Sen. Carol Fukunaga

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the United States Geological Survey to update Hawaii Island's long-term lava-flow hazard map by conducting new topographical surveys, specifically within the highest-risk Zones 1 and 2. The proposed updates aim to incorporate modern elevation data and more detailed risk assessments that were missing from the map last revised in 1992. By requesting these changes, the resolution seeks to provide emergency management agencies and local residents with more accurate information about potential volcanic threats. The measure is non-binding and serves only to formally ask the federal agency to perform this specific scientific review.

Clarifies the counties' authority to regulate the time, place, manner, and duration in which uses of land and structures may take place. Clarifies that uses that include the provision of transient accommodations are not considered residential uses and may be phased out or amortized by the counties. Beginning 1/1/2025, expands the scope of the transient accommodations tax law to include certain shelters and vehicles with sleeping accommodations. (CD1)

Establishes the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Relief Fund and Hawaiʻi Wildfire Relief Fund Corporation to provide compensation for property damage resulting from catastrophic wildfires in the State. Requires the Corporation's board to report to the Legislature. Makes an appropriation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Allows condominiums to be eligible for commercial property assessed financing. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Amends the laws relating to the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund and Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association by: imposing a different transient accommodation tax rate for transient vacation rentals, a property insurance surcharge on conveyance tax, and a temporary property insurance stabilization fee on real property transactions to capitalize the Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association and Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund; expanding the statutory authorization for the Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association to issue property insurance for certain condominiums and amending the designated geographic area eligible for coverage to specifically include lava zones 1 and 2; mandating that the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund and Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association be insurers of last resort; requiring Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association member insurers and licensed property and casualty insurers to recoup assessment costs paid into the Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association and the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund through a surcharge on premiums; requiring coverage limits and deductibles and fund capitalization amounts for licensed property and casualty insurers to be established in a plan of operation for the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund, subject to approval by the Insurance Commissioner; and reinstating the special mortgage recording fee to capitalize the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund. Appropriates moneys as a loan to the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund to assist it in becoming sufficiently capitalized and other purposes. Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates bond revenues as a loan to the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund to assist it in becoming sufficiently capitalized and other purposes. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Beginning 1/1/2026, requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to provide health insurance coverage for various sexual and reproductive health care services. Applies this coverage to health benefits plans under the Hawaiʻi Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund. Requires the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to submit a report to the Legislature. Establishes a Reproductive Health Care Working Group. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the geothermal energy resources development special fund. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Redistributes geothermal royalties to the counties for specific purposes, geothermal energy resources development special fund, department of land and natural resources, and office of Hawaiian affairs. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD3)

Establishes an expanded crisis intervention and diversion activities program within the department of health to expand existing activities to divert those with mental health issues to appropriate health care services. Defines "crisis center" and "crisis intervention officer". Authorizes a person believed to be imminently dangerous to self or others by a law enforcement officer to be assisted by a crisis intervention officer and transported to a designated crisis center. Appropriates funds for the expanded crisis intervention and diversion activities program and for certification of law enforcement officers in mental health first aid by the department of health. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds to the Wildfire Management Branch of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife to provide nonprofit organizations with grants for wildfire preparedness and mitigation programming. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Hawaiʻi leadership awards program to honor persons from Hawaiʻi who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to the State and who serve as an inspiration to others. Appropriates funds. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)