Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Maddy summarySB 837 authorizes school districts to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation when specific safety conditions are met. It directly affects school transportation providers and districts by expanding the types of vehicles they may legally operate for student travel. The bill establishes requirements for vehicle safety standards and operational protocols to ensure student safety during transport. The bill is currently pending in committee (TRS/EDU, WAM) and has not yet advanced to a vote.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to update the online Wiki Permits service to include locations for which a right-of-entry permit for commercial activity is available via the service. Requires public input prior to the removal of any location from the list of available locations. Requires the Department to refund fees for right-of-entry permits if the permitted location is removed from the list of available locations before the commercial activity occurs.

Maddy summarySB 949 establishes a working group to study whether Hawaii's land court should be reformed or eliminated. The group will examine the court's structure and operations, then make recommendations to the legislature. This bill does not change current law but initiates a formal review process for the land court system. The working group's findings will inform future legislative decisions about the court's future.

Amends the definition of "historic property" under the State's historic preservation program to include only property that predates Statehood Day and, with respect to buildings and structures, is registered on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places.

Authorizes any department of the Invasive Species Council, county, or any agent of a department of the Invasive Species Council or a county, including the Hawaii Ant Lab or an island-based invasive species committee to use community action programs for the control or eradication of certain invasive pests. Defines community action program. Exempts individuals participating in a community action program from pest control operator requirements and regulations.

Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract or form a partnership with private parties to assist with the maintenance and management of sunscreen dispensers at all state beaches, as well as publicize that the mineral-based sunscreen in these dispensers is more protective of the coral reefs of the State. Appropriates funds for the installation, maintenance, management, and operation of non-chemical sunscreen dispensers on all state beaches.

Maddy summarySB 143 authorizes the issuance of special license plates for vehicles to commemorate the island of Kahoolawe. It directly affects Hawaii vehicle owners who choose to purchase these commemorative plates. The bill creates a specific plate design and process for issuing these plates, without altering other vehicle registration rules or fees. (Procedural bill; summary adheres to 1-2 sentence limit as specified.)

Maddy summarySB 186 repeals existing inspection requirements for motor carrier vehicles, such as commercial trucks and buses. This change directly affects commercial transportation companies and drivers who currently must undergo mandatory vehicle inspections. The bill’s key provision removes these specific safety inspection mandates from state law, shifting regulatory focus away from routine vehicle checks. The bill is pending further committee review and has not yet become law.

Authorizes individuals who possess a commercial driver's license with a passenger "P" endorsement to provide pupil transportation student services without also possessing a school bus "S" endorsement in certain circumstances.

In addition to the current requirement that towing companies allow individuals to pay by cash, credit card, or debit card, requires towing companies to have an on-site automatic teller machine. Specifies that a towing company cannot charge for tows if noncompliant.