Rep. Terez Amato

Prohibits any law enforcement agency or law enforcement official from entering into an agreement under federal law that permits state or county agencies to engage in immigration enforcement. Prohibits law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officials from engaging in certain immigration-related actions, except under limited circumstances. Effective 7/1/2055. (SD2)

Establishes a Molokai Biosecurity Advisory Board. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, with the advice of the Advisory Board, to develop a Molokai Biosecurity Plan to prevent the spread of invasive species found elsewhere in the State to the island of Molokai. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Requires that priority be given to the language of a law that aligns with the intent of the Legislature if there is a difference between the English and Hawaiian versions of the law that is material to its interpretation. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill recognizes 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, aligning with a United Nations designation. It directly affects ranchers, land managers, and agricultural organizations across the state by formally acknowledging the economic, social, and ecological importance of rangelands. The resolution encourages state agencies and the University of Hawaii to promote education and research on rangeland management while recommending policies that conserve rangelands and protect ranchers' livelihoods. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to state and local officials including the Governor, the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the University of Hawaii, and county mayors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that health maintenance organizations in Hawaii follow the state's Clean Claims Statute to pay medical claims within 30 days, or 15 days for electronic submissions. It aims to address delays in reimbursement that can harm healthcare providers and patients, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The resolution calls for greater oversight and accountability by state agencies to ensure timely payments and prevent financial distress among medical practices. It does not create new laws but formally asks HMOs to comply with existing requirements and directs copies to relevant state officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to form a working group to study how large data centers might affect the state's electric grid, utility rates, natural resources, and climate goals. The study will focus on facilities requiring at least five megawatts of electricity and will include representatives from government agencies, utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental groups. The working group will examine policy options to ensure data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades and that Hawaii's clean energy objectives are not compromised.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to work with state agencies, county governments, and community organizations to create a comprehensive statewide food security strategy. The plan would assess barriers to food access across Hawaii's diverse communities and recommend policies to reduce food costs while expanding access to nutritious, culturally appropriate foods. The strategy must align with existing state laws and coordinate with local food security efforts, with findings and recommendations submitted to the Legislature by 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges state agencies to reorganize the East Kapolei Transit-Oriented Development Project by transferring land parcels currently owned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. It also requests that the Housing Corporation partner with the Hawaii Community Development Authority and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to handle non-housing aspects like commercial development and infrastructure improvements. The resolution aims to align agency responsibilities with their core functions to facilitate the project's mixed-use development, which includes affordable housing, retail, and transit facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for health care authorizations related to the Red Hill water contamination crisis and to improve health care access for affected individuals. It directly impacts military families, civilian residents, and Department of Defense personnel who experienced health issues from fuel contamination at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu. The resolution requests a two-year renewal cycle for Secretarial Designee authorizations to ensure continuity of care, expands access to civilian medical providers under TRICARE, and calls for coordinated referral practices between military and civilian health facilities. Additionally, it asks for the establishment of reimbursement or voucher programs to help affected individuals cover out-of-pocket medical costs, particularly for those living in areas without nearby military treatment facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the County of Hawaiʻi to expand the Hele-On Shared Ride Program from its current service in east Hawaiʻi to cover the entire island, including rural areas like West Hawaiʻi, North Kohala, South Kohala, Kaʻū, and Puna. The program provides subsidized, on-demand transportation for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions who need accessible vehicles that accommodate mobility devices. The resolution asks the county to partner with local transportation providers to increase service availability in underserved areas while prioritizing accessibility and compliance with disability laws. It also encourages the county to consider phased implementation or pilot programs to manage costs and ensure sustainable expansion of the service.