Sen. Ron Kouchi

Modifies and improves the effectiveness of the renewable portfolio standards law, which stipulates the central role of Hawaii's electric utility companies in complying with the State's renewable energy and climate goals to address emerging trends.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for teacher‑requested classroom supplies; provided that the private sector contributes matching funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds for the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to allocate to housing counseling agencies certified by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing counseling services. Requires a report to the Legislature regarding services provided by the housing counseling agencies.

Maddy summarySB 1336 repeals the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force, eliminating this existing state body. The bill directly ends the task force's operations and mandate without creating new policies or affecting specific groups. It is a procedural repeal with no new mechanisms or provisions beyond terminating the task force.

Prohibits the transfer of funds appropriated for positions to operating expenses, and vice versa, except to fulfill the Legislature's purpose for which the funds were appropriated.

Maddy summarySB 1415 repeals existing tenant selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans within the State Low-Income Housing Program. This change directly affects veterans and their spouses who previously received priority in housing applications under this program. The bill removes these specific preferences from the program's selection criteria, meaning all applicants will now be evaluated under the same standard process. The legislation does not create new housing benefits or alter other program requirements. This change is part of the program's administrative rules, not a new funding or eligibility provision.

Permits condominium associations to borrow from or reallocate their reserve funds provided the loan is repaid within one year. Effective upon approval.

Extends the State's deadline to achieve its energy-efficiency portfolio standards target from 2030 to 2045 and updates the standards. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish interim goals for electricity use reduction to be achieved by 2025, 2035, and 2040. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to adjust the 2030 and 2045 standard and interim standards.

Amends the law to reduce the amount the Department of Education is required to charge for school meals to all students enrolled in department schools.

Amends section 302L-1.6(b), HRS, to add the head start state collaboration office director as an ex officio, non-voting member of the early learning board, and to require the board to invite the president of the Head Start Association of Hawaii, or the president's designee, to serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the board.