Sen. Stanley Chang

Exempts disabled veterans from the State's vehicle weight tax and repeals the exemption for disabled veterans from the State's annual vehicle registration fee.

Maddy summarySB 837 authorizes school districts to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation when specific safety conditions are met. It directly affects school transportation providers and districts by expanding the types of vehicles they may legally operate for student travel. The bill establishes requirements for vehicle safety standards and operational protocols to ensure student safety during transport. The bill is currently pending in committee (TRS/EDU, WAM) and has not yet advanced to a vote.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to update the online Wiki Permits service to include locations for which a right-of-entry permit for commercial activity is available via the service. Requires public input prior to the removal of any location from the list of available locations. Requires the Department to refund fees for right-of-entry permits if the permitted location is removed from the list of available locations before the commercial activity occurs.

Maddy summarySB 949 establishes a working group to study whether Hawaii's land court should be reformed or eliminated. The group will examine the court's structure and operations, then make recommendations to the legislature. This bill does not change current law but initiates a formal review process for the land court system. The working group's findings will inform future legislative decisions about the court's future.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to amend the definition of "aquarium purposes", in Hawaii Administrative Rules, to allow a bona fide aquaculture entity or scientific research entity to collect aquatic life without a permit so long as the aquatic life remains in the county in which it was collected while it is alive.

Repeals the definition of "vehicle license recovery fees". Limits to vehicle license and registration fees and weight taxes the fees and taxes that a motor vehicle lessor may pass on to a lessee. Amends the prorated amount of vehicle license and registration fees and weight taxes that a motor vehicle lessor may pass on to a lessee. Repeals the requirement that rental car companies submit annual audits to the Office of Consumer Protection of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Establishes a Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and other relevant stakeholders. Establishes the Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program Special Fund. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to adopt administrative rules. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summarySB 1114 would allow large landowners to apply to the Land Use Commission for permission to build elderly housing on specific parts of agricultural land. This bill directly affects large landowners who currently cannot develop housing on agricultural parcels without commission approval. The key mechanism requires landowners to formally petition the commission, which would then review and potentially approve the development. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.

Renames the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program to the Electric Mobility Device Rebate Program. Expands eligibility and amends the maximum rebate amount.

Amends the definition of "historic property" under the State's historic preservation program to include only property that predates Statehood Day and, with respect to buildings and structures, is registered on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places.