Sen. Troy Hashimoto

Designates limu kala (Sargassum echinocarpum) as the official Hawaii state limu. (SD1)

Requires DLNR to develop and publish a website and mobile application that includes the application processes, including a means of collecting any fees, for a permit, license, or reservation needed to conduct recreational and commercial activities in the State. Requires DLNR to make available existing application processes in a digital format to be used on the website and mobile application. Appropriates funds for the establishment of the website and mobile application. (CD1)

Provides for the replacement of certificates of marriage for individuals who have changed their gender, sex, and, if applicable, name. Effective 1/1/2024. (SD2)

Clarifies that any provision in a private agreement contained in a conveyance of land recorded on or before 7/8/2003 that have since expired but have not been renewed and recorded in the bureau of conveyances are prohibited from restricting bona fide agricultural uses and activities on agricultural land. (SD1)

Allows the department of agriculture to extend the agricultural park lease of any lessee who holds a lease with a remaining term of fifteen years or less, if the land covered by the lease is twenty-five acres or less and located in a county with a population of less than five hundred thousand. (CD1)

Updates the cost valuations of work on certain residences for the work to qualify for an exemption from the requirement that plans and specifications for construction projects be prepared by a licensed engineer or architect. Clarifies work that is not exempt from these requirements. (CD1)

Requires the Board of Education to work with the Department of Education to conduct an analysis on the necessary timeline and appropriate process for making computer science a graduation requirement by no later than the 2030-2031 school year. Requires the Board of Education to determine whether making computer science a graduation requirement would be in the best interests of public school students and the public. Requires the Board of Education to make a determination on how students could be allowed to complete computer science courses as a substitute for core academic courses to satisfy graduation credit requirements, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Requires a report to the Legislature. (CD1)

Expands the types of entities from which a Preschool Open Doors service provider may obtain accreditation. Beginning 1/1/2024, expands the Preschool Open Doors Program application process to eligible 3year-old children. (CD1)

Explicitly includes prekindergarten facilities within the scope of authority of the School Facilities Authority. Transfers $200,000,000 of general funds previously appropriated to the School Facilities Authority of the Department of Education to the School Facilities Special Fund for FY 2023-2024. Appropriates funds out of the School Facilities Special Fund for the School Facilities Authority to expand access to eligible children for prekindergarten. (CD1)

Specifies that exclusive representatives of public employees are not required to provide grievance representation to collective bargaining unit members who do not pay dues or dues equivalents and who decline to pay reasonable costs of the representation. (SD1)