Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summarySB 2004 increases penalties for violations of state laws governing billboards and outdoor advertising devices. It directly affects billboard operators and businesses using outdoor advertising, imposing higher fines for noncompliance. The bill's key provision raises the financial consequences for illegal displays, with the changes set to take effect on January 1, 3000. The bill is currently pending committee review, with a public hearing scheduled for January 29, 2026.

Allows voters in a primary or special primary election to vote for any candidate for any office without regard to the voter or candidate's political party preference. Advances the top two candidates in a primary or special primary election, regardless of political party, to the general election. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to place historical markers acknowledging the landform on which the Hawaii Kai Towne Center is sited as Maunalua Island and to consult with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts on the design standard of the historical markers. Requires the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to pay for any costs related to the placing of the historical markers. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Prohibits the sale of nonprescription diet pills and dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building to any person under eighteen years of age. Requires retail establishments and delivery sellers to follow certain protocols regarding certain products to prevent access by minors to the restricted products. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

Requires mortgage servicers to comply with certain requirements regarding the disbursement of insurance proceeds for residential real estate that has been destroyed or damaged.

Beginning January 1, 2027, bans the manufacture, sale, offer of sale, or distribution in the State of any food for human consumption that contains petroleum-based synthetic food dyes and synthetic chemical additives. (SD1)

Expands the authority of the State and counties to develop adaptation pathways plans to modify and relocate infrastructure away from critically threatened areas to locations outside sea level rise and coastal flooding exposure areas. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 1190 provides funding to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to support its efforts in controlling and eradicating invasive species across the state. The bill directly affects the Council by allocating financial resources for its ongoing initiatives to protect Hawaii's native ecosystems and agriculture. Key provisions include appropriating state funds specifically for invasive species management programs, such as monitoring, removal, and prevention activities. This funding aims to strengthen the Council's capacity to address threats posed by non-native plants and animals.

Maddy summarySB 1178 makes Hawaii’s Carbon Smart Land Management Assistance Program permanent, providing ongoing state support for landowners who manage forests, agricultural land, or other natural areas to absorb carbon dioxide. The program, administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, directly benefits landowners by offering technical and financial assistance for practices that enhance carbon sequestration. This bill codifies existing temporary support into law, ensuring consistent funding and guidance for climate-friendly land management without creating new requirements or altering current eligibility rules.

Prohibits the sale, barter, or donation of any pest-infested item or material. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to quarantine, treat, or destroy pest-infested items or materials. Imposes penalties on individuals who sell, barter, or donate a pest-infested items or materials. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)