Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz

Makes comprehensive updates to chapter 436E, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, regarding acupuncture practitioners to reflect modernized scopes of practice, titles, and licensing and renewal requirements. Authorizes the Board of Acupuncture to establish an alternative pathway for physician licensure in acupuncture. Beginning with the renewal for the licensing biennium commencing 7/1/2025, requires licensees to obtain thirty hours of continuing education per licensing biennium. Appropriates funds to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to update the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division's internal database. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Hawaiʻi electricity reliability administrator special fund. Increases the carryover balance of the public utilities commission special fund to $3,000,000 and transfers a portion of that balance to the Hawaiʻi electricity reliability administrator special fund. Appropriates funds into and out of the special fund. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD2)

Establishes an accelerator program within the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation. Amends the reporting requirements for Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation's manufacturing and development program. Requires the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation to submit annual reports to the Legislature regarding the outcomes of the research and development program.

Increases the amount of malt beverages, wine, and alcohol that a small craft producer pub licensee may produce during the license year. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in grades kindergarten through twelve. Requires students in grades nine through twelve to complete a one-half credit in financial literacy before graduation. Requires the Board of Education to provide professional development to teachers who are teaching financial literacy courses.

Appropriates general fund moneys that are required to match federal moneys for broadband programs. Appropriates moneys received by the State from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the broadband equity, access, and deployment program. (SD1)

Establishes that noise generated by helicopters in excess of a certain decibel level constitutes a public nuisance and a source of noise pollution in violation of the State's noise pollution law. Establishes fines and a private right of action for individuals to sue helicopter owners and operators for committing a public nuisance. Establishes exceptions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Division.

Designates Hawaiʻi coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure.

Requires boards to use interactive conference technology to remotely conduct public meetings in conjunction with in-person meetings that allow for public participation. Requires boards to archive certain recordings of meetings on their websites.