Exempts housing developments that have obtained financing commitments from the State or is located on state land from the requirement to obtain approval from the applicable county council. Effective 7/1/2050.
Subjects the Hawaii Tourism Authority's updating of the Tourism Functional Plan to availability of funding. Requires the Governor to submit an approved updated plan to the Legislature before the Regular Session following an update, rather than before the Regular Session of 2025.
Requires county permitting agencies to establish and fill positions exclusively to process permit applications submitted for state projects. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050.
Allows the Department of Human Services to administer and provide public assistance to eligible residents of the State during a Governor-declared state of emergency. Allows the Department of Human Services to expend funds from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund.
For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, establishes a 5-year aquaculture investment tax credit for taxpayers that incur qualifying investment costs relating to qualified aquaculture businesses.
Maddy summarySB 209 prohibits the use of 1,000,000 or more gallons of water annually for recreational or ornamental purposes, such as maintaining decorative fountains, golf course landscaping, or public park features. It directly affects large water users like resorts, golf courses, and municipal parks that rely on significant water volumes for non-essential aesthetic or leisure activities. The bill establishes a clear annual usage threshold, requiring these entities to reduce or eliminate water consumption above this limit for specified purposes. The bill is currently pending in committee review for the 2026 legislative session.
Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to expend the moneys from the State Parks Special Fund for programs aimed at environmental protection.
Maddy summarySB 655 designates September 2nd of each year as "Richard 'Buffalo' Keaulana Day" to honor the late Hawaiian cultural practitioner and community leader. The bill establishes an annual observance with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on specific groups or legislation. It is a ceremonial resolution with no funding, regulations, or administrative requirements. The bill has been introduced and referred to committees but has not advanced to a vote. This designation serves solely to recognize Keaulana's contributions to Hawaiian culture.
Establishes the Accessible Wilderness and State Parks Trails Program within the Division of State Parks of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Establishes the Accessible Wilderness and State Parks Trails Program Special Fund. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
Designates the Department of Land and Natural Resources as the primary agency for the trapping of feral goats, sheep, and pigs. Requires the Department to establish a program to humanely manage populations of feral goats, sheep, and pigs in the State by trapping.
