Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara

Clarifies that county ordinances shall not conflict or interfere with DLNR rules related to the issuance of permits in support of geothermal resources development and geothermal resources exploration. Requires the lessee of a mining lease to comply with all water and air pollution control laws. Requires the rules of the board of land and natural resources regarding mining operations, geothermal resource development, and geothermal resource exploration, including drilling conditions and restrictions, to be uniform throughout the State.

Clarifies the allowable and prohibited practices requirements for dental assistants. Clarifies that rules shall not infringe upon, overlap with, or conflict with the duties and scope of practice for other licensed professionals. Prohibits persons from employing, directing, or ordering a dental assistant or other person to perform services or procedures within the scope of practice of dental hygiene. (SD1)

Prohibits state and county law enforcement officers from engaging in high speed pursuits of vehicles that illegally proceed through a red traffic-control signal or change lanes into an oncoming traffic lane and proceed in the opposite direction of oncoming traffic.

Clarifies when pedestrians may enter a crosswalk equipped with a countdown timer.

Providing an annual inflationary adjustment in the methodology used to reimburse facilities for the long-term care of Medicaid recipients beginning with fiscal year 2017-2018. Appropriates funds to provide an inflationary adjustment to long-term care facilities' provider-specific prospective payment rates. (SB308 HD1)

Makes an appropriation for the concussion monitoring and educational program for school athletics, concussion and awareness program for youth athletic activities, and administration of a concussion and awareness program for youth athletics. (SB720 HD1)

Part II: Allows an individual who is seventeen years of age but will be eighteen years of age on or before the next state or local general election to register and vote at the state or local primary election immediately preceding that state or local general election. Takes effect upon ratification of an appropriate constitutional amendment. Part III: Provides that in the case of an unopposed candidate in any state or local election, the candidate's name shall appear on the general election ballot.

Permits licensed dental hygienists in the State to operate under general, rather than direct, supervision of a licensed dentist.

Clarifies that acute care hospitals are covered under the clean claims statute, section 431:13-108, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Requires the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the department of education and department of business, economic development, and tourism to develop and implement an interactive web tool that will enable degree-seeking individuals to make better-informed decisions regarding their post-secondary education and career choices.