Rep. Tyson Miyake

Maddy summaryHB 626 appropriates funds to the Hawaii Department of Education for its Hoʻākea Program, which aims to support educational initiatives (though specific program details are not described in the context). The bill was recently recommended for passage by the Education Committee with 10 ayes and 1 excused vote, moving it toward potential enactment. It would become effective on July 1, 2030, after the current legislative process. This funding measure directly affects the Department of Education’s budget and program implementation. The bill does not specify additional affected groups or detailed policy changes beyond the financial allocation.

Specifies that the macadamia nut labeling requirements apply if the applicable products are produced in whole or in part from Hawaii-grown and Hawaii-processed macadamia nuts. Effective 1/2/2026.

Establishes a working group within the Department of the Attorney General to study the issue of squatting in Hawaii and provide recommendations. Requires reports to the legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Makes a second or subsequent conviction for violation of a domestic abuse protective order a class C felony. Increases the sentencing requirements for second or subsequent convictions.

Clarifies that proof that a transferor has filed required notice forms serves as a complete defense to any action brought against the transferor for an act or omission, civil or criminal, arising out of the use, operation, or abandonment of the vehicle by another person. Requires, by July 1, 2026, the courts to create new forms permitting transferors to respond to actions arising out of the use, operation, or abandonment of transferred vehicles. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy Special Fund to support pharmacist workforce assessment and planning efforts. Establishes the pharmacist workforce assessment fee. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Workforce Housing Regulatory Sandbox Program within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Establishes an advisory council within the Workforce Housing Regulatory Sandbox Program to advise on environmental and cultural practices within specific developments. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals 6/30/2030. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal screenings for certain persons. Requires coverage for all colorectal cancer screenings in the State to be consistent with the Affordable Care Act Implementation Frequently Asked Questions published by the United States Department of Labor, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Department of the Treasury. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Human Resources Development, in collaboration with various state and county agencies, to establish a Transportation Demand Management Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 227 creates new fines for drivers and moped operators who operate vehicles without a current certificate of inspection. It directly affects anyone operating a car, truck, or moped that lacks a valid safety inspection. The bill establishes additional penalties for this violation, effective July 1, 3000. This policy change aims to strengthen vehicle safety enforcement by adding financial consequences for operating uninspected vehicles. The bill passed committee with amendments in January 2025.