Establishes a Food and Product Innovation Network within the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Appropriates funds for the development of Food and Product Innovation Network facilities. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Maddy summarySB 371 would create two new criminal offenses for damaging critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants or water treatment centers. It directly affects individuals who cause property damage to these facilities by defining "first degree" (more severe) and "second degree" (less severe) offenses. The bill establishes specific legal penalties for these acts, though the exact punishments aren't detailed in the abstract. The bill is currently pending introduction (as of January 14, 2025) and has no effective date listed beyond the unusual "7/1/3000" noted in the abstract.
Maddy summarySB 1541 allocates state funds to cover bond payments and repair the tunnel for the Waiahole Water System. This directly affects the system's operators and customers by ensuring ongoing infrastructure maintenance and debt obligations are met. The bill specifies funding for two key purposes: paying off existing bonds and addressing tunnel repairs. It becomes effective on July 1, 3000, as stated in the official abstract.
Maddy summarySCR 91 is a resolution urging the Hawaii Legislature to amend self-defense laws to remove the duty to retreat for individuals on agricultural land. It would allow ranchers, farmers, and others working on their property to use force - including deadly force - without first retreating to defend themselves, livestock, or property, provided they are not the original aggressor and are not committing a crime. The resolution was prompted by the 2024 killing of rancher Cranston Duke Pia, who was fatally shot while protecting his cattle from intruders' dogs. This resolution does not change current law but recommends legislative action to strengthen protections for agricultural workers.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 74) urges Hawaii's legislature to amend state self-defense laws to protect agricultural workers. It proposes removing the legal requirement to retreat when defending agricultural property, livestock, or individuals under their care on farms or ranches. The resolution specifies this would apply only if the person is not the original aggressor, not engaged in criminal activity, and lawfully present on agricultural land. As a resolution - not a binding law - it serves as a formal request for the legislature to advance such policy changes, motivated by a 2024 incident where a rancher was fatally shot while protecting his cattle.
Maddy summarySB 1038 defines "specified data element" and expands the definition of "personal information" under privacy law. This foundational bill clarifies which types of data are protected, directly affecting how businesses and organizations handle consumer data. The key mechanism is updating these definitions to cover more data types, though the bill itself does not create new privacy rights or enforcement rules. It takes effect July 1, 2030 (note: "3000" in the abstract appears to be a typo).
Allows animal control officers, law enforcement officers, and firefighters to enter an unattended vehicle to protect the health, safety, or well-being of a pet animal that is endangered by being left or confined in an unattended vehicle. Allows private citizens to retrieve a pet animal that has been left in an unattended vehicle, under certain circumstances. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to engage in certain capital improvement projects at state small boat harbors and state parks without prior approval from the Legislature and Governor for existing facilities. Requires quarterly reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 5 years after the effective date. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish and conduct a Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Program. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit a report to the Legislature and adopt administrative rules. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
