Increases the minimum wage to $12.00 per hour beginning 1/1/2020 and $14.00 per hour beginning 1/1/2022.
Amends the "renewable portfolio standard" definition to more accurately reflect the amount of renewable energy generation in Hawaii by amending the renewable portfolio standard calculation to be based on electrical energy generation as opposed to electrical energy sales.
Requires board members of condominium associations to disclose significant financial interests prior to taking action that affects both the association and a third-party provider. Prohibits board members from receiving gifts from those types of third party providers. Expands the powers of the real estate commission to enforce violations by board members of disclosure requirements and gift prohibitions.
Authorizes a county with a population greater than 500,000 to extend the county surcharge on state tax beyond December 31, 2027. After full completion of the mass transit project, permits counties to use the surcharge on state tax for operation and maintenance of the mass transit project, existing public transportation, or public road and highway repairs. Deducts one-third of the amount from the gross proceeds of a county's surcharge on state tax to reimburse the State for costs associated with handling the assessment, collection, and disposition of the county surcharge on state tax and fund various State transportation projects. Repeals the sunset date of the county surcharge on state tax levied by the city and county of Honolulu. Takes effect January 1, 2018.
Clarifies that county ordinances shall not conflict or interfere with DLNR rules related to the issuance of permits in support of geothermal resources development and geothermal resources exploration. Requires the lessee of a mining lease to comply with all water and air pollution control laws. Requires the rules of the board of land and natural resources regarding mining operations, geothermal resource development, and geothermal resource exploration, including drilling conditions and restrictions, to be uniform throughout the State.
Establishes a 6-week paid maternity and paternity leave policy for government employees to ensure that Hawaii's working families are adequately supported during times of needing to provide care to a newborn or bond with a new child.
Increases maximum fines for violations of the fireworks control law. Appropriates funds for the Department of Public Safety, Sheriff Division, in collaboration with the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, and other federal and state agencies, to establish a shipping container inspection program to randomly inspect shipping containers for illegal fireworks and explosives using explosive-sniffing dogs and establishes requirements for the inspection program. Requires the Department of Transportation to assess a fee on all shipping containers to fund the program.
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.
