Sen. Michelle Kidani

Allows newly graduated high school students to be eligible for workers' compensation coverage during the summer following their high school graduation while participating in Department of Education-sponsored work-based learning programs. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Shipping Container Inspection Program. Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to submit reports to the Legislature on implementation of the Shipping Container Inspection Program. Exempts employees of the Department of Transportation and DLE from personal liability under certain conditions. Requires any damages to container goods be borne by the State. Requires DLE and DOT to designate a site outside of the immediate port area to conduct inspections. Require the DLE to secure all illegal goods. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Transportation or appropriate county department when disposing of a deceased cat or dog from a public roadway to scan the animal for a microchip, record certain information, and report that information to the appropriate county animal services or animal service contractors. Appropriates funds.

Establishes an income tax credit for the purchase of electric garbage trucks by qualified taxpayers. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Accounting and General Services to hire a consultant to evaluate potential locations and designs for the Hawaii First Responders Memorial.

Appropriates funds for the establishment of five full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) positions within the Civil Rights Compliance Branch of the Department of Education. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 1254 prohibits current employees of the University of Hawaii and the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii from serving on the Board of Regents. This directly affects active staff at these institutions who might otherwise hold board positions. The bill's key provision is a clear ban on dual roles, requiring board members to be separate from university operational staff. The policy change would prevent current employees from being appointed to the Board of Regents moving forward.

Specifies that the macadamia nut labeling requirements apply if the applicable products are produced in whole or in part from Hawaii-grown and Hawaii-processed macadamia nuts. Effective 1/2/2026.

Establishes the Performing Arts Grants Program to support performing arts in the State. Clarifies the scope of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' responsibilities to include the coordination, planning, promotion, marketing, and execution of performing arts events. Allows the use of moneys from the Works of Art Special Fund for performing arts. Appropriates funds to provide grants under the Performing Arts Grants Program.

Requires the Research and Economic Analysis Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study the impacts of the incremental minimum wage increases pursuant to Act 114, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, on businesses and other employers. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)