Requires defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child by the operation of a vehicle in a negligent manner while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to make restitution in the form of financial support to each surviving child of the victim.
Appropriates funds to support educational training programs to expand the State's health care workforce. Allocates funds to the Department of Education for health care certificate programs and classroom renovations for health care training in public high schools. Allocates funds to the University of Hawaii for education programs that support certified nurse assistants in becoming licensed practical nurses.
Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract or form a partnership with private parties to assist with the maintenance and management of sunscreen dispensers at all state beaches, as well as publicize that the mineral-based sunscreen in these dispensers is more protective of the coral reefs of the State. Appropriates funds for the installation, maintenance, management, and operation of non-chemical sunscreen dispensers on all state beaches.
Authorizes a county that has adopted a surcharge to state tax to extend the surcharge to 12/31/2056. Extends the end date of the one percent Transient Accommodation Tax increase to 12/31/2056. Requires the State Auditor to conduct an audit and annual review of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation until 12/31/2056. Requires the Comptroller to certify the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's invoices for capital costs until 12/31/2056.
Establishes a criminal penalty and monetary fines for aquarium fishing violations. Clarifies that each fish or aquatic life specimen taken in violation of certain fishing laws regarding aquarium fish and the possession and use of prohibited explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances constitutes a separate offense.
Amends the definition of electric bicycles subject to various state laws and classifies electric bicycles by top assisted speed. Establishes additional regulations for the registration and use of electric bicycles. Increases the minimum age to operate an electric bicycle.
Maddy summarySB 478 requires operators of low-speed electric bicycles to hold a valid driver's license, instruction permit, or provisional license. This bill directly affects e-bike riders who operate vehicles classified as "low-speed" under the law. The key provision mandates that these riders meet standard driver licensing requirements before operating their e-bikes on public roads. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet become law.
Establishes an exemption from applicable county permit requirements for repetitive construction projects for facilities under the control of the Department of Education, University of Hawaii, or School Facilities Authority. Repeals 1/1/2030.
Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii at Manoa to establish three additional permanent mental health practitioner positions within the Division of Student Success' Counseling and Student Development Center.
Maddy summarySB 1196 establishes a fee on ridesharing services (like Uber or Lyft) within the state. The funds collected from this fee are required to be deposited into the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund. This program supports concrete infrastructure improvements, such as safer crosswalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways near schools. The bill directly affects ridesharing companies operating in the state and benefits students and communities by funding school safety infrastructure.
