Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summarySB 95 creates new fines for drivers operating vehicles or mopeds without a valid current inspection certificate. This directly affects anyone driving a car, truck, or moped that requires a safety inspection. The key provision increases penalties for this specific violation, adding additional fines beyond existing requirements. The bill does not change inspection requirements or vehicle safety standards, only the financial penalty for non-compliance. It is a straightforward policy change targeting a known enforcement gap in vehicle safety compliance.

Requires the Department of Health, to the extent allowable under federal law, to prioritize the use of Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund moneys for projects by homeowners to upgrade cesspools to director-approved wastewater systems or connect homeowners' properties to sewerage systems, including projects for the installation of cluster systems or community package plants. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Food Bank Program and Hawaii Food Assistance Program Special Fund to alleviate food shortages in the State. Appropriates funds into and out of the Hawaii Food Assistance Program Special Fund.

Establishes a one-year School Bus Driver Certification Subsidy Pilot Program within the Department of Education for the 20252026 school year. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates fund.

Maddy summarySB 878 extends the expiration date for Hawaii's State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna (elderly residents) from its original deadline to June 30, 2028. This bill directly affects low-income seniors who rely on the program for housing assistance. The key provision is simply extending the program's operational period without altering eligibility, funding, or benefit levels. The change ensures continued support for vulnerable elderly residents without requiring new legislative action.

Clarifies certain benchmark goals and timeline for the Department of Education to provide locally-sourced agricultural and food products. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 301 would impose an additional penalty on dog owners whose dogs cause property damage on land zoned for agricultural use. It directly affects dog owners who allow their pets to destroy farm property. The key provision creates a new financial penalty specifically for this type of damage on agricultural land, separate from existing penalties. The bill is scheduled for a committee hearing in February 2025 and would take effect on July 1, 3000.

Establishes and appropriates moneys for a Select Commission on Government Restructuring within the Office of the Governor. Requires interim reports and a final report to the Legislature. Dissolves the Commission on 12/31/2027. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for a capital improvement project for the construction of the Kānehili community hale, a new access road, and a parking lot at the Kānehili homestead.

Maddy summarySB 791 prohibits the use of certain food dye additives in meals served to students through the state Department of Education and charter schools. The bill directly affects school food programs by banning specific dyes from all school meals, including those provided in cafeterias and vending machines. Key provisions require schools to remove these dyes from their food procurement and meal preparation processes. This policy change aims to limit exposure to certain artificial coloring agents in school food settings.