Sen. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran

Authorizes the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to issue a stop-work order to an employer for violations of chapter 388, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to the payment of wages and other compensation, or administrative rules adopted pursuant to that chapter. Establishes the process for notification of an employer of a stop-work order, appeals process, penalties for violations, and judicial review. Takes effect 1/7/2059. (SD1)

Allows hosting platforms registered with the department of taxation to act as tax collectors on behalf of the short-term rental lodging operators and applies the general excise tax on short-term rental lodging. Requires hosting platforms to report detailed operator information, including addresses and number of booking transactions, with the filing of tax returns and requires short-term rental lodging operators to keep records of each booking transaction for a period of at least three years. Limits the number of short-term rental lodging units that can be registered by any one operator and sets a cap of the number of nights permitted. Creates a surcharge on short-term rental lodging in the State to fund supportive services for Hawaii's homeless.

Creates an exclusion from income tax for the first $50,000 of income earned by farmers whose gross income is $200,000 or less. (SD1)

Makes an appropriation, subject to the availability of matching funds, to UH to conduct any studies necessary to ascertain the feasibility and benefits of establishing a small satellite launch and processing facility in the State, as well as to conduct any related public outreach programs.

Requires department heads to inform the governor of any vacancy in any board or commission. Requires the governor to maintain a listing of all boards and commissions including specified information. Appropriates funds for 1.0 FTE position to manage listing information for boards and commissions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Requires the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor, to develop a strategic plan to double local food production and increase food exports by 2020. Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit the strategic plan to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2018 to codify the strategic plan and benchmarks. Makes an appropriation. (SB624 HD1)

Provides an exemption from school impact fees for housing developments constructed by nonprofit housing organizations in which the units are rented or sold to persons or families earning between thirty and eighty per cent of the area median income.

Requires operators of child care facilities, including family child care homes, group child care centers, group child care homes, and infant and toddler child care centers that care for children one year of age or younger to implement and maintain safe sleep policies to prevent sudden unexpected infant deaths and sudden infant death syndrome in accordance with rules adopted by the Department of Human Services.

Creates the offense of criminal property damage to a public restroom if a person intentionally or knowingly damages a toilet, urinal, bathroom stall, mirror, or sink so as to render it unusable. Defines public restroom. Establishes penalties. Takes effect on 1/7/2059. (SD1)

Increases notary public fees. Takes effect on 01/01/2018. (SD1)