Sen. Glenn Wakai

Establishes and appropriates funds to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Exempts from the state general excise tax any grants received from the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund by an eligible business pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Requires the Department of Taxation to notify all taxpayers eligible for refunds of any state general excise tax paid for grants received from the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund of their eligibility and requires taxpayers to file refund claims no later than six months following notification. Requires any state general excise taxes paid by eligible businesses for Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants to be refunded to the taxpayer. Effective 7/1/3000. Applies retroactively to 3/11/2021. (HD1)

Requires the counties to upgrade to zero emission buses by 2045. Requires the state agencies to prioritize zero emission buses in the procurement policy for purchasing or leasing motor vehicles. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program. Establishes standards for the usage of grants awarded pursuant to the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program. Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Establishes a Food and Product Innovation Network within the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Appropriates funds for the development of Food and Product Innovation Network facilities. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes the sustainable aviation fuel import tax credit. Increases the renewable fuels production tax credit amount. Repeals the: (1) cap amount of claimable renewable fuels production tax credit; (2) requirement that the tax credit be claimed for fuels with lifecycle emissions below fossil fuels; and (3) prohibition on claiming other tax credits for the cost incurred to produce renewable fuels. Specifies that the renewable fuels production tax credit can only be claimed for fuels that meet the certain thresholds. Adds an additional tax credit value. Clarifies that a taxpayer who previously claimed a renewable fuels production tax credit may claim another one for taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024. Clarifies and expands required information in the certified statement for the tax credit. Repeals the requirement that the Hawaii State Energy Office provide the taxpayer with a determination of whether the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for each type of qualified fuel produced is lower than that of fossil fuels.

Requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Defines "residential zone" for purposes of leaf blower restrictions to include residential districts, apartment districts, and business mixed use districts.

Maddy summarySB 979 would increase the production capacity limits for small craft breweries and pubs holding Class 18 liquor licenses. This change directly affects small businesses operating under this specific license type, allowing them to manufacture more alcohol within their current facility. The bill modifies the existing manufacturing cap without altering other licensing requirements or fees. It represents a targeted adjustment to support expansion for these smaller licensed establishments.

Establishes a framework to regulate controllers and processors with access to personal consumer data. Establishes penalties. Establishes the Consumer Privacy Special Fund to be administered by the Department of the Attorney General. Appropriates funds.