Rep. Matthias Kusch

Shortens the period during which certain judicial proceedings involving environmental assessments and environmental impact statements on actions that propose the use of land for, or construction of, affordable housing or clean energy projects must be initiated. Specifies that appeals from environmental courts that involve actions that propose the use of land for, or construction of, affordable housing or clean energy projects meet one of the grounds for transfer to the Supreme Court. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Authorizes state agencies to implement automatic voter registration if designated by the Office of Elections. Requires eligible applicants for instruction permits, provisional licenses, driver's licenses, and identification cards to be automatically registered or preregistered to vote unless the applicant opts out. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Authorizes counties to amend district boundaries involving land areas of greater than fifteen but no more than twenty-five acres for purposes of residential housing, agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental housing, or workforce fee simple ownership. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Between 7/1/2026 and 12/31/2028, authorizes each county planning agency to petition the Land Use Commission for a district boundary amendment to reclassify certain lands within the agricultural district to the rural district through the district boundary amendment process. Repeals 12/31/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires the 911 Board to establish a Statewide Emergency Safety Profile System Pilot Program and convene a working group. Requires report to the Legislature. Repeals on 6/30/2031. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the development of transit-supportive densities to be allowed in any county-designated transit-oriented development area. Prohibits the counties from enacting an ordinance, rule, regulation, development standard, zoning provision, or other land use control that restricts the development of transit-supportive densities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally supports the University of Hawaii at Manoa Faculty Senate's request for university leaders to commit to defending students, faculty, and staff who exercise their rights to academic freedom and free speech. The resolution expresses concern that proposed revisions to the university's "Time, Place, and Manner" policies could restrict expressive activities and create an antagonistic relationship between the administration and the university community. It calls on university leadership to avoid restricting rights to academic freedom and free speech, citing historical examples of the university's role in protecting civil liberties. The resolution directs copies to the Board of Regents, the University President, and the Manoa Faculty Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation's East Hawaiʻi Regional Health Care System to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a rural health clinic or similar access point to serve the Volcano community. The study will examine potential locations, operational models such as part-time providers or mobile clinics, staffing needs, costs, and partnership opportunities with local organizations. The bill aims to address the community's lack of direct primary care access and emergency stabilization capacity, which are compounded by geographic isolation and environmental hazards. If the study finds it viable, the resolution directs the health system to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study how to help more people living in Hawaii work remotely for companies based outside the state. The study would examine ways to make it easier for out-of-state employers to hire Hawaii residents by clarifying tax rules, simplifying registration requirements, and ensuring worker protections are maintained. The department must also consider policies that prioritize opportunities for long-term Hawaii residents and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This is a non-binding resolution that directs an evaluation rather than creating immediate new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests that all state agencies in Hawaii use bi-level lighting systems in new buildings starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting adjusts brightness based on motion sensors to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs. The resolution directs copies to various state officials and agencies to implement this change in future construction projects.