Sen. Gil Riviere

Adds as prerequisites to awarding visitation that the court finds that awarding visitation to grandparent is in the best interest of the child and that denial of reasonable grandparent visitation rights would cause significant harm to the child. Clarifies procedures for awarding visitation. Deletes duplicative provision of awarding grandparents reasonable visitation rights.

Beginning with the primary election in 2018, requires the office of elections to implement election by mail in a county with a population of fewer than 100,000 and beginning with the 2020 primary election, implement election by mail in each of the other counties for all elections. Establishes an election by mail system, including requirements for ballots, replacement ballots, deficient return of ballots, electronic transmission of replacement ballots under certain circumstances, ballot counting, voter service centers, places of deposit, and election expenses and responsibilities. Establishes procedures for postponed elections. Makes conforming amendments to provide for an election by mail system. Allows voters in an election by mail system to request that their ballots be temporarily forwarded to another address in or outside of the State for a single election or a primary or special primary election and the election immediately following it. Appropriates funds for the implementation and administration of the elections by mail program. Requires the office of elections to submit annual reports to the legislature from 2018 to 2024 regarding implementing the elections by mail program.

Appropriates funds to support the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program on Oahu by establishing one full-time equivalent (1.00 FTE) permanent program specialist IV position for the City and County of Honolulu and for contracted services through the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman in the counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui. (SB530 HD1)

Beginning with the primary election in 2018, requires the office of elections to implement election by mail in a county with a population of fewer than 100,000 and beginning with the 2020 primary election, implement election by mail in each of the other counties for all elections. Establishes an election by mail system, including requirements for ballots, replacement ballots, deficient return of ballots, electronic transmission of replacement ballots under certain circumstances, ballot counting, voter service centers, places of deposit, and election expenses and responsibilities. Establishes procedures for postponed elections. Makes conforming amendments to provide for an election by mail system. Allows voters in an election by mail system to request that their ballots be temporarily forwarded to another address in or outside of the State for a single election or a primary or special primary election and the election immediately following it. Appropriates funds for the implementation and administration of the elections by mail program. Requires the office of elections to submit annual reports to the legislature from 2018 to 2024 regarding implementing the elections by mail program. Takes effect on 1/7/2059. (SD1)

Temporarily requires parties in a divorce proceeding to refrain from moving a child from a county of residence, removing the child from school, interfering with custodial arrangements, or discontinuing payments on financial obligations. Expedites mediation and financial and property disclosure.

Clarifies how the Ethics Commission may provide guidance and resolve allegations of violations.

Appropriates funds for the Aging and Disability Resource Center. (SB533 HD1)

Prohibits persons from interfering with or disrupting the orderly operation, safety, or peaceful conduct of a school or school-related activity. (SD1)

Authorizes a property owner or agent to enter adjacent property under certain conditions to eradicate albizia trees before they become hazardous. Provides defense to criminal prosecution.

Amends the "renewable portfolio standard" definition to more accurately reflect the amount of renewable energy generation in Hawaii by amending the renewable portfolio standard calculation to be based on electrical energy generation as opposed to electrical energy sales.