Amends the requirements for productions to qualify for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax to include completing at least fifteen per cent of the production's principal photography and post-production in the State within the same taxable year the production is qualifying for the Tax Credit.
Maddy summarySB 2124 would require judges to impose mandatory prison sentences and maximum fines for individuals convicted of arson offenses, removing judicial discretion in sentencing. It directly affects people found guilty of arson, replacing current sentencing options with fixed penalties. The bill's key provision is a mandatory minimum prison term coupled with the highest allowable fine for all qualifying arson convictions. This policy change would standardize penalties for arson crimes across the jurisdiction. The bill is currently pending in committee review as of the latest update.
Prohibits the Department of Health from issuing permits for commercial burning of green waste products in residential areas or within one thousand feet of a residential property.
Maddy summarySB 2361 prohibits food and beverage service businesses from selling or distributing single-use plastic service ware, such as straws, utensils, and containers. It directly affects restaurants, cafes, and vendors that currently provide these plastic items to customers. The key mechanism bans the sale and distribution of these specific plastic products, requiring businesses to switch to alternatives like compostable or reusable options. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having been introduced on January 21, 2026, and referred to committee for further review.
Beginning 1/1/2027, increases the tip credit amount to equal twenty-five per cent of the minimum wage. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to annually calculate the adjusted tip credit amount.
Creates exemptions from interconnection requirements for portable solar generation devices. Establishes basic safety requirements for portable solar generation devices. Provides liability protections for electric utilities.
Subjects the Hawaii Tourism Authority's updating of the Tourism Functional Plan to availability of funding. Requires the Governor to submit an approved updated plan to the Legislature before the Regular Session following an update, rather than before the Regular Session of 2025.
Authorizes the Director of Transportation to designate as a toll road, and impose toll charges for the use of, any existing state highway. Requires the Director of Transportation to designate as a toll road a certain portion of Hana Highway. Requires the Department of Transportation to develop a plan to exempt resident vehicle operators from the imposition of toll charges for the use of Hana Highway.
Establishes the hike safe card program and search and rescue special fund to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses when the person or entity knowingly enters state, county, or private property, knowingly enters a hiking trail that is closed to the public, or violates applicable laws, provided that the closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device that gives reasonable notice of the closure. Exempts persons who possess a hike safe card from search and rescue cost reimbursement, under certain conditions. Requires counties and the State Fire Council to adopt ordinances or rules as necessary to pursue reimbursements. Raises the penalty for criminal trespass from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. Makes appropriations.
Maddy summarySB 205 adds the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission (or their designee) to the Commission on Water Resource Management. This procedural change directly affects the water commission by expanding its membership to include a representative from the Hawaiian Homes Commission. The bill’s key mechanism is simply modifying the commission’s membership structure to improve coordination between water resource management and Hawaiian Homes Commission activities. It does not alter water policies, funding, or regulations. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.
