Sen. Stanley Chang

Maddy summarySB 2220 designates the date of the second new moon after the winter solstice each year as a state holiday to celebrate Lunar New Year. This holiday would apply to state employees and public institutions that observe state holidays. The bill establishes a specific astronomical calculation (second new moon post-winter solstice) to determine the annual holiday date, rather than setting a fixed calendar date. This change would affect how state operations schedule holidays for this observance.

Adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to regulate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychologists when patients are located in compact states other than the state where the psychologist is licensed. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules to implement and administer the compact.

Requires the Department of Transportation to require each person arriving in the State at an airport with a state-funded Wi-Fi service to view a one-minute educational video on the environmental protection laws and regulations of the State and counties before the person is granted access to the Wi‑Fi service. Requires the Department to collaborate with the Hawaii Tourism Authority to develop the educational video. Expands the responsibilities of the Hawaii Tourism Authority to include the implementation and administration of tourism-related initiatives, in collaboration with other public agencies, that are designed to educate visitors on the environmental protection laws and regulations of the State and counties. Appropriates funds.

Exempts state and county lands leased after July 1, 2026, for an initial period of not less than 99 years from chapters 516 and 516D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Maddy summarySB 2216 removes a vehicle license recovery fee currently charged to rental companies and allows them to pass certain fees and taxes directly to renters (lessees) instead. This bill directly affects car rental businesses and their customers, changing how operational costs are structured. The key mechanism replaces one fee with passable costs, though it does not create new taxes or fees. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2051, and are not retroactive to current rental agreements.

Extends child care subsidies to disabled parents or guardians, regardless of their employment status. Requires the Department of Human Services to evaluate caregiver capacity and dependent-care responsibilities when determining eligibility for medicaid home- and community-based services. Requires the Department of Human Services to update its evaluation form and functional assessment protocols related to level of care and at-risk needs determinations. Appropriates funds.

Requires cardiovascular screening for students, including student athletes. Requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health, to distribute educational and informational materials regarding sudden cardiac arrest. Requires the Department of Education to implement policies, programs, training, and continuing education that increase health care provider knowledge of cardiovascular screening guidelines.

Requires the 911 Board to establish, implement, and maintain a statewide emergency safety profile system that allows residents to voluntarily create and manage secure personal profiles containing information relevant to emergency responses.

Requires the Land Use Commission to reclassify lands that are designated for urban growth under a county general plan or county development plan as being in the urban district at the request of the county.

Maddy summarySB 2200 requires the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to establish a Hawaii Urban Planning Museum. The bill appropriates state funds to create and operate this museum, which would focus on documenting Hawaii's urban development history. This legislation directly affects the State Foundation by mandating the museum's creation, with potential benefits for residents and visitors interested in local history and urban planning. The bill is currently pending committee review after its initial introduction.