Sen. Glenn Wakai

Allows a court to choose from 1 to 3 qualified examiners in felony cases in which a defendant's fitness to proceed is in doubt. Requires that at least 1 of the examiners is a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist. Removes the requirement that 1 of the 3 examiners shall be a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist designated by the director of health from within DOH.

Requires notice be given to certain county agencies at least 30 days prior to construction or installation of certain agricultural buildings and structures that are exempt from building permit and code requirements. Imposes a fine of $100 per day of violation if construction or installation begins within 30 days of notice.

Requires that any person appointed as State Sheriff by the Director of Public Safety shall have a minimum of five years of combined prior law enforcement experience.

Prohibits a person listed in the federal Terrorist Screening Database from owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm or ammunition. Allows for removal of the disqualification. Requires surrender or disposal of firearms and ammunition.

Clarifies Hawaii's employment security law for independent contractors. Includes twenty factors to be used as guidelines when determining whether an individual could be an independent contractor. Retains the ability of the department of labor and industrial relations to determine if an individual is an independent contractor. Requires the director of labor and industrial relations to report to the legislature prior to the regular session of 2018 regarding guidelines developed by the unemployment insurance coverage committee. Requires an annual report to the legislature regarding covered employment determinations.

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.

Legalizes the personal use, possession, and sale of marijuana in a specified quantity. Requires licensing to operate marijuana establishments. Subjects marijuana establishments to excise taxes and income taxes.

Repeals the provision of the Uniform Information Practices Act that prohibits the disclosure of certain information regarding misconduct by a county police department officer if the misconduct only resulted in the suspension of the officer.

Clarifies how the Ethics Commission may provide guidance and resolve allegations of violations.

Appropriates funds to DOE to support the Turnaround Arts program in Hawaii in partnership with Hawaii Arts Alliance.