Rep. Terez Amato

Establishes the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Updates the Condominium Property Act to integrate the role and functions of the ombudsman's office for condominium associations. Appropriates funds for establishment of the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations.

For the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, requires the Department of Human Services to: (1) prorate or exclude certain income from household members who are ineligible for the Program; (2) establish a standardized medical expense deduction option for elderly or disabled household members; (3) establish a pre-release Program application form for individuals who are incarcerated and scheduled for release; and (4) report to the Legislature. Specifies that, for purposes of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the federal restriction of providing Program benefits to certain individuals does not apply in Hawaii.

Establishes a Desalination Planning Task Force to examine the feasibility of, and develop a plan and timeline for, the use desalination as a source of potable water in the State.

Maddy summaryHB 722 would change state unemployment benefit rules to allow workers who participate in labor strikes to qualify for benefits. Currently, striking workers are typically ineligible for unemployment assistance, but this bill would remove that barrier. It directly affects workers involved in labor disputes by expanding their access to financial support during job actions. The key provision amends existing eligibility criteria to include those who leave work due to a strike, rather than losing their jobs through no fault of their own.

Requires county permitting agencies to establish and fill positions exclusively to process permit applications submitted for state projects. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summaryHB 535 establishes a three-year surcharge on the state liquor tax, set to expire on June 30, 2028. This surcharge would increase costs for liquor businesses and likely result in higher prices for consumers purchasing alcohol. The bill does not change the base liquor tax rate but adds this temporary fee. It directly affects all businesses selling liquor and consumers buying it within the state.

Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in the personal transition plan requirement for each student.

Permanently increases the state earned income tax credit to fifty per cent of the federal earned income tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024.

Prohibits covered entities in the State from entering into contracts with drug manufacturers that limit the covered entities' use of contract pharmacies. Voids contract provisions for certain drugs if the provisions are based on the maximum allowable cost payment model. Authorizes the attorney general to bring a civil action for violations.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the terms of members of the Legislature, as provided by law, for terms beginning after the general election of 2028.