Sen. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran

Expands the definition of "private entity" to include business organizations that are authorized to transact business in the State, including nonprofit management entities that have a certificate of need or license to operate one or more community hospitals or hospitals serving a rural population licensed under the laws of any state. Beginning 1/1/2024, require the chief executive officer of the Hawaii health systems corporation to provide written comments to the governor before the State enters into any new agreement with a private entity or modifies or terminates any existing agreement to transfer the right and responsibility to manage, operate and otherwise provide health care services at one or more facilities of the Maui regional system. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)

Requires the department of health to track and publicly report certain data relating to crisis reports, emergency mental health transports, and court-ordered treatments. Requires the department of health to respond to reports about persons having severe mental illness who are in need of assistance, assess whether those persons may fulfill the criteria for assisted community treatment, and coordinate the process for an assisted community treatment order if indicated. Establishes that a court's denial of a petition for involuntary commitment shall serve as notification to the department of health that the person should be evaluated for assisted community treatment. Requires the department of the attorney general to assist with the preparation and filing of petitions for assisted community treatment, unless declined by the petitioner. Appropriates funds to the department of health for software and data collection and publication. Appropriates funds for statewide education and training on policies related to emergency examination and hospitalization and assisted community treatment. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD2)

Appropriates funds to hire complex-based licensed behavioral health specialists for Hawaii's rural public schools. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD2)

Establishes a state income tax deduction for eligible contributions made to a college savings program established under chapter 256, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Effective 6/30/3000. Applies to taxable years beginning after an unspecified date. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, to update the State Agriculture Functional Plan to include other agricultural economic updates that expand the State's priority on food by increasing local food self-sufficiency and exports. Requires the Governor to submit the updated plan to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2025. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)

Expands the definition of "beer" under the liquor tax laws and liquor laws to mean any alcoholic beverage containing no less than 0.5 per cent alcohol by volume obtained by fermentation of any infusion or decoction of malt or any substitute, including alcohol seltzer beverages and excluding sake, cooler beverages, and other distilled products. Authorizes brewpubs to sell beer they manufacture, or beer manufactured on their premises, subject to certain conditions. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)

Allows an election candidate, treasurer, or candidate committee to use campaign funds for the candidate's child care and vital household dependent care costs under certain conditions. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD2)

Reestablishes the Hawaii medical education special fund. Appropriates funds into and out of the Hawaii medical education special fund to the John A. Burns School of Medicine for graduate medical education and training programs, to create more residencies and training opportunities on the neighbor islands for medical students, and for medical student and residency training opportunities in partnership with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)

Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter an area closed to the public or hiking on a trail closed to the public, and there is a sign giving notice of the closure. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD2)

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii Maui college's office of international and regional partnerships for students to participate in study abroad programs. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)