Rep. Matthias Kusch

Maddy summaryHB 1441 creates a new criminal offense called "organized retail theft" for coordinated theft schemes targeting retail businesses. It sets specific penalties for this offense and establishes an organized retail theft task force to investigate and address such incidents. The bill directly affects retailers by providing new legal tools to combat large-scale theft operations and law enforcement agencies through the task force structure. Key provisions define the crime, outline penalties, and mandate the task force’s formation without specifying exact penalty levels.

Authorizes certain state government entities to establish a self-certification process for behind-the-meter, customer-sited solar distributed energy resource systems and exempt the systems from the Federal Emergency Management Agency No-Rise/No-Impact declaration requirements under certain circumstances.

Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Education to establish a standards-based Water Safety Education Pilot Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes and appropriates funds for a digital navigator pilot program to offer technical assistance with computers and electronic devices to residents.

Maddy summaryHB 1272 would establish the Hawaii Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, administered by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. The program provides a structured training path for new educators, combining paid on-the-job teaching experience with classroom instruction to support teacher development. It includes funding appropriations to cover program implementation and participant stipends. This bill directly affects aspiring teachers in Hawaii seeking an alternative certification route through work-based learning.

Authorizes health care practitioners to make undesignated prescriptions of single-use epinephrine for the purpose of stocking a supply at various types of businesses and state and county government offices, including public schools. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes a landlord to petition a district court for a temporary restraining order, permanent restraining order, or injunction to compel a tenant's compliance with section 521-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Clarifies the authority of condominium associations to impose fines for violations of the declaration, bylaws, house rules, or regulations adopted by the condominium association. Establishes a process for the unit owner or tenant of the unit owner to appeal the imposition of a fine. Clarifies the responsibilities of unit owners to pay common expense assessments. Clarifies the rights and process for unit owners to appeal assessments other than common expense assessments. Specifies that the Small Claims Division has exclusive jurisdiction over cases arising from condominium disputes regarding fines. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the department of education to prohibit cell phone use during the instructional day, prohibit student access to social media through the school's internet, and implement a social media education campaign. Creates exemptions for students requiring accommodations, emergency situations, and teacher authorizations.

Establishes a state-owned bank implementation board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to determine the need for, potential costs and benefits of, and prerequisites to establishing a state-owned bank. Requires a report to the legislature.