Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye

Clarifies the scope of practice for licensed physical therapists to include the practice of dry needling. Requires the board of physical therapists to certify qualified licensed physical therapists to perform dry needling and designate requirements to perform dry needling. Allows the board of physical therapists to revoke or suspend a physical therapist's license for performing dry needling incorrectly, without proper training or certification, or in a manner that would likely harm a patient. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Proposes an amendment to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution to modify the appointment process for the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii. Repeals the requirement that the Governor can only appoint from pools of candidates presented by the Candidate Advisory Council for the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

Extends the sunset date of the University Laboratory School's student enrollment exemption from July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2022.

Establishes the research and technology grant program within the high technology development corporation to provide grants to qualified research and technology companies in Hawaii for eligible projects. Establishes program guidelines and eligibility criteria for research and technology companies. Requires eligible projects to foster science, technology, engineering, or mathematics education at the K-12 or university levels. Appropriates funds to the program.

Requires the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Budget and Finance, in consultation with the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, to develop and implement a uniform financial database, with parameters, benefits, and features that are compatible to the software system currently being implemented by the Office of Enterprise Technology Services at other agencies for use by all state agencies. Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for the development and implementation of a uniform financial database. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Places the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for administrative purposes. Amends the composition of the board of directors of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. Creates six exempt positions (6.0 FTE) within the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. Transfers the rights, powers, functions, and duties of the employees of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Provides a tax credit to taxpayers and makes deposits to the emergency and budget reserve fund and other post-employment benefits trust fund pursuant to article VII, section 6, of the Hawaii Constitution. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Auditor to conduct a comprehensive performance audit of the University of Hawaii Community College system and report its findings to the 2021 legislature. Appropriates funds.

Amends the income brackets of the tax credit for expenses for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Directs the department of transportation to address transportation infrastructure already impacted by sea level rise, identify other vulnerable associated public infrastructure, create a plan for mitigating and adapting to sea level rise, and provide policy direction to the legislation on funding and strategies to address the impact of climate change on the State. Appropriates funds to the department of transportation to assess potential highway realignments caused by sea level rise, determine liability costs, and prepare a comprehensive management plan.