Requires the Hawaii climate change mitigation and adaptation commission to prioritize nature-based solutions in its climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts and assess risk transfer market mechanisms that promote investments in nature to reduce the risks of climate change. Defines "nature-based solutions". Appropriates moneys.
Provides that where public access is required as a condition of a subdivision, either the county must accept dedication of and maintain the access or identify an entity to own and maintain the access. Authorizes the county to require the subdivider to establish a stewardship fund for maintenance purposes. Takes effect 1/1/2022.
Increases the percentage of the land conservation fund that may be used for costs related to the operation, maintenance, and management of lands acquired by the fund. Increases the maximum dollar amount of the conveyance tax distribution to the land conservation fund. Appropriates funds from the land conservation fund for resource land acquisition. Effective 1/1/2022.
Requires the use of the public utilities commission's universal service fund to provide free telecommunications access to information for individuals with print disabilities.
Expands the purpose and rationale for which counties may create special improvement districts to include environmental research, restoration, and maintenance; natural resource management; and natural hazard mitigation to improve environmental conditions and provide community benefits.
Requires the university of Hawaii environmental center to conduct ongoing studies of the environmental impacts of sewage spills on affected coral reefs and submit an annual report to the legislature prior to the convening of each regular session. Appropriates moneys.
Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish fees and permits for entry into a marine line conservation district. Establishes the Marine Life Conservation District Special Fund.
Requires and establishes deadlines for state facilities, except smaller facilities and facilities at Aloha Stadium, to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures. Directs the Hawaii state energy office to collect utility bill and energy usage data for state-owned buildings and to make the data publicly available. Provides that certain agencies that perform energy efficiency retrofitting may continue to receive appropriations for energy expenditures at an amount that accounts for any costs or debt service for the implementation and management of energy efficiency measures. Beginning 7/1/2021, requires, where feasible and cost-effective, the design of all new state building construction to maximize energy and water efficiency, maximize energy generation potential, and use building materials that reduce the carbon footprint of the project.
Requires nominees for the position of deputy director of principal departments to be subject to advice and consent of the senate.
Establishes voters with special needs advisory committees at the state and county levels to ensure equal and independent access to voter registration, casting of ballots, and all other office of elections services.
