Sen. Mike Gabbard

Adds a minimum penalty and maximum penalty per violation of the State Water Code. Authorizes the Commission on Water Resource Management to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors the CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Increases maximum fines every 5 years from 2031 to 2046. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to use consistent units of measurement in its summary to the public on the amounts of restricted use pesticides applied. Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes a one-half mile buffer zone for pesticides around schools during normal school hours and state and county public parks. Establishes certain exemptions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Clarifies that a "farm dwelling" permitted in an agricultural district includes a single-family farm dwelling with an accessory employee housing structure, subject to certain restrictions. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)

Requires that an environmental assessment be conducted and an environmental impact statement be prepared for any proposed use within historic properties designated by the Hawaii or National Register of Historic Places, important to native Hawaiian people or to another ethnic group of the State, or determined to be eligible as a traditional cultural property or place on the National Register of Historic Places. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the application of restricted use pesticides within a half-mile radius of elderly health care facilities, with certain exemptions. (SD1)

Requires that whenever there is a difference between the English and Hawaii version of law that is material to its interpretation, priority shall be given to the language that aligns with the intent of the legislature as evidenced by legislative history, context, and purpose. Clarifies that Hawaiian shall not be required for public acts and transactions, but is welcomed. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 2444 increases the amount of real property (like homes or land) protected from being seized to pay debts. This change directly affects property owners, particularly those with modest home values, by shielding more of their home equity from creditors. The bill raises the exemption threshold, meaning a higher value of property remains protected during legal actions like debt collection. It does not alter other debt collection procedures or create new requirements. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.

Requires a seller of real property adjacent to the shoreline, and the seller's agent, to disclose and include in all advertisements certain shoreline erosion issues related to the parcel. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Clarifies that cooperative associations organized under chapter 421C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, may include multi-stakeholder cooperatives, producer cooperatives, workers cooperatives, and consumer cooperatives. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)

Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State, to begin with the 2028 general election year. Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)