Sen. Ron Kouchi

Prohibits the use of consumer fireworks except, by permit, for cultural use. Repeals portions of section 132D-3(1), HRS, that generally allow the use of consumer fireworks without a permit on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and the Fourth of July. Specifies that no fireworks shall be sold to a permittee holding a permit issued for purposes of cultural use more than 5 calendar days before the applicable cultural use. Makes technical amendments to definitions of "consumer fireworks" and "cultural" within fireworks law.

Establishes a statewide 3% annual limit on rent increases under chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Prohibits rent increases during the first 12 months of a tenancy and requires notice and certification for exempt properties.

Maddy summarySB 2525 reestablishes an income tax credit for homeowners who upgrade, convert, or connect their cesspool systems (outdated septic systems) to modern sewage infrastructure. This credit directly affects homeowners in areas requiring cesspool replacement, reducing their tax burden when making these upgrades. The provision applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2026, meaning eligible expenses incurred in 2027 or later can be claimed on tax returns. The bill does not change current cesspool regulations but provides financial incentives to encourage system upgrades.

Maddy summarySB 2534 proposes a constitutional amendment to ban destructive live-fire military training on Hawaii's state public trust lands. This would directly affect military operations conducted on these lands, which are managed for public use and conservation. The bill's key mechanism is amending the state constitution to prohibit such training, requiring voter approval if passed by the legislature. This is a policy change that would restrict current military training practices on specific state-owned lands, not a temporary law. The bill is currently in early stages (introduced and passed first reading) with no further action yet.

Amends section 11-357, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), to prohibit state and county elected officials as defined in section 11-342(d), HRS, from soliciting or accepting campaign contributions during any Regular Session or Special Session of the state Legislature, including any extension of any Regular Session or Special Session or any legislative recess day, holiday, or weekend.

Repeals law that provides that all local ordinances or regulations that regulate the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices are preempted and that existing local laws and regulations conflicting with the state law on smoking are null and void. Clarifies that counties retain the authority to adopt ordinances that regulate the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices, as long as the ordinances do not conflict with and are more stringent than the state law on smoking.

Establishes the Homeless Services Special Fund. Allows counties to apply for matching funds from the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund for certain housing projects. Increases the conveyance tax rates for certain properties. Establishes conveyance tax rates for multifamily residential properties. Establishes new exemptions to the conveyance tax. Allocates collected conveyance taxes to the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund, Homeless Services Special Fund, and Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Amends allocations to the Land Conservation Fund and Rental Housing Revolving Fund.

Maddy summarySB 2508 authorizes Oregon to join the existing Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, a multistate agreement. It would directly affect Oregon-licensed psychologists who wish to provide telehealth services or practice across state lines. The key mechanism is enabling the Governor to formally enter Oregon into this compact, which standardizes licensing requirements for psychologists working in participating states. This would eliminate the need for separate state licenses when serving clients in other compact states, streamlining interstate practice. The bill is procedural and does not alter licensing standards within Oregon.

Repeals language prohibiting county legislative bodies from imposing stricter conditions or other requirements on certain housing projects of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.

Amends the composition of the Land Use Commission to require at least one member who has substantial experience and expertise in water resource management. Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to submit a list of nominees to the Governor for the appointment of a commission member having substantial experience or expertise in traditional Hawaiian land usage and knowledge of cultural land practices.