Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryHB 2529 allocates state funds for capital improvement projects specifically within the thirteenth representative district. It directly affects residents and local infrastructure in that district by providing resources for physical upgrades like buildings, roads, or public facilities. The bill's key provision is the appropriation of funds for these district-specific projects, with no additional requirements or conditions specified. The bill was introduced on January 28, 2026, and referred to the Finance Committee on February 2, 2026.

Authorizes an increase in the volume of manufactured alcoholic beverages permissible under a small craft producer pub license. Increases the amount of alcohol manufactured on small craft producer pub licensees' premises that may be sold in recyclable containers.

Defines "portable solar generation device" and establishes certain requirements for their regulation and use exclusively within units in condominiums organized pursuant to Chapter 514B, HRS. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish an online registration system. Clarifies that portable solar generation devices are subject to certain approval procedures for installation in condominiums. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Ensures Department of Education and charter school students receive nonpartisan information, before reaching voting age, on how to properly preregister or register to vote.

Amends the minimum monthly guaranteed compensation an individual must earn to be exempt from certain wage and hour requirements. Requires the minimum wage to increase to $18.00 per hour beginning 1/1/2027, instead of 1/1/2028. Increases the minimum wage on 1/1/2028, 1/1/2029, and 1/1/2030. Prohibits tipped employees from being paid less than the minimum wage. Beginning on 9/30/2030, and on September 30 of each year thereafter, requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to calculate an adjusted minimum wage rate.

Establishes the right of a person to record law enforcement activities. Establishes a private right of action for any violation of the right to record law enforcement activities.

Exempts food and groceries from the general excise tax. Expands the general excise tax exemption implemented in 2024 for certain medical and dental services to include all medical and dental services.

Establishes the Trade-Oriented Production Capacity Grant Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to support one-time capital investments that expand the State's manufacturing and production capacity for trade. Provides grants for equipment, automation, and facility improvements that directly increase output, efficiency, and competitiveness for eligible businesses, with required private-sector matching funds. Prioritizes traded-sector businesses with interstate or international market potential to help generate measurable near-term trade and economic returns. Appropriates funds.

Appropriates funds for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) grant writer position within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and converts the position from temporary to permanent.

Establishes patient rights with respect to timely access to specialists and referrals and prior authorization determination timelines. Establishes certain requirements for health carriers for prior authorization determinations. Establishes certain requirements for the use of automated decision support tools for claims determinations and utilization review. Requires health carriers to establish certain safeguards for protected health information. Establishes certain reporting requirements for network adequacy. Establishes certain provider protections. Expands the Insurance Commissioner's enforcement authority.