Sen. Tim Richards

Requires certain suppliers of water in the State to adjust the fluoride levels in the supplier's public water system to meet the optimal fluoride level for community water fluoridation, as established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Requires suppliers to test water systems for fluoride levels, at intervals established by the state Department of Health. Requires the Department of Health to provide training to suppliers on the implementation of water fluoridation. Requires the Department of Health to submit annual reports to the Legislature.

Repeals provisions requiring all deposit beverage distributors to send monthly or semi-annual distribution reports and supporting records to the Department of Health; develop and submit to the program for approval, an internal control process to ensure accurate data reporting and adequate record maintenance; and obtain biennial independent audits.

Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program at public schools classified as rural or underserved. Requires the Department of Education to administer the program and report findings to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Directs the University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology to conduct a study that identifies, analyzes, and evaluates possible methods to capture, retain, and store rainwater and storm water runoff for counties with a population of more than five hundred thousand. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Establishes a Business Activity Water Catchment System Working Group within the Department of Health to assess the feasibility of allowing business owners in the State to utilize filtered water collected by water catchment systems for business activities. Requires the Business Activity Water Catchment System Working Group to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the Regular Session of 2028 and dissolve on 6/30/2028. Appropriates funds.

Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of "bicycle" for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines "electric bicycle" in place of "low-speed electric bicycle". Defines "electric micro-mobility device" and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro-mobility devices. Prohibits a person under the age of sixteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Authorizes a person under the age of fourteen to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision. Prohibits a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Authorizes a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances. Prohibits a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of eighteen without a helmet. Repeals the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes. Substitutes the word "motor-driven cycle" with the word "motor scooter".

Implements a phased repeal of the state general excise tax on the sale of groceries and nonprescription drugs in the State. Prohibits counties from establishing county surcharges on the state general excise tax on gross income or gross proceeds from the sale of groceries and nonprescription drugs in the State. Prohibition on county surcharges to be repealed on 12/31/2030.

Exempts housing developments that have obtained financing commitments from the State or is located on state land from the requirement to obtain approval from the applicable county council. Effective 7/1/2050.

Establishes the Search and Rescue Special Fund. Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses when the person or entity knowingly enters state, county, or private property, knowingly enters a hiking trail that is closed to the public, or violates applicable laws, provided that the closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device that gives reasonable notice of the closure. Requires an administrative appeal hearing for an individual subject to cost reimbursement to contest the assessment. Requires counties and the State Fire Council to adopt ordinances or rules as necessary to pursue reimbursements. Raises the penalty for criminal trespass from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor under certain circumstances. Imposes a fine on a person convicted of criminal trespass onto public parks and recreational grounds. Appropriates funds.

Subjects the Hawaii Tourism Authority's updating of the Tourism Functional Plan to availability of funding. Requires the Governor to submit an approved updated plan to the Legislature before the Regular Session following an update, rather than before the Regular Session of 2025.