Sen. Chris Lee

Clarifies and strengthens the State's protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation that occur in public schools, public charter schools, or at the University of Hawaii, including discrimination based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions. Establishes procedures for investigations and decision-making. Requires mandatory reporting by certain employees.

Maddy summarySB 1021 bans the captivity of whales, dolphins, and porpoises (cetaceans) in facilities like aquariums or marine parks, directly affecting such venues that currently house these animals. The bill allows exceptions only for specific cases, such as animal rescue, rehabilitation, or approved scientific research. This law would require facilities to stop breeding or keeping cetaceans in captivity unless they qualify for one of these limited exceptions. The policy change aims to end the practice of keeping these highly intelligent marine mammals in confined settings.

Requires that any new motor vehicle permitted by law to be equipped with a siren, whether purchased or contracted in the State to be equipped with dual frequency sirens.

Requires a seller of real property adjacent to the shoreline, and the seller's agent, to disclose and include in all advertisements shoreline erosion certain issues related to the parcel.

Requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission to study the feasibility of implementing a "buy clean" decarbonization policy and program in Hawaii. Requires administrative and substantive support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates moneys.

Establishes an exemption from applicable county permit requirements for repetitive construction projects for facilities under the control of the Department of Education, University of Hawaii, or School Facilities Authority. Repeals 1/1/2030.

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii at Manoa to establish three additional permanent mental health practitioner positions within the Division of Student Success' Counseling and Student Development Center.

Amends the Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Act by adding the definition of common entity and expanding the definition of sale or selling. Allows a licensed dealer or distributor to protest before the board for damages against another dealer or distributor. Establishes a dispute resolution process for manufacturers and distributors to contest the accuracy of a dealer's reimbursement for parts and labor.

Maddy summarySB 1199 would allow school districts and transportation providers to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation, instead of only standard school buses, if specific safety and operational conditions are met. This bill directly affects public schools, school transportation contractors, and state education agencies responsible for approving vehicle use. Key provisions require these alternative vehicles to comply with state safety standards and operational guidelines before being used for student transport. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet become law.

Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes a preference in the Hawaii Public Procurement Code that favors bids or offers from businesses that intend to use a higher proportion of allelectric construction vehicles in Department of Transportation construction projects.