Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryHB 652 would regulate individuals or entities that charge fees for providing advice or assistance with veterans' benefits applications. It directly affects paid advisors (such as consultants or representatives) who help veterans navigate benefits systems. The bill would establish requirements for these advisors, likely including licensing, disclosure rules, or standards for their services. Currently, the bill is pending review after being referred to committees, with a recommendation to defer further action as of January 31, 2025. It has not yet become law.

Extends the sunset date of Act 107, SLH 2023, which allows for the reimbursement of services provided through telehealth via an interactive telecommunications system, until 12/31/2026. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 1277 sets a $1,000 daily transaction limit for purchases made through digital financial asset kiosks, directly affecting users of these automated machines. The bill requires kiosks to enforce this cap on all transactions involving digital assets like cryptocurrencies. It is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 3000 (though this date appears to be a placeholder, as it is far in the future). The measure is currently under review by the committee with a recommendation to pass it with amendments.

Prohibits the licensing of an adult residential care home, expanded adult residential care home, or developmental disabilities domiciliary home that is financed, managed, operated, supervised, directed, or owned in whole or in part by a person convicted of a gambling offense.

Repeals the requirement to use the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program Trust Fund if the Director elects to accept deposits from contributors instead of sending deposits directly to the ABLE program manager. Authorizes the Director of Finance to expend moneys in the trust fund to provide incentive payments to Hawaii public school ABLE account owners. Appropriates funds for incentive payments to Hawaii public school ABLE account owners and to fund a position to provide statewide outreach, advocacy, and relationship management for the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program.

Establishes an agricultural crime prevention program within the Department of Agriculture to provide grants, education, administrative enforcement, and other services for the benefit of the State's agricultural industry. Clarifies, creates, and strengthens laws regarding crimes and violations related to agriculture or agricultural lands and hunting on private agricultural lands. Establishes clear distinctions between administrative and criminal penalties. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds for a one-time hazard pay bonus to state officers and employees in bargaining units 5, 6, and 7, and their excluded counterparts under certain conditions.

Requires the Department of Education's existing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) working group to create a state plan to make completion of the FAFSA or an opt-out waiver a statewide graduation requirement by the 2027-2028 school year. Requires a report to the 2026 legislature.

Requires the Department of Education to implement dyslexia-sensitive universal screenings and evidence-based interventions, offer professional development on structured literacy and evidenced-based interventions, and support pre-teacher programs in training candidates in structured literary instruction. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 942 allocates state funds to the Department of Health to pay community-based health organizations for contracted health care services. It directly affects local clinics, nonprofits, and social service providers that deliver health care in communities. The key mechanism is directing state funding through the Department of Health to these organizations, rather than changing eligibility or service requirements. This is a funding bill focused on resource allocation, not altering health care policy or patient access rules.