Sen. Karl Rhoads

Amends fines for the destroying or harvesting of koa trees and other trees and plants on state lands to an amount up to the current market value of each tree or plant at that location and the cost of restoration or replacement of the habitat. Clarifies that any person that violates a provision of part II of chapter 183, HRS (forest reserves), or any rule adopted pursuant thereto, other than section 183-17, HRS, shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Repeals the general penalty provision of chapter 183, HRS.

Specifies that an affidavit on application for voter registration shall be a part of the application associated with the issuance of a civil identification card and driver's license. Requires each county examiner of drivers to electronically store the contents of the affidavit on application for voter registration provided by applicants in conjunction with their driver's license and civil identification card applications and provide electronic accessibility of this information. Effective 1/1/2018.

Removes redundant investigating and reporting requirements of the Department of Human Services and the family courts in cases where temporary restraining orders are sought for alleged domestic abuse involving a family or household member who is a minor or incapacitated person.

Requires providers and health plans to gather data regarding homeless individuals' use of medical assistance programs.

Establishes the housing program for homeless individuals with chronic disease. Appropriates funds for the program. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires weigh-in of commercial maritime cargo vehicles with cargo of 55,000 pounds or more immediately upon departing a commercial harbor. Requires report to Department of Transportation on every container or load of such poundage that arrived in a State harbor for transport on state highways.

Authorizes the issuance of GO bonds for plans of a biological control containment facility on Oahu.

Beginning with the primary election in 2018, requires the office of elections to implement election by mail in a county with a population of fewer than 100,000 and beginning with the 2020 primary election, implement election by mail in each of the other counties for all elections. Establishes an election by mail system, including requirements for ballots, replacement ballots, deficient return of ballots, electronic transmission of replacement ballots under certain circumstances, ballot counting, voter service centers, places of deposit, and election expenses and responsibilities. Establishes procedures for postponed elections. Makes conforming amendments to provide for an election by mail system. Allows voters in an election by mail system to request that their ballots be temporarily forwarded to another address in or outside of the State for a single election or a primary or special primary election and the election immediately following it. Appropriates funds for the implementation and administration of the elections by mail program. Requires the office of elections to submit annual reports to the legislature from 2018 to 2024 regarding implementing the elections by mail program.

Establishes an add-on payment of forty per cent to the medicaid base rate for medicaid enrollees at long-term care facilities that have medically complex conditions requiring higher level of care. Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 to cover increased costs. (SD1)