Sen. Breene Harimoto

Establishes a habitat conservation program manager position. Requires the habitat conservation program manager to draft rules that implement and clarify the intent of chapter 195D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, work with applicants for incidental take licenses, as part of a habitat conservation plan, to develop their projects to minimize and mitigate incidental take of threatened and endangered species to the maximum extent practicable, effectively track and monitor funds and expenditures related to habitat conservation plans, conduct follow-up monitoring for development projects, and implement and manage mitigation and other projects that benefit the recovery of threatened and endangered species. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Prohibits commercial shark tour operations from operating without a permit. Requires the department of land and natural resources to adopt rules to regulate commercial shark tours, including adherence to a code of conduct. (SD1)

Proposes an amendment to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution to modify the appointment process for the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii. Repeals the requirement that the Governor can only appoint from pools of candidates presented by the Candidate Advisory Council for the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

Establishes business practice and transparency reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers. Replaces the registration requirement for pharmacy benefit managers with a licensing requirement. Increases penalties for violations of the pharmacy benefit managers law. Effective 1/1/2021.

Requires each county to establish a procedure to ensure that an asbestos survey and any necessary abatement are performed prior to the issuance of any permit for the renovation or demolition of a residential property.

Requires the director of transportation to establish the autonomous vehicles testing program. Requires the program to authorize the testing of a vehicle in the State by an automated driving system. Exempts a vehicle with an engaged automated driving system from licensure. Provides protocol in case of an accident involving an autonomous vehicle. Requires a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system to be properly titled, registered, and insured. Preempts the counties from regulating the testing of autonomous vehicles that is in addition to regulation provided in state statute.

Clarifies the use of reasonable corporal punishment. Repeals the justification of use of force by parents, guardians, teachers, and persons otherwise entrusted with the care or supervision of a minor.

Appropriates funds to Hawaii Technology Development Corporation for the Manufacturing Assistance Program.

Requires the department of transportation to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of repairing or renovating the Kalaeloa Airport air traffic control tower. Appropriates funds for the study.

Authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources to extend certain leases of public lands for commercial, industrial, resort, or government use upon approval of a proposed development agreement to make substantial improvements to the existing improvements. Sunsets on 6/30/2025.