Sen. Stanley Chang

Maddy summarySB 1648 requires utilities to provide compensation to customers following power outages. It directly affects residential and commercial utility customers who experience service interruptions. The bill establishes specific requirements for how and when utilities must pay compensation, though details on calculation methods aren't provided in the abstract. This policy change would create a new obligation for utilities to reimburse affected customers, effective July 1, 2050.

Establishes the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Updates the Condominium Property Act to integrate the role and functions of the ombudsman's office for condominium associations. Appropriates funds for establishment of the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations.

Allows the Department of Human Services to administer and provide public assistance to eligible residents of the State during a Governor-declared state of emergency. Allows the Department of Human Services to expend funds from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to provide public assistance to eligible residents during a Governor-declared state of emergency. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 1264 requires the state Board of Education to create a policy banning student use of phones and other electronic devices during all school hours. This directly affects public school students and educators across the state, as schools would need to implement and enforce this rule. The key provision mandates the Board to adopt a specific policy, not a general guideline, to prohibit devices while students are in class or on school grounds during instructional time. The bill does not specify penalties or exceptions, focusing solely on the requirement for the Board to establish the rule.

Designates the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice of each year as the Lunar New Year. Establishes the Lunar New Year as a state holiday. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes and appropriates funds for a data and artificial intelligence governance and decision intelligence center and necessary positions to improve data quality and data sharing statewide.

Expands the types of water heater systems that may satisfy the relevant requirement for the issuance of a building permit for new single-family dwellings to include ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters.

Requires the Department of Health to conduct a statewide needs assessment to determine what will be needed to reduce waste generation, increase reuse, improve recycling collection services, and expand local processing of materials through an extended producer responsibility program for packaging materials and paper products. Requires the Department of Health to complete and submit the needs assessment to the Legislature no later than 12/31/2028. Establishes an advisory council to review the draft needs assessment and propose recommendations throughout the assessment process. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Establishes within the Department of Health's Wastewater Branch a Cesspool Conversion Section, which shall be responsible for facilitating the conversion of cesspools within the State. Establishes and appropriates funds for positions within the Cesspool Conversion Section. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a study to identify the most cost-effective investments for clean energy alternatives to combustible fuels. Requires a report to the Legislature.