Sen. Ron Kouchi

Maddy summarySB 3118 updates outdated references to the United States Code within the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This procedural bill ensures the compact aligns with current federal law, directly affecting military children and families who relocate across state lines for service. It does not change the compact's core provisions but maintains its legal accuracy to support seamless school transitions. The bill is currently pending in committee review.

Elevates the offense of harassment to a misdemeanor when committed against a public servant because of or during their performance of official duties. (CD1)

Requires hospitals with emergency departments that are licensed in the State to submit syndromic surveillance data to the Department of Health. Authorizes the Department of Health to establish a state syndromic surveillance data reporting system. (CD1)

Amends various sections of Hawaii's campaign spending laws by requiring designated campaign finance forms to be submitted electronically through the Campaign Spending Commission's upgraded electronic filing system. Effective 11/4/2026. (CD1)

Clarifies that untaxed tobacco products are subject to forfeiture as contraband, without regard to the procedures set forth in Hawaii's asset forfeiture law in the same manner as untaxed cigarettes. Confirms the authority of the Department of Taxation and the Department of the Attorney General to inspect and seize tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. Effective 9/1/2026. (CD1)

Prohibits any Executive Branch employee who is nominated or appointed by the Governor to a compensated position subject to confirmation by the Senate from engaging in certain campaign fundraising activities. (CD1)

Authorizes the Department of Health to continue providing services statewide to Hansen's disease patients living in the community. Repeals sections of Chapter 326, Hawaii Revised Statutes, upon the 1‑year anniversary of the passing of the last patient resident of Kalaupapa as affirmed in the Governor's proclamation. Requires the Department of Health to include community organizations in the transition planning team. (CD1)

Limits the independent audit requirement under the State's Deposit Beverage Container Program to deposit beverage distributors who distribute 5 million or more deposit beverage containers a year. Identifies frequency of obtaining and submitting independent audits based on quantities of deposit beverage containers distributed. Defines "distribute" to include the manufacture, import, and sale of deposit beverage containers. Creates minimum requirements for independent audits. (CD1)

Specifies the types of cases in which evidence must be retained post-conviction and the process by which evidence may be disposed of earlier than the standard period of retention, which includes a procedure for defendants to oppose the disposal of biological evidence by filing an objection with the court. Authorizes the court, upon motion of a defendant or prosecutor or on the court's own motion, to order the retention of biological evidence in any felony case for a certain period under certain circumstances. Effective 9/1/2026. (CD1)

Requires notification to the security forces of each branch of the military when a protective order is issued in a case involving a military-affiliated individual. Requires the Judiciary, Department of Law Enforcement, and county police departments to establish certain policies and procedures. (CD1)