Sen. Karl Rhoads

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Requires that any new motor vehicle permitted by law to be equipped with a siren, whether purchased or contracted in the State to be equipped with dual frequency sirens.

Maddy summarySB 175 proposes a constitutional amendment to raise Hawaii's mandatory retirement age for state justices and judges from 70 to 75 years. If approved, this change would directly affect current and future state court judges by allowing them to serve longer in their roles. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee after passing a committee vote with amendments, but it has not yet become law. This amendment would require a constitutional change, meaning it would need voter approval to take effect. The proposal focuses solely on altering the retirement age requirement within Hawaii's state constitution.

Maddy summarySB 114 establishes a presidential primary election for the 2028 election cycle, beginning June 1, 2026. This affects voters in the state who will select their party's presidential candidate through this new primary process. The bill appropriates funds for implementation and is scheduled to take effect on April 23, 2057.

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to assess the feasibility of installing distributed energy resource systems at each state department facility. Requires state departments to implement and install the distributed energy resource systems detailed in the reports no later than five years from the issue date of the reports. Gives priority for the required energy efficiency measures to first responder facilities. (SD1)

Prohibits any business established after January 1, 2026, that uses, rents, or offers for rent mopeds in the course of their commercial business, from using a combustion engine-powered moped. Establishes penalties.

Maddy summarySB 115 increases the exemption amount for real property that can be protected from attachment or execution by creditors. This directly affects property owners facing debt collection actions, as it allows them to shield more property value from seizure. The key provision raises the threshold for which property is exempt, meaning owners retain more assets when creditors seek to collect debts. The bill was recently recommended for passage by the Judiciary Committee with amendments. (Based solely on the official abstract and committee actions provided.)

Establish a medical education liaison position within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to support programs that utilize a team of medical specialists to support primary care providers and other health care professionals through mentorship and guidance. Appropriates funds.

Prohibits the issuance of a certificate of inspection for a moped or motor vehicle that has been altered, installed, or otherwise modified in any way which will noticeably increase the noise emitted by the motor vehicle or moped above that emitted by the motor vehicle or moped as equipped from the factory.

Prohibits the State from leasing any public lands, or extending the lease of any public lands, to any individual, corporation, or federal agency that is in arrears in the payment of certain moneys to the State, noncompliant with a consent decree or memoranda of agreement with the State that requires environmental maintenance or remediation with regard to the subject public lands, or convicted of a crime. Requires certification by the Office of the Governor before the issuance or extension of any federal lease that the individual, corporation, or federal agency is in good standing with the State. Provides that, if any existing lessee of public lands is found not to be in good standing with the State as of the effective date of this Act, the lessee shall have three years, or until the end of the lease term, whichever is sooner, to correct the violation or the lease shall be terminated.