Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz

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.

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.

Requires all school buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than ten thousand pounds purchased, leased, or contracted for use by the State as of July 1, 2019, and thereafter, to be equipped with a seat belt assembly at each designated seating position.