Sen. Kurt Fevella

Defines "pre-contact historic property". Clarifies that the historic preservation program includes providing consultation to counties and public and private agencies involved in historic preservation and the development, publication, and distribution of materials about protections for burials, historic sites, and archaeological resources. Amends the composition and duties of the Hawaii historic places review board. Increases civil and administrative fines for certain violations of historic and preservation requirements and makes violators liable for costs associated with mitigation or restoration measures.

Requires the abolishment of any public service position that remains vacant for longer than 2 years.

Establishes provisions within the department of agriculture to enhance farmer equity by ensuring inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, rule, policies, and programs. Requires an annual report to the legislature.

Until 7/1/2026, allows restaurants to apply a restaurant service surcharge for the sale of food or beverage services, the revenues of which shall be used exclusively by the restaurants for economic recovery from COVID-19 impacts. Authorizes establishments with a class 2 restaurant liquor license to allow the consumption of liquor anywhere on the premises, including the restaurant's outdoor property and sell liquors in their original packages for pick up, delivery, take out, or other means for off-premises consumption.

Clarifies the list of acceptable institutions or organizations that can approve the continuing education courses needed by naturopathic physicians for license renewal.

Requires the judiciary or supporting agencies to establish and support a program for restorative justice in each county and inform various criminal justice representatives of the existence of the program. Appropriates funds.

Allows public employers to establish and implement a telework program. Requires public employers with a telework program to establish a telework policy and post it on the employer's internet website; provide the teleworking employees with equipment that is reasonably necessary to perform their job functions at the teleworking site; and reimburse teleworking employees with communication costs incurred by teleworking.

Establishes a state highway patrol within the sheriff division of the department of public safety to actively patrol all highways and facilities owned or leased by the State. Appropriates moneys.

Allows the works of art special fund to be used to recognize and support local artists, including student artists and arts education programs in K-12 schools; and as administrative support for programs that support works of art and artists, including when state funds are required to obtain federal funding.

Encourages Hawaii corporations to make a commitment to social responsibility. Establishes a social responsibility corporate awards program within the department of business, economic development, and tourism to recognize corporations that have performed sustainable corporate practices. Requires the legislative reference bureau to conduct a study regarding socially responsible corporations in the State.