Sen. Ron Kouchi

Limits civil liability of individuals who render firefighting services at any of the State's commercial harbors or roadsteads, any commercial harbor or waterfront improvement belonging to or controlled by the State, or any vessel within a commercial harbor or roadstead to only damages resulting from an individual's gross negligence or wanton acts or omissions.

Amends section 286-236, HRS, to meet current federal regulations to allow the State to issue a limited-term non-domiciled commercial learner's permit and non-domiciled commercial driver's license for applicants who are unable to provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

Amend sections 6E-3 and 76-16(b), HRS, to allow the Department of Land and Natural Resources to employ both civil service and non-civil service professional and technical staff in its State Historic Preservation Program.

Authorizes county petition process for review and approval of land use district boundary amendments based on adopted county general plans or county development plans.

Appropriates funds out of the State Highway Fund for deposit into the Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program Special Fund and apporitates funds out of the Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program Special Fund for fiscal year 2025-2026.

Clarifies that the omission of certain information or any error in a citation does not constitute ground for dismissal of a charge or for reversal of a conviction, if the omission or error did not prejudice the defendant.

Appropriates funds for collective bargaining cost items for the members of bargaining unit (10) and their excluded counterparts, including the cost of salary adjustments negotiated between the State and the bargaining unit representative for fiscal biennium 2025-2027. Declares the expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2025-2026 is exceeded. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Expands the powers of the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to help to stabilize the property insurance market in the State. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a study. Appropriates moneys.

Maddy summarySB 1313 would change how prosecutors handle cases involving the promotion of pornography to minors. Specifically, it allows these cases to be formally initiated using written documents (like a formal charging document) instead of other methods. This bill directly affects prosecutors and courts handling such offenses, streamlining the start of legal proceedings. The key provision is authorizing the use of written information to begin these cases, making the process more efficient. The bill is currently pending in the legislative process and has not yet become law.

Maddy summarySB 470 creates a program allowing qualified police officers who meet retirement eligibility to continue working instead of retiring immediately. It directly affects eligible officers by providing a voluntary option to remain employed beyond their standard retirement age. The key provision establishes a formal process for officers to defer retirement while maintaining their current position and compensation. The bill does not change retirement benefits or require new funding, focusing solely on extending service eligibility for participating officers.