Amends the Hawaii State Constitution to prohibit the State from denying or interfering with an individual's reproductive freedom, including the right to choose to obtain an abortion and to obtain or use contraceptives.
Allows an insured to authorize the insurer to electronically remit claim proceeds to the insured's mortgagee when a homeowners insurance policy that covers a mortgaged property allows for the payment of proceeds by issuing a check. Requires a mortgagee in receipt of electronic delivery of claim proceeds to deliver the proceeds of the claim to the insured in accordance with the mortgage agreement and the insurance policy. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches, shall be protected and shall not be infringed.
Authorizes the Governor to enter into a Cosmetology Licensure Compact on behalf of the State to provide a streamlined process that allows cosmetologists to obtain a multistate license enabling them to practice cosmetology in another state without obtaining a separate license under the laws of that state. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules to implement and administer the Compact. Authorizes the Governor to enter into the Compact. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Requires claims of post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by first responders to be compensable under workers' compensation under certain conditions if the post-traumatic stress disorder resulted from the first responder acting within the course and scope of the first responder's employment. Defines "first responder." Exempts injuries caused by post-traumatic stress disorder from certain time limitations applicable to workers' compensation claims.
Maddy summarySB 584 clarifies that the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) must include supporting aquaculture as part of its official duties. This bill directly affects NELHA, a Hawaii-based research and development entity, by explicitly expanding its mandate to include aquaculture support within its existing responsibilities. The measure does not create new funding or regulations but formally defines NELHA's role in advancing aquaculture initiatives. The bill is currently pending in the 2025 legislative session.
Requires certain priority level 1 cesspools to be upgraded, converted, or connected before 1/1/2035. Requires priority level 2 and other cesspools to be upgraded, converted, or connected before 1/1/2040, rather than before 1/1/2050, with certain exemptions. Authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds. Appropriates funds.
Maddy summarySB 1027 would allow dogs in restaurants at the discretion of the owner or manager, subject to specific conditions. It directly affects restaurant operators, who would decide whether to permit dogs, and dog-owning patrons seeking to bring pets inside. The bill changes current restrictions by permitting dogs under the restaurant’s management authority, without requiring mandatory accommodations. Specific conditions for allowing dogs are outlined in the bill but not detailed in the provided abstract.
Maddy summarySB 159 exempts specific housing developments from school impact fees, which are typically charged to new construction to fund school infrastructure. The bill directly affects qualifying housing projects (like apartment complexes or subdivisions) by removing a financial requirement they would otherwise owe to local school districts. This change modifies how school impact fees are applied, eliminating the assessment for the designated developments without altering broader fee structures. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.
Prohibits the Governor or a Mayor from suspending requests for public records or vital statistics during a declared state of emergency. Allows for a reasonable delay in an agency's response to a request as a result of extenuating circumstances.
