Sen. Ron Kouchi

Requires that state and county firefighters exempt from commercial driver licensure be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy for employees that is equivalent to, or exceeds the provisions of, the safety and health standards established by the United States Department of Transportation for holders of commercial driver's licenses.

Maddy summarySB 2310 allocates state funds to remove overgrown vegetation from Kainahola Stream. This bill directly affects the maintenance and ecological health of Kainahola Stream by authorizing the specific funding for vegetation removal. The key provision is the appropriation of money for this stream cleanup effort, with no additional policy changes or regulations. The bill is currently under review by the AEN/WLA committee, with a public hearing scheduled for February 11, 2026.

Authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt, amend, or repeal administrative fee schedules for use of certain lands pursuant to a specified procedure and to exempt parking lot and concessions operations on those lands from the bidding requirements for concessions operated on public property. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Updates Hawaii's statutory framework for adult and community education programs to ensure alignment with federal funding requirements and current best practices in those programs. (SD1)

Beginning 1/1/2027, authorizes the Governor to enter the PA Licensure Compact to create a comprehensive process that complements the existing licensing authority of the Hawaii Medical Board and provides a streamlined process that allows a PA to become licensed in multiple states, thereby enhancing the portability of a PA license and ensuring the safety of patients. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Authorizes the rehiring of retirants for positions that are unique and critical to operations. Limits the duration of each retirant's reemployment to four years. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)

Makes permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court. Amends the authorized uses of moneys in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund. Repeals language that required the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rules. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Increases the limit of the State's liability for moneys borrowed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands or loans made to lessees that are guaranteed by the Department from $100,000,000 to $500,000,000. Effective 9/9/2129. (SD1)

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to designate airport special district zones within airports statewide. Adds a new HRS section to help prevent unauthorized access and enhance security. (SD1)

Removes the $600,000 annual expenditure ceiling on the Automated Victim Information and Notification System Special Fund to address rising program costs and growing victim service demands. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)