Requires the Department of Education to include the instruction of braille and provision of braille instructional materials under certain circumstances; provide braille literacy support services; cooperate with the Department of Human Services when requested to submit information necessary to maintain a register of the blind in the State; provide comprehensive information about braille literacy services, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services, including educational programming options; and participate in the development of section 504 plans and individualized education programs. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
Part I: Makes conforming amendments to section 76-16(b), HRS, for positions the Department of Accounting and General Services is authorized to establish and fill pursuant to section 26‑6(b)(9), HRS, and requires annual reports to the Legislature. Part II: Authorizes DAGS to establish and fill up to 3 full-time equivalent positions within its Public Works Division's Special Project Branch that shall be exempt from civil service and collective bargaining requirements as part of the State's efforts to undertake unique and specialized public works projects and requires DAGS to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Part II: Sunsets 12/31/2031. (CD1)
This Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages Hawaii state agencies to prioritize the security and resilience of critical infrastructure systems such as communications, energy, water, and food supply. It directs agencies to reduce dependence on imported goods and minimize exposure to foreign influence, supply disruptions, and cybersecurity risks. The resolution requests that all state plans and decisions consider infrastructure security and resilience, particularly given Hawaii's geographic isolation and reliance on global supply chains. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal expression of legislative intent to guide state agency priorities.
This bill encourages Hawaii County to work with the Puako community, the Department of Health, and other partners to finish the Puako Sewage Project, which aims to replace aging cesspools with modern wastewater systems. The project combines advanced wastewater collection technology with fiber optic internet infrastructure to address both environmental pollution and the digital divide in rural areas. By using a public-private partnership model, the initiative seeks to create a replicable solution that can help other communities across Hawaii tackle similar sewage challenges while restoring local coral reefs.
Establishes the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program to create career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology. Requires the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and appropriate community organizations to develop and administer the program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
This House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to investigate and develop projects that combine renewable energy generation with existing agricultural reservoirs and irrigation systems. The bill proposes placing floating solar panels and small water turbines in water infrastructure to produce clean electricity without disrupting water delivery or requiring major construction. It encourages collaboration with farmers, local communities, and energy developers to identify suitable sites and conduct feasibility studies for pilot programs. The resolution aims to support Hawaii's clean energy goals while providing benefits like reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and local economic opportunities.
Expands the definition of "eligible business activity" for the purposes of the Enterprise Zone Program to include certain research and development activities and information technology design and production services. Authorizes the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to declare up to two census tracts in the State that contain an innovation enterprise to be designated as an enterprise zone, subject to the Governor's approval. Requires DBEDT to conduct an in-house comprehensive review, in consultation with the Department of Taxation, of the State Enterprise Zones Program and requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
This House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore placing renewable energy systems on existing agricultural reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure. The bill specifically encourages studying floating solar panels and gravity-powered water turbines that can generate electricity without disrupting water delivery or requiring new dams. It aims to help Hawaii meet its clean energy goals while providing benefits like reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and local economic opportunities for farmers and communities. The resolution directs the department to collaborate with stakeholders and conduct feasibility studies for pilot projects that prioritize community-based ownership and benefits.
This House Resolution encourages Hawaii County to work with the Puako community, the Department of Health, and other partners to finish the Puako Sewage Project, which aims to replace aging cesspools with modern wastewater systems. The project seeks to protect Puako Reef from sewage pollution, establish a replicable model for funding and managing cesspool upgrades across the state, and simultaneously install high-speed internet infrastructure to help close the digital divide in rural areas. By combining wastewater treatment with broadband installation, the resolution promotes a collaborative approach that leverages public, private, and community resources to address both environmental and connectivity challenges.
HB 2114 creates the Hawaii Benefits Hub within the state's Office of Enterprise Technology Services to centralize access to human services. It requires the Chief Information Officer to develop and implement a single statewide portal for residents to apply for government benefits, replacing current fragmented systems. The bill appropriates funding for this portal's development and operation, effective July 1, 2030. This directly affects Hawaii residents seeking services like food assistance, healthcare, or housing support by simplifying their application process.
