Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryHB 610 creates a new Cold Case Investigation Unit within the Department of the Attorney General and appropriates funding for its operations. The unit will focus on reviewing unresolved criminal cases, directly affecting the Attorney General's Department by providing dedicated resources for these investigations. Key provisions include establishing the unit's structure and allocating state funds for its staffing and activities. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 3000.

Maddy summaryHB 684 would gradually eliminate the "tip credit," a practice allowing employers to count tips toward meeting the minimum wage requirement for tipped workers. This change would directly affect restaurant servers, bartenders, and other tipped employees, as well as the businesses that employ them. The bill's key mechanism is a phased approach over time, replacing the current system where employers could offset part of the minimum wage with reported tips, ensuring tipped workers receive the full minimum wage without relying on tip counts.

Establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion. Requires each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes a state-owned bank implementation board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to determine the need for, potential costs and benefits of, and prerequisites to establishing a state-owned bank. Requires a report to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 131 allows state agencies to share specific government records with researchers for approved research projects. This directly affects researchers seeking public data and the agencies managing those records. The bill creates a clear process for disclosures, requiring that research purposes be legitimate and defined in advance. It does not alter existing privacy laws but provides a standardized pathway for accessing government data to support research.

Establishes and appropriates moneys for a Missing Indigenous Person Alert program to help locate indigenous persons who are missing and thought to be in danger.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a Healthy Soils Program. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Statewide Interagency Food Systems Coordination Team and the Interagency Food Systems Working Group within the Department of Agriculture. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate all aspects of the cannabis plant. Beginning 1/1/2026, legalizes the personal adult use of cannabis. Establishes taxes on the retail sale of adult-use cannabis and the sale of medical cannabis. Adds new traffic offenses relating to the consumption or possession of marijuana or marijuana concentrate. Makes conforming amendments related to the legalization of personal adult use of cannabis. Beginning 1/1/2026, decriminalizes certain drug offenses related to marijuana and marijuana concentrate. Transfers the personnel and assets of the Department of Health and assets of the Department of Agriculture relating to cannabis to the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office. Establishes various positions within state entities to regulate the personal adult use of cannabis. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds for the Executive Office on Early Learning to contract with third-party providers of family-child interaction learning programs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)