Restricts asset forfeiture to cases involving the commission of a covered criminal misdemeanor or felony offense. Requires seized property to be forfeited only when the property owner has been convicted of an underlying covered criminal misdemeanor or felony offense. Changes the standard of proof that the State must meet in order for property to be forfeited from "preponderance of the evidence" to "beyond a reasonable doubt". Requires the State to prove that owners consented to or possessed knowledge of the crime that led to the seizure of their property. Requires that the agency seizing the property pay for safe and secure storage of the seized property until the completion of the forfeiture proceeding or final disposition of the property. Directs any proceeds from a civil forfeiture to the general revenue fund for public education purposes. Repeals administrative forfeiture proceedings. (SD1)
Sponsored bills
Requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to review and report on the concept of food labeling based on the food's environmental impact and make recommendations on how to implement this type of food labeling. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
Proposes an amendment to article IX, section 5, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, to require the Legislature to consider the effect of its actions on the price of housing in the State. (SD1)
Requires each state government branch to establish a shared leave program for state employees. Allows the chief executive of a county to establish a shared leave program for county employees. Precludes a state government branch from prohibiting leave sharing between different departments or bargaining units because of administrative infeasibility. Allows an employee's designation of beneficiary form to be filed with the department where the employee is employed and permits the designation to be made through a statement that is not verified or written.
Permits claimants for unemployment benefits to report in person or via electronic communication. Prohibits denial of unemployment insurance benefits if a claimant is out of the State with access to facilities and methods that are prevailing or customarily used by persons to work remotely in the claimant's occupation.
Changes the kindergarten start age from five years of age by July 31 to five years of age by December 31.
Appropriates funds for operating expenses of the department of defense. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for plans, design, construction, and equipment for a biofuel and animal feed facility in Keaau in the County of Hawaii.
Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii West Oahu to expand its existing programs and develop new means to increase food security and self-sufficiency in the State.
Establishes a Farmer Apprentice Mentoring Program to teach and train farmers to utilize a whole farm system approach to agriculture. Makes an appropriation to the Department of Agriculture to provide mentoring on a whole farm system approach to agriculture.