Sen. Troy Hashimoto

Establishes an Audit Office within the Board of Education to audit operations and expenditures of the Department of Education. Exempts positions within the Audit Office from civil service law. Requires annual reports to the Governor and Director of Finance. Authorizes the Legislature to request a copy of the annual reports. Establishes positions within the Audit Office. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires that lands within the agricultural district with class B or C soils that have solar or wind energy facilities must also obtain certification from the Department of Agriculture that the lands are also used for a farming operation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 50 is a concurrent resolution urging the University of Hawaii President and Board of Regents to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Hawaii Maui College. It directly affects Maui residents and nursing students who currently face barriers accessing BSN education locally, as most must travel to Oahu or enroll in out-of-state programs. The resolution cites Maui's growing healthcare needs and available clinical placements as key reasons to create a local pathway for advanced nursing education. It does not create new law but formally requests the university allocate resources for faculty, curriculum, and facilities to develop the program.

Allows surviving immediate family members of deceased persons for whom law enforcement initiated an investigation to receive a copy of the closing report prepared by the investigating police department after a specified period of time. (SD2)

Provides that leaders of nonprofit organizations shall not be fingerprinted when applying for a liquor license in counties with a population of less than five hundred thousand. (SD2)

Maddy summarySCR 203 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to study the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and identify requirements for securing federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. It directs the university to assess its current research capabilities, evaluate potential benefits for Hawaii residents (especially considering the state's large Asian American and Pacific Islander population), and outline steps to meet federal grant criteria. The resolution requires the university to submit a report by December 31, 2025, including a phased plan with timelines for feasibility assessment and potential center development. This is a non-binding request focused on exploration, not policy implementation.

Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act. Limits court-ordered community service for a minor to no more than seventy-two hours. Repeals certain penalties imposed on parents, guardians, or other persons associated with unaccompanied children in streets and unmarried minors in dance halls. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice for businesses to: offer, display, or advertise the price of live-ticket events or short-term lodging without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the total price; and misrepresent any fees or charges in any offer, display, or advertisement for the sale of live-event tickets or short-term lodging. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryThis resolution clarifies that housing projects approved by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) before July 1, 2031, will still qualify for housing credits under Act 31 even after its repeal on that date. It requires HHFDC and counties to include specific details in approval documents, such as the number of qualifying housing units and available credits. The intent addresses uncertainty during Hawaii’s housing crisis, where an additional 50,156 homes are needed by 2025. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new funding but ensures continuity for pre-approved projects.

Maddy summarySCR 59 is a non-binding concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to partner with the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) to collaboratively maintain and improve the Kihei Ramp. This ramp provides South Maui community access for recreation like fishing and diving, and is used by KIRC for access to Kahoolawe Island. The resolution asks DLNR to work with KIRC on ongoing repairs, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of the ramp, including potential visitor center development. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no legal force but formally requests interagency collaboration to support community access and facility improvements.