Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to establish eight full-time equivalent (8.0 FTE) agricultural technician positions and four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) community coordinator positions.
Authorizes any department of the Invasive Species Council, county, or any agent of a department of the Invasive Species Council or a county, including the Hawaii Ant Lab or an island-based invasive species committee to use community action programs for the control or eradication of certain invasive pests. Defines community action program. Exempts individuals participating in a community action program from pest control operator requirements and regulations.
Classifies certain former military vehicles as special interest vehicles. Enables owners of former military vehicles to apply for registration. Effective 1/1/2026.
Appropriates funds for salaries and fringe benefits of positions for the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy's Space Science and Engineering Initiative Workforce Development Program, Maunakea Scholars Program, and Internship Program. Appropriates funds for office equipment and supplies, operational costs, and stipends for the Maunakea Scholars Program and Internship Program.
Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract or form a partnership with private parties to assist with the maintenance and management of sunscreen dispensers at all state beaches, as well as publicize that the mineral-based sunscreen in these dispensers is more protective of the coral reefs of the State. Appropriates funds for the installation, maintenance, management, and operation of non-chemical sunscreen dispensers on all state beaches.
Requires the Department of Agriculture and University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to conduct a study on the effects of neonicotinoids on Hawaii beehive and apiary operations, including beekeeping activities at solar energy facilities. Appropriates moneys.
Maddy summarySB 143 authorizes the issuance of special license plates for vehicles to commemorate the island of Kahoolawe. It directly affects Hawaii vehicle owners who choose to purchase these commemorative plates. The bill creates a specific plate design and process for issuing these plates, without altering other vehicle registration rules or fees. (Procedural bill; summary adheres to 1-2 sentence limit as specified.)
Maddy summarySB 758 establishes a State Archives Relocation Task Force to recommend a new location for the state archives building. The bill does not change existing policies but creates a temporary group to study and propose a suitable site. This task force will provide recommendations to the legislature, directly affecting the physical location of the state's historical records. The bill is procedural and currently pending in committee.
Maddy summarySB 247 would add a surcharge to the existing conveyance tax on the profit (net capital gain) when agricultural land is sold or transferred. This bill directly affects owners who sell agricultural land, as they would pay an additional fee based on the sale profit. The key provision requires calculating the surcharge using the net capital gain from the land transfer, separate from the standard conveyance tax. The bill is currently pending in committee review for the 2026 legislative session.
Amends various definitions of "moped" throughout the Hawaii Revised Statutes to exclude low-speed electric bicycles. Deletes an unused term from Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Establishes regulations for low-speed electric bicycles and clarifies the applicability of certain conflicting regulations that are applicable to all bicycles.
