Sen. Lynn DeCoite

Establishes a 3-year cover crop reimbursement pilot program to provide reimbursements to farming operations in the State for costs related to cover cropping. Establishes a cover crop reimbursement pilot program manager position within the Department of Agriculture to administer the program. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes an exemption from mediation in paternity proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse if the party alleging domestic abuse does not wish to participate. Prohibits a mediator from engaging in mediation where there are allegations of domestic violence unless certain requisites are met. Prohibits a court from requiring mediation in paternity proceedings if there is a temporary restraining order or protective order in effect if the party alleging domestic abuse does not wish to participate. Allows the court to order mediation in paternity proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse if there is no temporary restraining or protective order under certain circumstances. Amends the term family violence to domestic abuse in section 480-41.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Takes effect 7/30/2075. (SD1)

Authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to finance the construction of and improvements to health care facilities of The Queen's Health Systems and its nonprofit affiliates. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes a workforce readiness diploma program within the Department of Education's Community School for Adults program. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Requires a retail establishment with an employee toilet facility to allow a customer suffering from an eligible medical condition to use that restroom during normal business hours, under certain conditions. Exempts a retail establishment and employees from civil liability in allowing an eligible customer to use an employee toilet facility. Establishes fines. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD2)

Prohibits the governor or a mayor from suspending requests for public records or vital statistics during a declared state of emergency. Allows for a reasonable delay in an agency's response to a request as a result of extenuated circumstances. (SD1)

Appropriates moneys for the Department of Education's Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture, and Health Program to match federal dollars that the State receives for the federal Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Requires the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to submit a report focused on the health disparities experienced by individuals with disabilities in Hawaii to the Legislature before the Regular Session of 2023. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Exempts the instream use of water for traditional and customary kalo cultivation practices from the existing process for disposition of water rights. Recognizes, confirms, and protects traditional and customary and kuleana rights to water, including rights of use, access, delivery, and quality of water. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Clarifies that the purpose of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii is to promote educational, scientific, and literary pursuits through research, training of research personnel, and dissemination of knowledge by publication of research findings; and its undertakings shall be limited to acts that are reasonably necessary to carry out this purpose. Requires revolving accounts to follow Corporation policies. Grandfathers existing Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii contracts and requires new contracts be subject to new limitations following enactment of this measure. Defines minor renovation projects permissible in support of research and training. Requires biannual reports to the Legislature regarding internal service orders and revolving accounts of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii that utilize University of Hawaii intramural funds for financial and mission compliance. Authorizes the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii to conduct minor renovation projects at costs of $2 million or less. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)