Sen. Glenn Wakai

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process, including vehicle-to-grid compliance requirements, by 1/1/2026. Authorizes the use of the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge for cost recovery of certain expenses of the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator associated with the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Requires a report to the PUC on the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

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

No later than January 1, 2026, requires the Department of Accounting and General Services to install and maintain automated external defibrillators in all state buildings, including all public schools. Requires DAGS to establish a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and work with the counties to implement the plan into the counties' emergency service provider protocols. Requires DAGS to provide trainings on the use of automated external defibrillators and the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for state employees and security staff of certain state agencies. Makes appropriations.

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)

Maddy summarySB 1025 would allow both service animals and non-service pet animals (like cats or small dogs) on mass transit vehicles, such as buses and trains, provided specific conditions are met. This bill directly affects transit riders who travel with pets and transit operators who would implement the policy. The key provision permits pet access under defined conditions, though the abstract does not specify those conditions. The bill remains pending in committee, having been deferred after a public hearing in February 2025.

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to establish eight full-time equivalent (8.0 FTE) agricultural technician positions and four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) community coordinator positions.

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.

Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter an area closed to the public or hiking on a trail closed to the public, and there is a sign giving notice of the closure.

Maddy summarySB 585 authorizes the state to issue special purpose revenue bonds to fund the construction of a biogas production facility by Bana Pacific Inc. The bill directly affects Bana Pacific Inc. as the recipient of the bond proceeds for its specific project. Key provisions include the issuance of non-tax-supported bonds tied solely to the facility's revenue, with no general state funding required. This policy change creates a targeted financing mechanism for the company's infrastructure development.

Prohibits counties from permitting or allowing retention or detention ponds to be constructed except under certain conditions. Establishes safety requirements for retention and detention ponds statewide. Requires the department of health to conduct a survey of existing retention and detention ponds statewide.