Sen. Michelle Kidani

Reestablishes the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii as an organized research unit within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) that is administered by a director appointed by the University of Hawaii's board of regents with direct lines of reporting to the chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, provost of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and dean of JABSOM. Requires funds expended from the Research and Training Revolving Fund for JABSOM and the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii to be used for research and research-related purposes only. Repeals provisions that required the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii to be administratively affiliated with JABSOM.

Authorizes boards and commissions to make employment decisions related to its officers and employees without the approval of the head of the department to which the board or commission is administratively attached.

Clarifies the registration process for beekeepers with the Department of Agriculture. Requires the Department of Agriculture to provide guidance and support to registered beekeepers to help beekeepers adhere to certain industry standards and best management practices. Establishes a limitation on liability for any registered beekeeper who follows industry standards and best practices. Appropriates funds. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 476 increases fines for specific fireworks violations, directly affecting individuals or businesses that break existing fireworks laws. The bill raises penalty amounts for offenses like unauthorized sale, possession, or use of prohibited fireworks. It does not change what activities are banned but makes penalties for violations stricter. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a statewide environmental assessment for, and subsequently administer, a Geothermal Resources Characterization Program under the direction of the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii. Appropriates funds.

Establishes the Hawaii Hope Card Program within the Department of the Attorney General to issue hope cards upon request to those holding a long-term protective order, with specified relevant information about the protective orders and all covered parties. Establishes the Hawaii Hope Card Special Fund. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)

Restricts civil asset forfeiture to cases involving the commission of a felony offense where the property owner has been convicted of an underlying felony offense. Directs forfeiture proceeds to the general fund. Amends the allowable expenses for moneys in the Criminal Forfeiture Fund. Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purpose of the Hawaii Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Amends the deadline for the Attorney General to report to the Legislature on the use of the Hawaii Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Limits the transfer of certain forfeiture property to federal agencies. Establishes records requirements.

Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to expend the moneys from the State Parks Special Fund for programs aimed at environmental protection.

Establishes a State Boating Facility Lease Program within the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to be administered by DOBOR. Authorizes the Board of Land and Natural to lease Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor for private development, management, maintenance, and operation. Repeals provisions relating to the leasing of fast lands and submerged lands of Ala Wai Boat Harbor. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Repeals the State Boating Facility Lease Program on 6/30/2045.

Prohibits the Governor or a Mayor from suspending requests for public records or vital statistics during a declared state of emergency. Allows for a reasonable delay in an agency's response to a request as a result of extenuating circumstances.