Sen. Les Ihara

Exempts members of a county council from the limitation on the number of members that may attend an informational meeting or presentation on matters relating to official board business, including a meeting of another entity, legislative hearing, convention, seminar, or community meeting. Clarifies that such meetings shall be open to the public for purposes of permitted interactions.

Prohibits application of neonicotinoid insecticides without a permit after 6/30/18 to protect honeybees and other pollinating animals.

Allows for several factors to be weighted for the weighted student formula including but not limited to student characteristics, enrollment trends, and optimal student-teacher ratios. Requires the committee on weights to incorporate into the weighted student formula weights that account for special education teachers and support staff, enrollment increases, and the optimal student-teacher ratio at each grade level.

Establishes, beginning January 1, 2018, labeling requirements for any food or raw agricultural commodity sold in the State that contains a genetically engineered material, or was produced with a genetically engineered material; establishes exceptions; establishes violations; requires director of health to adopt rules.

Appropriates funds for a state civil service position to effectively track and monitor funds and expenditures related to habitat conservation plans and perform other tasks to benefit the recovery of threatened and endangered species.

Requires that certain agencies be notified when a firearm permit application is denied because the applicant is prohibited from owning, possessing, receiving, or controlling a firearm under federal or state law. Requires the firearms permit issuing authority to notify the court that issued a protective or restraining order on an applicant, as applicable, upon notification of a permit denial. Requires the department of public safety to notify the probation or parole officer of an applicant, if applicable, upon notification of a permit denial. Takes effect 5/22/2050. (SD2)

Imposes a civil fine when a person leaves a dog unattended in a motor vehicle without at least one window open at least two inches to allow for air flow.

Appropriates funds for the hiring of a coordinator and for interisland travel and operating expenses of the P-20 Agriculture Education Working Group within the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Outlines the duties of the working group and opens participation in the working group to additional persons and entities.

Corrects an error in the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2016 to clarify that the Kaho‘olawe island reserve commission is affiliated with the county of Maui, rather than the county of Hawaii.

Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the initial staff necessary to develop and manage the He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve and its programs. Eff. 3/14/2092. (SD1)