Clarifies the definition of "covered employer" under the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act. Requires covered employers to automatically enroll covered employees into the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program unless the employee opts out. Repeals the limit on the total fees and expenses that can be spent for the Program each year. (CD1)
Maddy summarySCR 60 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to create a plan for increasing housing production. It directs HHFDC to develop a specific strategy addressing housing shortages, including density timelines, walkability, sustainable financing, staffing needs, and solutions for land/infrastructure barriers. The plan must include input from a proposed Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force (referencing Senate Bill 26) and be submitted to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution directly affects HHFDC’s planning process but does not mandate new housing construction or funding.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 115) is a non-binding statement affirming that restoring marine ecosystems supports Hawaii's climate goals. It highlights how marine restoration - alongside wetlands - captures carbon and helps meet the state's targets to cut emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2045. The resolution urges strengthening carbon accounting methods to better measure emissions reductions from these natural solutions. It does not create new laws or funding but expresses legislative support for aligning ecosystem restoration with decarbonization efforts.
Maddy summarySCR 53 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to partner with the Hawaii State Public Library System. It aims to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunication access so residents can participate remotely in state legislative hearings. The resolution directs the Bureau to collaborate with libraries - using their existing broadband and devices - to create an outreach program informing the public about remote participation tools. It also requires a report by January 2026 detailing findings and recommendations for improving public access to the legislative process. This resolution does not create new laws but coordinates existing state resources to enhance civic engagement.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution requests Hawaii's State Energy Office to form a Nuclear Energy Working Group to study the feasibility of using advanced nuclear power technologies in the state. The working group, including state officials and external experts, will evaluate benefits, risks, regulatory barriers, and environmental factors related to nuclear energy. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, with no legislative action taken until after the study concludes.
Extends the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program to 6/30/2030. Gives preference to for-sale housing development projects developed under governmental assistance programs approved by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySCR 54 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a Desalination Planning Task Force to study whether desalination (converting seawater to fresh water) could feasibly meet the state's large-scale water needs. The task force, composed of state and county water officials, health representatives, and cultural advisors, will assess water demand, environmental impacts of desalination plants, cultural site protections, and how it might support water resilience after events like the Red Hill contamination. It must report findings and recommendations to the legislature by 2026, including potential policy changes. This resolution does not enact new law but directs a study to inform future water management decisions.
Requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Requires, no later than 1/1/2028, the Department of Transportation to adopt rules governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State. Requires the Aquaculture Program to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework and biocontainment standards for the aquatic livestock assessment and approval process. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Prohibits a person from operating a moped or electric motorcycle in certain areas designated for bicycles. Renames the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program to the Electric Mobility Device Rebate Program. Expands eligibility for the rebate program and amends the maximum rebate amounts. Reduces the deadline to submit an application to six months from the date of purchase. Requires applicants who are enrolled in a school, community college, or university to demonstrate a financial need to be eligible for an additional assistance rebate. Exempts certain class 3 electric bicycles from registration requirements. Establishes a cap for the Electric Mobility Device subaccount and requirements for transferring funds into the subaccount. Amends the age requirement for required helmet use from 16 to 18 years of age. Prohibits a person under the age of fifteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Establishes rules for electric bicycle operation. Allows use of electric bicycles on public sidewalks, subject to certain conditions. Prohibits individuals under 18 years of age from operating an electric motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Changes the term "motor scooter" to "motor-driven vehicle". Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
