Sen. Les Ihara

Requires that all mandatory fees charged by a transient accommodation operator to a guest or resort time share vacation plan manager to an occupant be included in the gross rental or gross rental proceeds for purposes of the transient accommodations tax. Requires operators and plan managers to identify optional fees that are not subject to the transient accommodations tax to guests and occupants when rental rates and services are disclosed or discussed.

Requires research facilities to make available for adoption healthy cats and dogs that the research facility determines are suitable for adoption and are no longer needed for research. Authorizes research facilities to contract with local animal rescue organizations to facilitate the adoption of the cats and dogs. (SD1)

Allows transient accommodations brokers to register as a tax collection agent on behalf of all of its operators and plan managers. Requires registered transient accommodations broker tax collection agent's operators and plan managers to obtain licensure. Requires all registered transient accommodations broker tax collection agents to inquire and ensure that the transient accommodation is in compliance with all pertinent state and county land use laws. Requires the operator or plan manager to provide verification of compliance with county land use laws in the form of a written certification, verification, or permit issued by the appropriate county agency.

Authorizes the department of the attorney general to transfer up to $50,000 each year out of the criminal forfeiture fund for deposit into the internet crimes against children special fund. Authorizes the deposit of moneys transferred from the criminal forfeiture fund into the internet crimes against children special fund. Takes effect on 1/7/2059. (SD1)

Prohibits smoking in a motor vehicle in which a minor is present. Requires the Department of Health to report on the enforceability of the prohibition and coordination of data collection efforts of the respective law enforcement agencies.

Requires the Hawaii housing finance and development corporation to coordinate with other state agencies to develop lands owned or administered by the State within one mile of transit station sites. Requires that developments on parcels or groups of contiguous parcels of state land with an area of at least ten acres include a certain percentage of affordable housing units reserved for residents or families at specific income levels. (SD1)

Exempts tangible and nonperishable gifts received by an elected or appointed official on behalf of the State from gift reporting requirements under the ethics code. Requires the gift to be publicly recorded and maintained as property of the State and allows the gift to remain with the official's state agency or be transferred to the state archives or state foundation on culture and the arts at the end of the official's term. (HB631 HD1)

Establishes and appropriates funds for a regional nutrient cycling pilot program on Maui. Requires DOA to report on the efficacy of the pilot project. (SD1)

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the department of public safety for rehabilitation of incarcerated persons. Allows the department to contract with private service providers for rehabilitation services. Requires the department to report to the legislature 20 days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2018.

Requires remote schools to be allocated funds using categorical allotments, rather than through the weighted student formula. Defines a remote school as any public school that is a high school located at least a one-hour drive away from the next nearest high school or a high school located on the island of Lanai, Molokai, or Niihau.