Sen. Glenn Wakai

Provides that if a law enforcement officer lawfully stops a motor vehicle and the operator is cited for driving without a valid license, the officer shall not permit the operator to resume the use of the motor vehicle. Requires the motor vehicle to be moved by a licensed driver or towed at the owner's expense. Provides that the cited operator is responsible for arranging the operator's transportation from the scene of the stop. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summarySB 567 establishes a state income tax credit for individuals who pay for medical travel expenses not covered by insurance. Eligible residents could reduce their income tax bill by the amount spent on qualifying travel, such as trips to specialists or treatment centers. The credit applies only to costs not reimbursed through insurance coverage. This policy directly affects people facing out-of-pocket transportation costs for medical care.

Establishes provisions governing any person who receives compensation for advising, assisting, or consulting another person with veterans benefits. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Requires health insurance policies and contracts issued on or after 1/1/2026 to provide optional coverage for the cost of hearing aids at a minimum $1,500 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every thirty-six months. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summarySB 978 changes the tax code definition of "draft beer" to mean beer sold in individual containers of five gallons or larger. This directly affects breweries and retailers selling beer in bulk containers, as such sales would now be classified under "draft beer" for tax purposes. The bill only modifies this definition and does not alter tax rates or other tax provisions. It is currently pending in committee review.

Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for enterprise zone program purposes to include retail sales of tangible personal property manufactured and sold in the enterprise zone that is to be used or consumed by the purchaser and not for resale, the processing of value-added agricultural products grown within an enterprise zone, and the provision of professional services by health care professionals in health care related sectors.

Beginning 1/1/2026, increases the tip credit to be twenty per cent of the minimum wage and requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to annually calculate an adjusted tip credit amount.

Establishes a two-year Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling and Reuse Working Group within the Hawaii State Energy Office. Requires the working group to examine how to maximize the recycling and reuse of electric vehicle batteries and recommend electric vehicle battery management practices. Requires a report to the Legislature. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 95 creates new fines for drivers operating vehicles or mopeds without a valid current inspection certificate. This directly affects anyone driving a car, truck, or moped that requires a safety inspection. The key provision increases penalties for this specific violation, adding additional fines beyond existing requirements. The bill does not change inspection requirements or vehicle safety standards, only the financial penalty for non-compliance. It is a straightforward policy change targeting a known enforcement gap in vehicle safety compliance.

Clarifies that the prohibition against board and commission holdover members from holding office beyond the end of the second regular legislative session following the expiration of the member's term of office takes precedence over any conflicting statutes.