Sen. Angus McKelvey

Maddy summarySB 3014 increases penalties for harming protected turtles in the state by raising fines for taking or disturbing them. This bill directly affects individuals or entities that interact with protected turtle species, such as beachgoers, developers, or others who might unintentionally or intentionally disturb these animals. The key provision is a specific increase in the monetary penalties for violations of existing turtle protection laws. The bill is currently in committee review, having been introduced on January 23, 2026.

Adds definitions of "identifier" and "specified data element" and amends the definition of "personal information" for the purposes of notifying affected persons of data and security breaches under the State's data breach notification law. Includes telecommunications carriers subject to and in compliance with certain federal provisions among the businesses deemed compliant with this law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Agricultural Enforcement Program within the Department of Law Enforcement. Establishes the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for State Enterprise Zone Program purposes to include retail sales of tangible personal property manufactured and sold in the enterprise zone to the final consumer, the processing of value-added agricultural products grown within an enterprise zone, the provision of professional services by health care professionals in health-care-related sectors, the use of advanced manufacturing to produce products, or the development of cybersecurity technology. Extends the eligibility period of the state business tax credit and general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones from 7 years to 9 years. Extends the eligibility period of the general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones engaged in the manufacturing of tangible personal property or the producing or processing of agricultural products from 10 years to 12 years. Makes the extension of the state business tax credit eligibility period applicable to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025. Makes the extension of the general excise tax exemption eligibility period take effect on 1/1/2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a statewide system for the collection, audit, and public release of de‑identified hospital discharge data. Requires the State Health Planning and Development Agency to convene a Hospital Discharge Data Working Group. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes within the Department of Land and Natural Resources a working group to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the governance and structure of the Commission on Water Resource Management to ensure that it effectively fulfills its constitutional public trust responsibilities while maintaining operational efficiency and implementation capacity. Sunsets the working group on 1/1/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to expand Hawaiian language immersion programs in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Education. It addresses growing demand for these programs by urging the creation of teacher training pathways and the implementation of K-12 instruction across various school districts based on data-driven needs analysis. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law, directing state education officials to consider expansion efforts within available funding constraints.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks state agencies to strengthen penalties and enforcement for dog attacks on livestock. It directly affects livestock producers in Hawaii who face financial losses when their animals are harmed by uncontrolled dogs. The bill does not create new laws but formally requests the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Department of Law Enforcement to review and increase penalties and enforcement measures for these incidents. The resolution is intended to address the economic and emotional impacts livestock producers experience from dog attacks.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to sponsor a Michelin Guide for restaurants throughout the state. The bill aims to bring the internationally recognized star-rating system to Hawaii, which currently does not have a Michelin Guide despite its growing culinary reputation. By establishing this guide, the resolution hopes to attract more diners, help restaurants improve their standards, and address the shortage of culinary staff by making Hawaii a more appealing destination for food professionals. The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism would be responsible for coordinating with Michelin to implement this initiative.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii's counties to adopt the Safe System Approach in road and transportation design, particularly when reducing or eliminating off-street parking requirements. The bill aims to improve pedestrian safety by encouraging the use of proven safety measures like enhanced crosswalk visibility, pedestrian refuge islands, and bicycle lanes. It addresses concerns that removing off-street parking requirements has led to increased on-street parking, which obstructs sidewalks and forces pedestrians to walk on roadways. The resolution also emphasizes balancing infrastructure investments with the transportation needs of all residents, including blue-collar workers and elderly or disabled individuals.