Sen. Tim Richards

Establishes a two-year senior access pilot program in the Executive Office on Aging to improve access to essential services and reduce wait times for seniors seeking public services through state and county government offices. Requires the Auditor to evaluate effectiveness, impact, and feasibility of the pilot program. Appropriates funds.

Establishes the Panaewa community development district to allow for planning, development, and maintenance of public lands in Panaewa, Hawaiʻi. Amends membership of the Hawaiʻi community development authority to include representatives of the Panaewa community development district.

Prohibits a landlord from renting or leasing, or offering to rent or lease, a dwelling unit in the district described in section 41(2)(D), HRS, at a rate that exceeds the rate for which that dwelling unit was rented or leased or offered for rent or lease on 8/7/2023. Sunsets on 7/1/2025.

Appropriates funds for the continued implementation of the return-to-home pilot program, established pursuant to Act 94, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2023, to provide eligible homeless individuals with assistance in reuniting with family and relatives in their home state.

Authorizes health care organizations to accept a health care provider's credentialing that was conducted by certain health care organizations or state agencies. Establishes a Health Care Credentialing Clearinghouse Pilot Program within the Department of Health. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation for the Health Care Credentialing Clearinghouse Pilot Program, including for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) Program Specialist VI position to implement the pilot program.

Clarifies that the Director of Human Resources Development shall not hold the position of Chief Negotiator of the State.

Establishes a Crisis Intervention and Diversion Services Program within the Department of Health to expand existing services to divert those with mental health issues to appropriate health care services. Defines "mental health emergency worker". Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation for the Crisis Intervention and Diversion Services Program.

Establishes the position and duties of the State Fire Marshal. Declares that the appropriation will cause the general fund expenditure ceiling to be exceeded. Appropriates moneys.

Provides police officers who become members of the Employees' Retirement System after 6/30/2023 with retirement benefits similar to those provided for members of the Employees' Retirement System who became members before 7/1/2012, including but not limited to calculation of retirement allowance, minimum age or years of credited service requirements, and vesting period.

Requires the State Fire Council to appoint the State Fire Marshal. Establishes that this measure only takes effect if another bill is passed that establishes a State Fire Marshal position.