Sen. Mike Gabbard

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Establishes provisions governing any person who receives compensation for advising, assisting, or consulting another person with veterans benefits. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

No later than January 1, 2026, requires the Department of Accounting and General Services to install and maintain automated external defibrillators in all state buildings, including all public schools. Requires DAGS to establish a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and work with the counties to implement the plan into the counties' emergency service provider protocols. Requires DAGS to provide trainings on the use of automated external defibrillators and the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for state employees and security staff of certain state agencies. Makes appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 175 proposes a constitutional amendment to raise Hawaii's mandatory retirement age for state justices and judges from 70 to 75 years. If approved, this change would directly affect current and future state court judges by allowing them to serve longer in their roles. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee after passing a committee vote with amendments, but it has not yet become law. This amendment would require a constitutional change, meaning it would need voter approval to take effect. The proposal focuses solely on altering the retirement age requirement within Hawaii's state constitution.

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to assess the feasibility of installing distributed energy resource systems at each state department facility. Requires state departments to implement and install the distributed energy resource systems detailed in the reports no later than five years from the issue date of the reports. Gives priority for the required energy efficiency measures to first responder facilities. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to establish eight full-time equivalent (8.0 FTE) agricultural technician positions and four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) community coordinator positions.

Expands the authority of the Office of the Ombudsman by amending the definition of "administrative act" to include the lease of state agricultural lands.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture for the continued administration of the Hawaii Healthy Food Incentive Program and to provide matching funds to beneficiaries who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for a capital improvement project for the repair, maintenance, and demolition of buildings at the Waimanalo Research Station.

Prohibits the issuance of a certificate of inspection for a moped or motor vehicle that has been altered, installed, or otherwise modified in any way which will noticeably increase the noise emitted by the motor vehicle or moped above that emitted by the motor vehicle or moped as equipped from the factory.