Rep. Tyson Miyake

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Hawaii State Building Code Council, a state agency responsible for adopting and maintaining statewide building codes. The audit will examine the Council's efficiency, its impact on regulatory consistency across counties, and whether its current structure and operations serve the public interest, particularly in light of its inactivity since September 2023. Key areas of review include the effectiveness of the three-year code update cycle, the Council's influence on construction costs and housing production, and whether counties should instead manage and fund the code adoption process. The State Auditor will consult with relevant state and county agencies, housing officials, and industry stakeholders before submitting findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to consider requiring automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for managing public buildings and health initiatives by prompting them to review current policies on life-saving medical equipment. It highlights the importance of AEDs for treating cardiac arrest and notes that training programs are essential for effective use, though it does not mandate specific actions. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law, directing copies to the Director of Health and Comptroller for their consideration.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution formally recognizes open water lifeguards in Hawaii as first responders, acknowledging their critical role in public safety and emergency response. The resolution highlights that these professionals are among the first to arrive at beach and water emergencies, providing life-saving assistance, medical care, and scene management similar to police and firefighters. While the bill does not change laws or grant new legal powers, it serves as an official statement of recognition that encourages state and county agencies to provide lifeguards with the same rights, resources, and professional respect afforded to other first responders.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Hawaii State Building Code Council, a state agency responsible for adopting and maintaining statewide building codes. The audit will examine the Council's efficiency, its impact on regulatory consistency across counties, and whether its current structure and funding model serve the public interest. Key areas of review include the effectiveness of the three-year code update cycle, the Council's role in housing production and construction costs, and whether counties should manage and fund the code adoption process instead of the state. The resolution directs the auditor to consult with relevant state and county agencies and construction industry stakeholders before submitting findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 429 allocates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants and purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to improve staffing levels and facility capabilities. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2050, after legislative approval. The measure passed committee with amendments in February 2025.

Establishes the Accessory Dwelling Unit Financing and Deed Restriction Program to allocate funds to the counties for the purchase of equity in an accessory dwelling unit by the State. Specifies eligible homeowners or homebuyers for the Program to finance construction costs, development costs, and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit and purchase deed restrictions on the property. Appropriates moneys for infrastructure projects. Sunsets 1/1/2031. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to alleviate food shortages in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature before the Regular Sessions of 2026 and 2027. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to prioritize development of workforce rental and for-sale housing projects for qualified residents. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to adopt administrative rules. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summaryHB 596 clarifies which types of events qualify as disasters or emergencies under the state's emergency management system. It defines specific criteria for what constitutes a disaster or emergency, directly affecting emergency management agencies and their response protocols. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2050, and aims to provide clearer guidelines for declaring and managing emergencies.

Allows a retirant to be employed without reenrollment in the Employees' Retirement System and without loss or interruption of benefits under the System or the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund if the retirant is employed in a position needed for succession planning, as a law enforcement officer stationed at a public school as a resource officer, as an investigator, or in a management position excluded from collective bargaining, subject to certain conditions. Requires the director of human resources of the appropriate state jurisdiction or the human resources management chief executive of each county to include in their annual reports to the Legislature details on the employment of retirants as school resource officers or investigators. (SD2)