Rep. Matthias Kusch

Clarifies that negligent homicide in the first degree shall include situations where a person causes the death of another person while operating a vehicle without a valid license. Establishes that a violation of this provision shall be a class B felony, with escalation to a class A felony when the person has two or more prior convictions for driving without a valid license within five years. Clarifies what constitutes a prior conviction for driving without a valid license. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 2612 clarifies that a mortgage cannot exist or be enforced separately from the underlying debt it secures. This bill directly affects mortgage lenders and borrowers by requiring that any legal action related to a mortgage must be tied to the original loan obligation. The key provision states that a mortgage is not an independent financial instrument and cannot be pursued without reference to the debt it covers. This change aims to prevent situations where lenders might attempt to enforce mortgage terms outside the context of the original loan agreement.

Establishes a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel distribution in Hawaii to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Provides $1 per gallon, increasing by 2 cents per additional 1 per cent emissions reduction, up to $2 per gallon. Caps total credits at $20,000,000 annually, with carryover provisions. Requires reporting to ensure transparency and compliance. Applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and sunsets on December 31, 2035. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Prohibits the public disclosure of legislators' personal contact information in a voter's affidavit of registration, nomination papers, and electronic database for campaign committees. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Provides the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation with autonomy in personnel matters. Increases the salary cap for the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Renames the Executive Assistant of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation the Deputy Executive Director. Prohibits the extension of any employment contract of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and Hawaii Public Housing Authority beyond two years without legislative approval. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Specifies that disclosure of communications by an agency to the Ombudsman does not waive any existing attorney-client or attorney work-product privilege pertaining to those communications. Prohibits the Ombudsman from disclosing privileged communications to others. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires landlords or landlord's agents to accept comprehensive reusable tenant screening reports, if made available by an applicant, and prohibits application fees in such cases. Establishes remedies for refusing to accept those reports. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Education to make available all public school outdoor facilities and grounds on Saturdays and Sundays for public and community use without the need for any license, permit, or deposit of fees, under certain conditions. Requires reports to the Legislature. Repeals on 6/30/2030.

Upgrades the penalties for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while highly intoxicated, including outlining additional requirements for probation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)