Sen. Henry Aquino

Clarifies the applicability of the statute of repose for actions arising from construction defects. Clarifies the required contents of a notice of claim of construction defect served on a contractor. Amends the process and time frame for a claimant to accept a contractor's offer to settle or inspect and authorize the contractor to proceed with repairs. Limits the amount a claimant can recover if the claimant rejects a contractor's reasonable proposal for inspection or a reasonable offer to remedy. Clarifies the consequences of rejecting an offer of settlement. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to increase the funding of certain Medicaid home- and community-based services, including adult day programs and residential services offered in community care foster family homes and expanded adult residential care homes. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 1565 recognizes licensed acupuncturists as essential healthcare providers who must follow state regulations. This bill directly affects acupuncturists by affirming their role in healthcare and patients who seek acupuncture services. The key provision is the formal recognition of acupuncture practice as regulated healthcare, placing it under standard state oversight without specifying new requirements.

Appropriates moneys for Pololu Valley management, including for the Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop the trailhead; develop the infrastructure necessary to accommodate parking; install appropriate informational, historical, and educational signage; design and construct restroom facilities; and establish positions to manage the trail area. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Health (DOH) to track and publicly report certain data relating to crisis reports, emergency mental health transports, and court-ordered treatments. Requires the DOH to respond to reports about persons having severe mental illness who are in need of assistance, assess whether those persons fulfill criteria for assisted community treatment, and coordinate the process for an assisted community treatment order if indicated. Establishes that a court's denial of a petition for involuntary commitment shall serve as notification to the DOH that the subject of the petition should be evaluated for assisted community treatment. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Requires reasonable terms in license agreements for digital literary materials between libraries and publishers. Defines prohibited terms for license agreements between libraries and publishers. Declares offer of a license agreement with a prohibited term an unfair or deceptive act. Makes a license agreement with a prohibited term void and unconscionable. Creates a right of action by libraries, library officers and borrowers. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for the purchase of the Halaula Agricultural Parcel for agricultural development. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Crimes Council. Expands the duties of the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with and support the Council. Requires all moneys, revenues, and fines received and processed by the Council to be deposited into the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund. Allows moneys in the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund to be expended to cover the costs of the Council. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes and appropriates funds for a digital navigator pilot program to offer technical assistance with computers and electronic devices for the members of the public Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 1539 allocates state funds to reduce the existing debt for the Waiahole Water System, directly benefiting this water utility. The bill provides specific financial resources to offset the system's outstanding obligations, with the provisions taking effect on July 1, 2050. This appropriation is the key mechanism, changing the system's debt burden without altering water rates or service terms. The measure is a straightforward funding action, not a policy change affecting broader regulations or public programs.