Sen. Karl Rhoads

Allows the HHFDC to negotiate leases for multi-family residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects on public lands for terms in excess of sixty-five years but not exceeding ninety-nine years. Gives the lessee a right of first refusal following a public auction at the termination of the lease; provided that the lessee matches the highest lease rental bid offered. (SD1)

Makes an appropriation to the department of accounting and general services to conduct a study relating to the rehabilitation and renovation of the state capitol reflecting pool.

Requires the department of education to provide training on social and emotional learning to all youth-serving educators, health care professionals and counselors, and agencies and programs, as well as parents of students enrolled in public schools or public charter schools. Appropriates funds to the department of education to conduct training on social and emotional learning.

Increases the rates for certain conveyance tax categories. Increases the percentage of conveyance tax to be paid into the rental housing revolving fund for the financing of affordable rental housing development. Repeals the statutory cap on the disposition of conveyance taxes dedicated for deposit into the rental housing revolving fund. (SD1)

Establishes pesticide buffer zones for sensitive areas beginning on July 1, 2018. Establishes penalties for violations. Requires the Department of Agriculture, based on input from the Advisory Committee on Pesticides, to adopt rules that determine amounts, distances, and wind speeds relating to pesticide buffer zones, within 18 months of the effective date. (SD1)

Establishes an income tax credit for taxpayers who purchase and install eligible energy storage systems. The amount of credit depends on type of system installed, filing status, and federal AGI of taxpayer. Excess credit may carry-over to subsequent tax years or is refundable under certain conditions. Applies to taxable years after 12/31/2017. Sunsets tax credit 12/31/2035. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study and submit a report to the Legislature regarding the usage of energy storage systems. Amends reusable energy technologies tax credit to harmonize definitions. (SD1)

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for construction and infrastructure development projects to provide affordable housing units for middle class and low income residents. Allows moneys from the conveyance tax and the county surcharge on state tax to be used to repay the bonds.

Increases the minimum wage to $10.50 per hour in 2018 and $12 per hour in 2019, $13.50 per hour in 2020, and $15 per hour in 2021. Increases the tip credit to an unspecified amount of cents in 2018. Requires the department of labor and industrial relations to annually calculate the adjusted minimum wage rate to the nearest 5 cents using the Honolulu region CPI-W. Takes effect 1/7/2059. (SD1)

Requires all fishing nets used in state marine waters to be registered and tagged as specified by the department of land and natural resources. (SD1)

Makes an appropriation, subject to the availability of matching funds, to UH to conduct any studies necessary to ascertain the feasibility and benefits of establishing a small satellite launch and processing facility in the State, as well as to conduct any related public outreach programs.