Sen. Henry Aquino

Exempts the Center for Cultural and Technical Exchange Between East and West, Inc. from the qualifying standards and conditions related to the receipt of funds contained in chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, provided that if the center contracts with a recipient or provider, then the conditions in chapter 42F, shall apply to that recipient or provider and the contract.

Maddy summarySB 98 raises the minimum age to operate a low-speed electric bicycle from 15 to 16 years old. This change directly affects minors aged 15 who currently meet the age requirement but would be restricted under this bill. The key provision is a simple age limit increase, with no additional requirements or mechanisms specified in the bill's abstract. The bill is currently pending in committee review for the 2026 session.

Maddy summarySB 671 prohibits the use of specific pesticides on all state-owned lands and facilities, such as parks, schools, and government buildings. It directly affects state agencies managing these properties by requiring them to stop using the banned pesticides, except in emergency situations like pest outbreaks threatening public health. The bill’s key provision replaces current pesticide use with this ban, applying only to state-controlled locations and not private land. This is a direct policy change to reduce exposure to certain chemicals on public grounds. The bill is still pending in committee and has not yet become law.

Authorizes 2 or more members of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to meet during its transition period regarding any matter relating to the Authority's business; provided that no commitment to vote is made or sought and no decision-making action is taken.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review of proposed state projects, projects on privately owned historic property, and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants if the Department is unable to complete its review within sixty days.

Establishes the DLNRTip application as the official electronic platform for persons to report natural resource violations to the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. Creates statutory requirements regarding the design and maintenance of the DLNRTip application. Require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to ensure that all information submitted through the DLNRTip application is continuously monitored to facilitate timely enforcement responses. Requires annual reports. Authorizes 1.0 full-time equivalent position. Appropriates moneys.

Requires the Department of Transportation to install and use at each state airport and commercial harbor electronic equipment capable of scanning for illegal fireworks.

Prohibits the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Board of Land and Natural Resources from disposing of or approving the use or setting aside of public lands for the establishment of any immigration detention facility. Prohibits state and county agencies from contracting with the federal government for this purpose.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study on the populations of coral reef herbivores around the island of Oahu and an analysis of policies and strategies to increase the populations of coral reef herbivores around Oahu, in consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and other experts. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Appropriates funds to support educational training programs to expand the State's health care workforce. Allocates funds to the Department of Education for health care certificate programs and classroom renovations for health care training in public high schools. Allocates funds to the University of Hawaii for education programs that support certified nurse assistants in becoming licensed practical nurses.