Requires the driver's license examination to test the applicant's knowledge of the dangers that larger motor vehicles present to pedestrians and bicyclists. Requires persons who commit the offense of excessively speeding or habitually driving while intoxicated to retake and pass the driver's license examination for each offense.
Specifies that a simple majority of affirmative votes of the members of the Land Use Commission present at a meeting and qualified to vote is required for any boundary amendment.
Transfers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources certain state boating facilities on Maui to the County of Maui with the corresponding revenue from those harbors. Appropriates funds.
Clarifies that the Board of Land and Natural Resources' authority shall supersede the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority for all lands designated under the state conservation district; provided that the Board of Land and Natural Resources upholds its affirmative and non-transferable duty to protect the traditional and customary rights of native Hawaiians as articulated in the Hawaii State Constitution. Clarifies that the natural resource management enforcement and emergency response over Mauna Kea lands shall remain the responsibility of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Takes effect 7/1/2026.
Establishes the hike safe card program and search and rescue special fund to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses when the person or entity knowingly enters state, county, or private property, knowingly enters a hiking trail that is closed to the public, or violates applicable laws, provided that the closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device that gives reasonable notice of the closure. Exempts persons who possess a hike safe card from search and rescue cost reimbursement, under certain conditions. Requires counties and the State Fire Council to adopt ordinances or rules as necessary to pursue reimbursements. Raises the penalty for criminal trespass from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. Makes appropriations.
Allocates ten per cent of conveyance tax collections to the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Removes the annual cap on conveyance taxes paid into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund.
Appropriates funds for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to install one hundred monitoring wells to collect data and map the migration of the Red Hill contamination plume.
Authorizes the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for planning, development, designing, or implementation of beach restoration projects, including the awarding of grants to nonprofit organizations for beach and nearshore environmental cleanup.
Provides for the making of restitution by a defendant who has been convicted of violating section 707-702.5(1)(a), HRS, where the violation caused the death of a parent or legal guardian of a child.
Maddy summarySB 98 raises the minimum age to operate a low-speed electric bicycle from 15 to 16 years old. This change directly affects minors aged 15 who currently meet the age requirement but would be restricted under this bill. The key provision is a simple age limit increase, with no additional requirements or mechanisms specified in the bill's abstract. The bill is currently pending in committee review for the 2026 session.
