Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the island of Kahoolawe. Specifies the decal size for all special number organizational plates. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, to develop and establish a social work training program to assist nonviolent incarcerated individuals in the area of social work. Requires progress reports on the program to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
Appropriates funds for critical repairs, maintenance, demolition, design, and construction for facilities of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Establishes and appropriates funds for positions within the University of Hawaii for the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summaryHB 178 appropriates state funds to establish a dedicated "state tea agent" position at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). This bill directly affects UH Mānoa CTAHR by funding a specific staff role focused on tea-related agricultural support. The bill does not change existing laws or regulations but allocates budget resources for this new position. As a funding measure, it is procedural in nature with no broader policy implications.
Maddy summaryHB 148 protects individuals who make claims about sexual misconduct from defamation lawsuits, directly affecting those reporting such incidents and potential defendants. The bill states that a defamation claim cannot succeed unless the person making the claim was proven to have acted with "malice" (knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for the truth). This creates a legal shield for accusers in sexual misconduct cases, preventing lawsuits based solely on the truthfulness of their allegations. The bill remains pending in the 2026 session after being carried over from 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 722 would allow workers who are on strike to receive unemployment benefits, directly affecting employees participating in labor disputes. Currently, striking workers are typically ineligible for these benefits, but this bill removes that exclusion. The key provision changes eligibility rules to include striking workers under the state's unemployment insurance program. The bill is currently pending in committee review for the 2026 session.
Establishes a process, beginning on January 1, 2026, for automatically preregistering or registering public, charter, and private school-enrolled students who are at least 16 years old to vote.
Maddy summaryHB 691 allocates state funds to the Campaign Spending Commission for permanent staff positions. This bill provides ongoing financial support for the commission's core operations by funding full-time roles, rather than changing campaign finance rules. It directly affects the commission's staffing structure but does not alter regulations for voters, candidates, or political groups. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not advanced to a vote.
Requires Liquor Commissions or Boards to deny any renewal for a liquor license if the applicant for renewal has violated any provision of the Intoxicating Liquor Law under chapter 281, Hawaii Revised Statutes, on three separate occasions during the twelve-month period preceding the renewal application date.
Increases the buffer zone for restricted use pesticides around schools to one-half mile. Allows the use of restricted use pesticides within the buffer zone as part of invasive species control conducted by the Department of Agriculture or invasive species committees organized under the University of Hawaii Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit.
