Rep. Nadine Nakamura

Maddy summaryHB 1148 simplifies the process for appealing county tax decisions by removing a requirement to serve the notice of appeal on the Director of Taxation. This change directly affects taxpayers or property owners who file appeals against local county tax assessments. The bill's key provision clarifies that county tax appeals only need to follow standard service rules, eliminating the need to notify the state tax director. This is a procedural adjustment focused on streamlining administrative steps for local tax disputes.

Authorizes the use of county surcharge revenues for transportation and housing infrastructure in counties having a population of 500,000 or less. Authorizes counties that have previously adopted a surcharge on state tax ordinance after July 1, 2015, to amend the uses of the surcharge. Extends the period within which a county with a population of 500,000 or less may collect a surcharge on state tax, under certain conditions, to 12/31/2047. Authorizes cost-sharing with private or other public developers for housing infrastructure projects funded by surcharge revenues.

Establishes the Kalaupapa State Historical Area. Authorizes the Department of Health to continue providing services statewide to Hansen's disease patients living in the community. Repeals sections of chapter 326, Hawaii Revised Statutes, upon the one-year anniversary of the passing of the last patient resident of Kalaupapa as affirmed in the Governor's proclamation.

Changes the due date of the Department of Education's computer science legislative report from June 30 to twenty days prior to the start of the legislative regular session.

Maddy summaryHB 1107 allocates state funding to the Department of Health to expand access to emergency air ambulance services. This bill directly affects emergency medical service providers and patients in rural or remote areas who rely on air ambulances for urgent care. The key provision is the appropriation of funds to increase availability and coverage of these services. The bill aims to improve timely medical response for critical emergencies where ground transport is impractical. (3 sentences)

Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a program to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsorily or voluntarily induction into the armed services of the United States and to persons whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices.

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, in coordination with other agencies, to update the soil data used in the land study bureau soil rating system and create a mechanism for regular soil data updates. Appropriates funds.

Requires the Department of Education to implement dyslexia-sensitive universal screenings, provide evidence-based interventions, and offer professional development on dyslexia and structured literacy.

Authorizes the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to issue an order of wage payment violation to the employer found to be in violation of wage and hour provisions. Establishes penalties, enforcement, and appeal procedures. Amends the definition of "wage" to include compensation for labor or services rendered by an employee, whether the amount is determined on a time, task, piece, commission, or other basis of calculation.

Maddy summaryHB 1121 proposes exempting specific roles within Hawaii's Department of Health, including positions at Hawaii State Hospital, from standard civil service hiring requirements. This means these positions would no longer require competitive exams or adherence to typical state civil service rules for appointment. The bill directly affects how the Department of Health hires for these designated roles, streamlining the process to fill vacancies. As a procedural change, it focuses on altering hiring procedures rather than substantive policy. The bill was introduced on January 21, 2025, and passed its first reading on January 23.