Sen. Bennette E. Misalucha

Requires retailers of household appliances to conspicuously display available energy efficiency rebates funded by the public benefits fee and state-specific energy operation costs. Requires the public benefits fee administrator to create and update the template to be used by retailers. Requires the Hawaii state energy office and administrator to give notice to retailers.

Expands the purpose and rationale for which counties may create special improvement districts to include environmental research, restoration, and maintenance; natural resource management; and natural hazard mitigation to improve environmental conditions and provide community benefits.

Requires the university of Hawaii environmental center to conduct ongoing studies of the environmental impacts of sewage spills on affected coral reefs and submit an annual report to the legislature prior to the convening of each regular session. Appropriates moneys.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish fees and permits for entry into a marine line conservation district. Establishes the Marine Life Conservation District Special Fund.

Authorizes forfeiture of certain employees' retirement system benefits for law enforcement officers who are convicted of an employment-related crime. Requires law enforcement officers under investigation for a felony offense to be placed on unpaid administrative leave, and if convicted, be permanently barred from employment as a law enforcement officer, private detective, or guard.

Specifies that the scope of practice for licensed physical therapists to include the practice of dry needling. Requires the board of physical therapists to certify qualified licensed physical therapists to perform dry needling after 1/1/2022, and designate requirements to perform dry needling. Allows the board of physical therapists to revoke or suspend a physical therapist's license for performing dry needling incorrectly, without proper training or certification, or in a manner that would likely harm a patient.

Requires the Insurance Commissioner to set the maximum wholesale prices of common prescription drugs based upon Canadian price regulations. Prohibits drug makers and distributors from removing prescription drugs from Hawaii markets. Prohibits various health plans and pharmacies from purchasing prescription drugs in excess of the maximum wholesale price.

Makes the exemption from the behavior analyst licensing requirements permanent for certain teachers working in collaboration with a licensed behavior analyst or licensed psychologist. Clarifies that the licensure exemption for registered behavior technicians applies to those working under the direction of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed psychologist. Exempts licensed special education teachers and individuals in approved and accredited special education training programs who are working toward licensure as special education teachers whose scope of practice and training includes applied behavior analysis.

Requires the Office of Planning to establish a Hawaii housing element. Requires the counties to zone for twice the estimated housing need over the next twenty years.

Clarifies the definition of the practice of medicine to provide uniformity of practice between both medical physicians and osteopathic physicians.