Sen. Glenn Wakai

Includes the Chief Energy Officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office as a member of the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Ensures that the State's zero emissions clean economy aspirational target encourages both local and global sequestration. Requires each state agency to review the impacts of its internal plans as they relate to the purpose and goals of the Commission. Requires HSEO to submit summary reports to the Governor and Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Provides that an actor is not obliged to retreat for purposes of self-defense and defense of others, from agricultural lands if the actor is lawfully present as an owner, lessee, employee, or agent of the State, unless the actor was the initial aggressor.

Maddy summarySB 2403 expands the renewable fuels production tax credit by broadening its eligibility rules or increasing the credit amount for producers. This bill directly affects companies that manufacture renewable fuels like ethanol or biodiesel, providing them with potentially larger tax benefits. The key change is modifying the existing tax credit program to support more producers or higher production volumes, without altering the core structure of the credit itself. The bill is currently in early stages of the legislative process.

Establishes and appropriates funds for the Hawaii Farm to Families Program under the Department of Human Services to alleviate food shortages in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature before the Regular Sessions of 2027 and 2028.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summarySB 2437 appropriates state funds for physical capital improvement projects (like roads, parks, or public buildings) specifically within the 15th senatorial district. This bill directly affects residents and local infrastructure in that district by providing funding for local capital needs. The bill is in its earliest stage (introduced January 22, 2026) and focuses solely on allocating resources without specifying particular projects or creating new policies. As a procedural funding measure, it does not change existing laws or impose new requirements.

Requires each county Director of Finance to notify all applicable state and local agencies upon receipt of official notification of a vehicle transfer from a transferor. Requires each county Director of Finance to establish a centralized notification system to applicable agencies for every vehicle transfer by 7/1/2027.

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production obtains a permit or enters into a memorandum of agreement or understanding with DBEDT to film a visually recorded production at certain locations. Requires DBEDT to provide public notice of certain information whenever a production registers for pre-qualification or is determined to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and simultaneously post notice on a publicly accessible part of its website. Allows individuals to sign up to receive notice by electronic mail or postal mail.

Maddy summarySB 2597 creates an income tax credit for dairy farmers who convert their operations to hog farming. The credit covers costs for building or upgrading facilities like pens, waste systems, or feed storage during the conversion process. This directly affects dairy farmers seeking to switch livestock operations by reducing their state income tax burden for these specific infrastructure expenses. The policy provides a concrete tax benefit for eligible conversion costs without altering broader tax rates or policies.

Expands the purposes of the establishment and operation of offices in out-of-state locations to include serving Hawaii's businesses and tourism efforts through various initiatives. Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out‑of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Appropriates funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Beijing office and Taipei office to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.