Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara

Establishes a zero net energy and zero net waste initiative program in the public utilities commission. Establishes a zero net energy and zero net waste advisory council. Designates property controlled by the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii authority as a microgrid demonstration project. Authorizes the transmission of electric power from one governmental agency's point of generation to another governmental agency's existing transmission lines within the boundaries of the Hawaii ocean science and technology park. Appropriates funds for the zero net energy and zero net waste initiative program.

Requires all letterheads, documents, symbols, and emblems of the State and other political subdivisions that include Hawaiian words or names to include accurate and appropriate Hawaiian names, spelling, and punctuation. Establishes references for accurate, appropriate, and authentic Hawaiian names and words, including proper Hawaiian spelling and punctuation. Clarifies that the full text of bills and other official documents are not required to be written in Hawaiian and that misspelled or incorrectly punctuated Hawaiian words and names shall not invalidate the documents or render them unenforceable and no cause of action shall arise accordingly.

Adds coercive control as part of the petty misdemeanor offense of abuse of a family or household member to the pilot program to strengthen state and county responses to domestic violence and increase violator accountability established by Act 19, Regular Session of 2020. Sunsets 6/30/2026. (SD1)

Requires inclusion of an unspecified minimum percentage of affordable housing units in state agencies' development and redevelopment plans along the rail transit corridor. Allows the Office of Planning to make exceptions to the affordable housing requirement. Effective 7/1/2021.

Makes the exemption from the behavior analyst licensing requirements permanent for certain teachers working in collaboration with a licensed behavior analyst or licensed psychologist. Clarifies that the licensure exemption for registered behavior technicians applies to those working under the direction of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed psychologist. Exempts licensed special education teachers and individuals in approved and accredited special education training programs who are working toward licensure as special education teachers whose scope of practice and training includes applied behavior analysis.

Establishes a pilot program to generate revenue through the lease of public library lands to meet the mission of the public libraries. Establishes the library facilities fund. Requires the state librarian and department of education to report to the legislature. (SD1)

Requires motor vehicle insurers to notify the county director of finance of cancellations and nonrenewals of motor vehicle insurance policies on registered vehicles. Requires transferees to notify the county director of finance of motor vehicle insurance policy coverage for the transferred vehicles. Increases registration fines for a failure to maintain insurance on the vehicle during the period of registration.

Beginning 07/01/2022, requires sellers to disclose whether the real property lies within the sea level rise exposure area designated by the Hawaii climate change mitigation and adaptation commission or its successor.

Requires licensed used motor vehicle part dealers to obtain a written statement by a seller of a catalytic converter that the seller has the lawful right to sell and dispose of the catalytic converter. Requires a seller of a catalytic converter to present a receipt or notarized declaration regarding the catalytic converter. Prohibits a licensed used motor vehicle part dealer from purchasing a catalytic converter with no receipt or notarized declaration and to report the attempted sale to the police. Establishes the offense of theft of catalytic converter as a class C felony. Takes effect 5/6/2137. (SD2)

Defines serious crime as murder or attempted murder in the first degree or class A felony, or a call B or C felony involving violence of threat of violence. Allows the court to determine if bail may be denied where the charge is for a serious crime. Requires the judicial council to appoint a committee to review and recommend changes to the Hawaii penal code. Takes effect 7/1/25. (SD1)