Sen. Brenton Awa

Requires the Clean Water Branch to perform water quality testing during brown water advisories and post informational signs to explain health risks associated with water runoff during brown water advisories. Requires the Department of Health to prioritize environmental justice issues when making certain assessments and determinations. Appropriates funds for the establishment of positions within the Department of Health. (SD1)

Establishes the Hawaiʻi Cannabis Authority within the Department of Health to adopt rules to regulate responsible, adult-use of cannabis in the State. Establishes that possession of cannabis by an adult in the amount of four ounces or less without a prescription shall be lawful and requires all convictions for such acts be expunged. Transfers the powers and duties of the Department of Health under state law governing medical cannabis dispensary system, including powers and duties over medical marijuana dispensary operations, licensing, testing, and administration, to the Hawaiʻi cannabis authority. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Requires the State, to the extent practicable, to plant fruit trees in new or renovated landscaping that includes trees. Authorizes persons to harvest fruit from those fruit trees. Provides that the State is not liable for any injuries or illnesses resulting from the harvesting or ingesting of fruit, including food-borne illness.

Bans instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools. Establishes new parental rights regarding health services and records. Establishes the parental right to sue and receive damages if schools fail to adhere to new provisions.

Establishes the sustainable food systems working group within the department of agriculture. Requires the working group to submit a plan, any recommendations for implementing the plan, and any proposed legislation to the legislature. Appropriates funds to establish the working group and develop the plan and for an unspecified number of sustainability specialist positions to be employed by the department of agriculture. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)

Lengthens the time period in which certain vehicles must have a safety inspection.

Creates a temporary income tax credit for taxpayers who sell real property to owner-occupants. Takes effect 03/22/2075. (SD1)

Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in grades kindergarten through twelve. Requires students in grades nine through twelve to complete a one-half credit in financial literacy before graduation. Requires the Board of Education to provide professional development to teachers who are teaching financial literacy courses.

Prohibits persons soliciting a state contract, or applicants for or recipients of state grants or subsidies awarded under chapter 42F and their family members from making campaign contributions. Includes subcontractors to a state contract in the prohibition of campaign contributions to a political party, committee, or candidate.

Specifies that a public servant convicted of the offense of bribery shall be sentenced to pay a fine of up to $250,000, in addition to a sentence of imprisonment or probation. Requires the Commission on Salaries to consider certain factors to retain qualified individuals and deter corruption and bribery. Amends the effective dates of recommended salary increases. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)