Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara

Allows the department of Hawaiian home lands to retain independent legal counsel as needed. Authorizes the department of Hawaiian home lands to use the services of the attorney general as needed and when the interests of the State and the department of Hawaiian home lands are aligned. Provides that funds owed to independent legal counsel shall be paid by the attorney general.

Limits the additional time that an inmate may be sentenced to serve after escaping from a work furlough program and without committing a new crime before voluntarily returning or being apprehended.

Amends the research activity tax credit so that references to the base amount in section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code shall not apply and credit for all qualified research expenses may be taken without regard to the amount of expenses for previous years. Extends the research activity tax credit through 2020.

Clarifies the process, including payment obligations, mediation requirements, and triggers for further default, where a condo unit owner and association reach a payment plan to resolve a nonjudicial foreclosure. Establishes procedures providing condo owners with the right to submit disputed legal fees, penalties or fines, late fees, lien filing fees, or other charges, except for common expense assessments, to the mediation process prior to payment.

Prohibits the use or application of sunscreen or sunblock containing oxybenzone or cosmetics with sunscreen containing oxybenzone while on a beach.