Sen. Angus McKelvey

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to assess the feasibility of installing distributed energy resource systems at each state department facility. Requires state departments to implement and install the distributed energy resource systems detailed in the reports no later than five years from the issue date of the reports. Gives priority for the required energy efficiency measures to first responder facilities. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 115 increases the exemption amount for real property that can be protected from attachment or execution by creditors. This directly affects property owners facing debt collection actions, as it allows them to shield more property value from seizure. The key provision raises the threshold for which property is exempt, meaning owners retain more assets when creditors seek to collect debts. The bill was recently recommended for passage by the Judiciary Committee with amendments. (Based solely on the official abstract and committee actions provided.)

Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter an area closed to the public or hiking on a trail closed to the public, and there is a sign giving notice of the closure.

Maddy summarySB 585 authorizes the state to issue special purpose revenue bonds to fund the construction of a biogas production facility by Bana Pacific Inc. The bill directly affects Bana Pacific Inc. as the recipient of the bond proceeds for its specific project. Key provisions include the issuance of non-tax-supported bonds tied solely to the facility's revenue, with no general state funding required. This policy change creates a targeted financing mechanism for the company's infrastructure development.

Beginning 1/1/2027, allows an advanced practice registered nurse to claim exemption from service as a juror. Effective 12/31/2050. Sunsets 1/1/2032. (SD1)

Reestablishes the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii as an organized research unit within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) that is administered by a director appointed by the University of Hawaii's board of regents with direct lines of reporting to the chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, provost of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and dean of JABSOM. Requires funds expended from the Research and Training Revolving Fund for JABSOM and the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii to be used for research and research-related purposes only. Repeals provisions that required the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii to be administratively affiliated with JABSOM.

Clarifies the registration process for beekeepers with the Department of Agriculture. Requires the Department of Agriculture to provide guidance and support to registered beekeepers to help beekeepers adhere to certain industry standards and best management practices. Establishes a limitation on liability for any registered beekeeper who follows industry standards and best practices. Appropriates funds. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySCR 9 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Chief Justice of Hawaii's Supreme Court to establish a working group to study reforms or elimination of the Land Court. The working group would include representatives from the Judiciary, Hawaii Legislature, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Bar Association, and title companies. It aims to address concerns about the Land Court's delays, its handling of lost title certificates, and backlogs in property title processing. The group must submit recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not change laws but initiates a review process.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 5 (SR 5) requests the Chief Justice of Hawaii’s Supreme Court to establish a working group to study whether to reform or eliminate the Land Court. The resolution cites the Land Court’s archaic processes, delays in simple property transactions, lack of physical title certificates for owners, and backlogs at the Bureau of Conveyances as key concerns. The working group would include members from the Judiciary, Legislature, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Bar Association, and title companies, with a report due by early 2026. This resolution does not enact changes but initiates a review process to address systemic issues in land title handling.

Establishes a criminal penalty and monetary fines for aquarium fishing violations. Clarifies that each fish or aquatic life specimen taken in violation of certain fishing laws regarding aquarium fish and the possession and use of prohibited explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances constitutes a separate offense.