Sen. Tim Richards

Clarifies the registration process for beekeepers with the Department of Agriculture. Requires the Department of Agriculture to provide guidance and support to registered beekeepers to help beekeepers adhere to certain industry standards and best management practices. Establishes a limitation on liability for any registered beekeeper who follows industry standards and best practices. Appropriates funds. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 476 increases fines for specific fireworks-related violations, directly affecting individuals or businesses that break fireworks laws. The bill raises the monetary penalties for offenses like improper storage, sale, or use of fireworks, as defined in current law. It will take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed. The bill does not ban fireworks or change safety standards, only the financial consequences for violations.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish and administer a Biosecurity Fencing Cost-Sharing Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 1201 establishes a Wildfire Recovery Fund to assist communities affected by wildfires and allows electric utilities to issue bonds (securitization) to cover wildfire-related costs. The bill directly affects electric utilities, which could use bond proceeds to pay for wildfire cleanup and recovery, potentially impacting ratepayers through future utility fees. Key provisions include creating the fund and enabling a specific financing mechanism for utilities, with the law taking effect on July 1, 2050. This is a policy change focused on funding mechanisms for wildfire recovery, not on prevention or new regulations.

Increases the limit of the State's liability from $100,000,000 to $500,000,000 for moneys borrowed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands or loans made to lessees that are guaranteed by the Department.

Authorizes the Hawaii State Energy Office to establish a publicprivate partnership to develop a waste-to-energy generating facility in each county having a population below 800,000. (SD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to alleviate food shortages in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature prior to the Regular Sessions of 2026 and 2027. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution to provide that freedom of speech protected under the Hawaii State Constitution does not include the expenditure of money to influence elections. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Mandates reimbursement for services provided by participating registered pharmacists practicing within their scope of practice by private and public health plans in the State after 7/1/2026.