Sen. Troy Hashimoto

Transfers functions relating to the preparation and implementation of destination management action plans from the Hawaii Tourism Authority to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop and implement destination management action plans. Appropriates moneys to the Department of Education's Workforce Development Branch for various destination management-related workforce development activities.

Clarifies that the dwelling units eligible for the Rent-to-Own Program shall be units that are for sale in fee simple or leasehold on non-ceded state or county land under a lease with an initial term of not less than 99 years. Replaces the five-year period during which the sales price of a rent-to-own dwelling unit shall remain fixed with an option period established by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Prohibits homeowners insurance policies from limiting or denying payment of replacement costs, extended replacement costs, or building code upgrade costs for a dwelling solely because the insured elects to rebuild the dwelling at a different location or purchase an already-constructed home at a different location. Allows for the combination of dwelling and other structures coverage limits to fund the rebuilding or replacement of the primary residence under certain conditions. Requires notice to policyholders.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to issue supplemental contracts to community-based organizations to address increases in costs related to labor, insurance, utilities, rent, and gas.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 3) requests Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to study whether using mezzanine loans could help increase housing production in the state. Mezzanine loans are a financing tool that could allow housing developers to secure funding with less required equity, potentially lowering costs and accelerating project timelines. The study aims to evaluate if this approach could address Hawaii's severe housing shortage and improve the efficiency of state housing funds. DBEDT must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. (Note: This is a study request, not a law implementing mezzanine loans.)

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a Medicaid buy-in program for workers with disabilities. Requires the Department to adopt rules.

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to develop an alternative pathway for a visiting international educator permit aligned to the duration of the educator's J-1 visa program. Repeals 6/30/2031.

Establishes a statewide framework for the implementation of the federal Workforce Pell Grant Program to provide financial aid for certain short-term workforce education and training programs. Establishes a Workforce Pell Grant Program Approval Committee within the Workforce Development Council. Authorizes the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Health to establish and administer a centralized reporting system for the public to report solid waste pollution complaints. Increases penalties for solid waste pollution violations. Establishes a state-county illegal dumping task force and reporting requirements. Increases penalties for felony and petty misdemeanor disposal of solid waste. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

Authorizes SHPD to conduct a phased review of a proposed project on private property under certain circumstances. Amends the process and deadlines by which SHPD must provide written concurrence or non-concurrence for a proposed project on private property or other project that requires entitlement for use, after which concurrence may be assumed and the project may proceed.