Sen. Ron Kouchi

Amends sections 286-102 and 286-181, HRS, to allow exemptions to include use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, which may not meet school bus regulations for school bus services, but which shall otherwise meet vehicle requirements and qualifications set forth in chapter 19-143, Hawaii Administrative Rules, to the extent required by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Education, when adult staff chaperone escorts of students are provided while students are being transported between designated locations off-campus and designated locations on-campus.

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.

Provides needed clarifications on the applicability and scope of section 225P-5, HRS. Clarifies current emissions reduction goals and defines critical terms used in climate mitigation. Establishes a total or gross emissions target as well as sector-specific targets to reinforce action in the relevant emitting sectors further strengthening the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

Converts the Emergency Management Specialist series positions at level V and higher in the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency from civil service status to exempt status.

Permanently exempts the software developer supervisor in the Department of Taxation and the data privacy officer and tax business analysts in the Director's office of the Department from civil service.

Establishes a licensing scheme for licensed certified midwives and licensed certified professional midwives, to be overseen by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Reestablishes the home birth task force to provide recommendations on issues related to home births. Dissolves the task force on 6/30/2026. Requires reports to the Legislature.

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.

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.

Repeals existing statutory language that: (1) declares that the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic devices are a statewide concern; and (2) preempts all local ordinances and regulations that regulate the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic devices.