Sen. Les Ihara

Specifies that no property shall be forfeited unless the owner or interest-holder of the property has been convicted of a covered offense or indicted for a covered offense and there is a significant risk that the property will be destroyed or otherwise made unavailable, and the State has met its rebuttable presumption for forfeiture. Requires the State to show by clear and convincing evidence that a claimant's interest in the property is subject to forfeiture.

Creates an offense of confinement of a dog by tethering under prescribed circumstances with certain exceptions and establishes mandatory fines.

Authorizes a naturopathic physician to prescribe testosterone consistent with naturopathic medical practice. Clarifies that narcotic drugs shall not be included within the naturopathic formulary. (SB223 HD1)

Establishes public disclosure requirements for video footage obtained by law enforcement body-worn or vehicle cameras.

Clarifies the allowable and prohibited practices requirements for dental assistants. Clarifies that rules shall not infringe upon, overlap with, or conflict with the duties and scope of practice for other licensed professionals. Prohibits persons from employing, directing, or ordering a dental assistant or other person to perform services or procedures within the scope of practice of dental hygiene. (SD1)

Requires the executive office on aging to establish the kupuna caregivers program, subject to available funds, to assist community members in obtaining care for elders while remaining in the workforce. Makes establishment of the kupuna care program mandatory, subject to available funds. Clarifies the kupuna service and support options provided by area agencies on aging within the kupuna care program. Appropriates funds for establishing and implementing the kupuna caregivers program. (SB534 HD1)

Prohibits campaign contributions from certain entities to members of the legislature during the legislative session, for five days following adjournment sine die, and during a special session. Prohibits a member of the legislature from knowingly soliciting or accepting a contribution from a lobbyist or a lobbyist's principal during a legislative session, for five days following adjournment sine die, and during a special session. Prohibits fundraisers for any member of the legislature to be held during any regular legislative session, for five calendar days after adjournment sine die, and during a special session. Takes effect on 1/1/2018.

Requires the chief election officer, with the assistance from the county clerks for elections involving county offices and countywide ballot issues, to publish and disseminate a voters' pamphlet. Appropriates moneys to allow the chief election officer to produce and distribute a voters' pamphlet for each election.

Expands the definition of "administrative action" in lobbyist law to include granting or denying applications for business or development-related permits, licenses, or approvals and procurement of goods and services under Hawaii public procurement code. Clarifies that lobbying laws apply to lobbying by the executive branch.

Ensures certain benefits under the federal Affordable Care Act are preserved under Hawaii law, including: preserving the individual health insurance mandate for taxpayers; preserving the premium tax credit for individuals and families with low or moderate income; requiring all health insurance entities, including health benefits plans under chapter 87A, HRS, to include ten essential health care benefits, plus additional contraception and breastfeeding coverage benefits; extending dependent coverage for adult children until the children turn twenty-six years of age; prohibiting health insurance entities from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion; prohibiting health insurance entities from using an individual's gender to determine premiums or contributions; and prohibiting health insurance entitles from discriminating with respect to participation against a health care provider acting within the scope of that provider's license or certification. Effective 7/1/2050. Individual mandate requirement repeals 6/30/2021. (SD2)