affect current and future members of the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate. The bill would amend Article III, Section 4 of the state constitution to establish this term limit, requiring voter approval for implementation. If passed by the Legislature and approved by voters, it would change how long representatives can serve, but the bill is currently in early stages (introduced and passed first reading in January 2025).

Applies the campaign finance laws to candidates for the neighborhood boards. Requires candidate committees for neighborhood board elections to file an organizational report with the Campaign Spending Commission regarding campaign contributions used for printing and mailing campaign material.

Maddy summarySB 1555 adopts a voluntary Code of Fair Campaign Practices for election candidates to use as a guide during their campaigns. It does not create new legal requirements or penalties but offers candidates a resource to promote ethical conduct in fundraising and communications. The bill directly affects candidates running for office by providing a standardized framework they may choose to follow. The measure is currently in committee review and has not yet become law.

Establishes the Hawaii Civics Collaborative within the Department of Accounting and General Services to promote civics engagement and perpetuate the Aloha Spirit. Requires the Department of Education, University of Hawaii Matsunaga Institute for Peace, Public Access Room, and other community organizations to facilitate civic engagement education statewide. Establishes two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) civic education specialist positions within the Department of Education. Appropriates funds.

Establishes a Trusted Public Representative Program within the Office of Information Practices under which the Office assigns a volunteer Trusted Public Representative trained in the requirements of the Sunshine Law and observes public agency meetings closed to the public. Allows the Office of Information Practices to conduct background checks of current and prospective Trusted Public Representatives. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to provide for a citizens' assembly and to authorize the citizens' assembly to propose to the Legislature constitutional and statutory revisions or amendments to the laws governing elections, political campaigns, campaign finance, ethics, referendum, reapportionment, legislative process, and public access to information.

Establishes the Hawaii Food Security Special Fund to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit levels to those provided in federal fiscal year 2023. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.