Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz

Provides a tax credit to taxpayers and makes deposits to the emergency and budget reserve fund and other post-employment benefits trust fund pursuant to article VII, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes governmental bodies and public employees to procure project management services through non-governmental third-party contracts under certain conditions. Appropriates funds to establish a Special Project Branch within the Public Works Division of the Department of Accounting and General Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 2596 requires state government agencies to charge no more than $1 per year for leases of real property they use. This directly affects state agencies that lease buildings or land for operations, such as offices or facilities. The bill sets a strict annual cost limit on these government leases as a procedural rule, with no additional mechanisms or exemptions described in the provided text.

Establishes the Board of Education Internal Audit Office. Requires the Board of Education to establish, as a standing committee of the Board, a standing committee with a scope that includes audit-related responsibilities. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Provides that the University of Hawaii and its campuses and state libraries may utilize liquor in certain educational settings without obtaining liquor licenses, subject to certain limitations. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Auditor to review no-bid contracts issued by state and county agencies during declared states of emergency between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025. The audit will examine how agencies justified these contracts, selected vendors, determined pricing, and maintained accountability for public funds during emergency periods. This review aims to identify inconsistencies in emergency procurement practices and provide recommendations for potential legal reforms. The Auditor must submit findings and suggestions to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct an audit of no-bid contracts issued by state and county agencies during declared states of emergency between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025. The audit will examine how agencies justified these contracts, selected vendors, determined pricing, and maintained accountability for public funds during emergency periods. The Auditor is asked to review these practices to identify potential reforms and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure does not change existing laws but instead seeks oversight and transparency regarding emergency procurement processes.

Maddy summarySB 2603 designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the official State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. The bill requires the orchestra to submit annual reports to the Hawaii Legislature and appropriates state funds for its operations. This legislation formalizes the orchestra's relationship with the state government through official designation and funding.

Maddy summarySB 328 creates an income tax credit for dairy farmers who convert their operations to hog farming, covering capital infrastructure costs like building new barns or equipment. It directly affects dairy farm owners planning to switch to hog production. The credit allows eligible farmers to reduce their state income tax liability based on qualifying conversion expenses. The bill takes effect on July 1, 3000, as stated in the official abstract.

Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that apply solely to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails, as selected by the Board. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)