Authorizes each county to enact ordinances to enforce the design and construction requirements for the provision of accessible parking spaces, including the establishment of penalties for failure to comply with the ordinances.
Establishes a statewide underground water and carbon sequestration resource characterization program via slim hole bores and a related statewide environmental assessment. Effective 5/13/2040. (SD1)
Appropriates moneys to fund the operating expenses of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for the fiscal biennium beginning on 7/1/2025, and ending on 6/30/2027. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Maddy summarySB 282 increases penalties for using uncrewed aircraft (drones) to assist in committing felonies. It directly affects individuals who operate drones to further serious crimes like theft or violence. The bill raises criminal penalties specifically when a drone is used as a tool in felony offenses, not for general drone use. This policy change applies only to cases where drones actively support criminal activity, making the punishment stricter for that specific scenario.
Makes an emergency appropriation out of the Public Utilities Commission Special Fund for the Public Utilities Commission to procure services by consultants with technical expertise in the efforts to strengthen the resilience and reliability of electric utility services in the State.
Maddy summarySB 1457 authorizes Hawaii's Board of Land and Natural Resources to create temporary safety rules for water sports equipment used by both commercial businesses (like rental shops) and recreational users (such as kayakers or paddleboarders). The bill would allow the board to establish immediate requirements - like gear standards or safety protocols - before permanent regulations are finalized. It directly affects anyone using ocean-based recreational or commercial water sports equipment in Hawaii. The bill is currently pending committee review and has not yet become law.
Makes emergency appropriations for collective bargaining cost items for the members of Units (1), (2), (3), (4), (8), (9), (10), (13), and (14) and their excluded counterparts, including the cost of salary adjustments negotiated between the State and the bargaining unit representative for fiscal year 2024-2025. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 has been exceeded. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Maddy summarySB 1336 repeals the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force, eliminating this state advisory body. The bill directly affects the task force by ending its legal existence and operations. This is a procedural change that removes the task force from state law without creating new environmental policies or regulations. The bill does not alter greenhouse gas sequestration programs or impose new requirements on entities.
Updates the Agricultural Loan Program by lowering interest rates, increasing and standardizing loan limits, and reducing the number of credit denials. Authorizes the Program to issue lines of credit. Creates a new class of loans to encourage large scale agriculture of import replacement crops grown for the Farm to State Program. Appropriates funds into and out of the Agricultural Loan Revolving Fund. (SD1)
Maddy summarySB 254 increases the dollar threshold for "small purchases" by state government agencies, meaning agencies can make simpler purchases without formal bidding for items under a higher amount. This directly affects state departments and agencies that regularly buy goods or services like office supplies or minor repairs. The bill raises the current limit (not specified in the abstract) so agencies can streamline routine buying without lengthy procurement processes. It takes effect January 1, 2025, and is currently pending in committee review.
