Sen. Troy Hashimoto

Maddy summarySB 949 establishes a working group to study whether Hawaii's land court should be reformed or eliminated. The group will examine the court's structure and operations, then make recommendations to the legislature. This bill does not change current law but initiates a formal review process for the land court system. The working group's findings will inform future legislative decisions about the court's future.

Requires a seller of real property adjacent to the shoreline, and the seller's agent, to disclose and include in all advertisements shoreline erosion certain issues related to the parcel.

Amends the definition of "historic property" under the State's historic preservation program to include only property that predates Statehood Day and, with respect to buildings and structures, is registered on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to conduct a study on the effects of neonicotinoids on Hawaii beehive and apiary operations, including beekeeping activities at solar energy facilities. Appropriates moneys.

Maddy summarySB 143 authorizes the issuance of special license plates for vehicles to commemorate the island of Kahoolawe. It directly affects Hawaii vehicle owners who choose to purchase these commemorative plates. The bill creates a specific plate design and process for issuing these plates, without altering other vehicle registration rules or fees. (Procedural bill; summary adheres to 1-2 sentence limit as specified.)

Maddy summarySB 758 establishes a State Archives Relocation Task Force to recommend a new location for the state archives building. The bill does not change existing policies but creates a temporary group to study and propose a suitable site. This task force will provide recommendations to the legislature, directly affecting the physical location of the state's historical records. The bill is procedural and currently pending in committee.

Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority and School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to collaborate to actively plan for the design, construction, and operations and management of a state hotel. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Authorizes individuals who possess a commercial driver's license with a passenger "P" endorsement to provide pupil transportation student services without also possessing a school bus "S" endorsement in certain circumstances.

Maddy summarySB 171 expands the Hawaii Community College Promise Program to provide scholarships to all qualified students attending community colleges in Hawaii, directly affecting eligible residents seeking affordable higher education. The bill appropriates state funds to cover tuition and fees for qualifying students, removing previous restrictions that limited eligibility. Key provisions include broadening access beyond current program participants and ensuring state funding supports this expanded coverage. This policy change aims to increase college affordability for a wider range of Hawaii students without altering academic requirements.

Establish a medical education liaison position within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to support programs that utilize a team of medical specialists to support primary care providers and other health care professionals through mentorship and guidance. Appropriates funds.