Sen. Michelle Kidani

Requires the board of education to hold no less than six community meetings each year; provided that at least one meeting shall be held in each county. Requires the board of education to allow public testimony on items not on a public meeting agenda if certain requirements are met. Repeals the public testimony requirement on June 30, 2024. Requires the board of education to report to the legislature.

Exempts changes and improvements to existing portions of the Waianae coast emergency access road within the Waianae district of Oahu from environmental assessment requirements under chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Provides, under certain circumstances, amnesty for used car purchasers from paying unpaid vehicle registration fees or penalties if the purchaser had no knowledge of the delinquent fees or penalties upon the purchase of the vehicle.

Appropriates funds for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, a statewide breeding ecology study and foraging ecology study on the pueo.

Amends the practicum experience requirements for qualification for licensure as a mental health counselor. (SB2647 HD3)

Amends Hawaii's Good Samaritan Law to provide civil liability exemption for persons who in good faith, without remuneration or expectation of remuneration, attempt to rescue a person with a rescue tube and for owners and operators of any premises, property, or facility that is adjacent to navigable waters, where rescue tubes are located. (CD1)

Expands the renewable fuel tax credit cap by lowering the production threshold and expanding the types of renewable fuel eligible for the credit. Applies to taxable years after 12/31/2017. (CD1)

Defines the Hilo community economic district. Authorizes BLNR to extend or modify the terms of certain public land leases within the economic district upon approval by BLNR of a lessee's development agreement to make substantial improvements to or construct new improvements on the land as long as the length of any extension granted does not extend the original lease term by more than 40 years. Establishes conditions for BLNR to approve any extension of the fixed rental period of term of certain public land leases in the economic district. Establishes causes of economic hardship for which BLNR may modify or eliminate any of the existing statutory restrictions on public land leases in the economic district, extend or modify the fixed rental period of these leases, or extend the term of these leases and amends the conditions for BLNR's approval of any such modification, elimination, or extension. Establishes a separate request for interest process to public lands in the economic district. Requires qualified bidders to deposit an amount equal to one per cent of the value of the leasehold improvements. (CD1)

Requires the legislative reference bureau to conduct a sunrise analysis of the impacts of and best framework for the establishment of paid family leave. Requires a report and proposed legislation be submitted to the legislature by 9/1/2019. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Ensures certain benefits under the federal Affordable Care Act are preserved under Hawaii law, including: extending dependent coverage for adult children up to 26 years of age; prohibiting health insurance entities from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion; and prohibiting health insurance entities from using an individual's gender to determine premiums or contributions. (CD1)