Authorizes a county planning commission, by special permit, to permit land uses exclusively providing residential housing for purposes of agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or workforce fee simple ownership in an agricultural district, under certain conditions. Repeals 6/30/2035. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Maddy summaryHB 1278 appropriates state funds for assessing and removing hazardous trees on Hawaii's state lands. It directly affects state property managers and public safety officials responsible for maintaining these areas. The bill's key provision is authorizing financial resources specifically for tree hazard evaluation and removal operations. The law becomes effective on July 1, 3000, as stated in the official abstract.
Establishes statewide, uniform standards to promote agricultural tourism activities in the State for all counties that have adopted an agricultural tourism ordinance. Requires agricultural tourism activities to be registered by the county planning department. Requires agricultural tourism activities to coexist with an agricultural activity on a farming operation and requires termination of the agricultural tourism activities upon cessation of the agricultural activity, except under certain circumstances. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Establishes a Plant-based Building Materials Working Group to study and report on how best to grow plants and develop plant-based building materials in Hawaii. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Maddy summaryHB 2477 allocates state funds for capital improvement projects (such as infrastructure or facility upgrades) specifically within the 15th, 16th, and 17th Representative Districts. The bill directly affects residents and local governments in those districts by providing financial resources for physical improvements. It is a funding measure, not a new law, and its provisions involve directing state capital funds to designated geographic areas for approved projects. The bill was introduced on January 27, 2026, and referred to the Finance Committee.
Requires all state building construction begun on or after 7/1/2026 to provide at least 1 universal changing accommodation in each public restroom designated as a family or assisted-use restroom, where feasible.
Requires the Chief Data Officer to enhance the State's open data portal website through the phased development and publishing of an artificial intelligence chatbot and necessary data visualizations on statewide shared data sets to assist the public in navigating the open data portal website and finding information about statewide services across state departments and agencies. Requires the Chief Data Officer to develop a system to evaluate and select for procurement artificial intelligence governance tools for use by state departments and agencies and establish a mechanism for reporting and publication of artificial intelligence use cases and artificial intelligence vendors used by the departments and agencies. Appropriates funds.
Appropriates funds to the judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
Changes the allowed absence by a primary caregiver at a community care foster family home to 48 hours in calendar week with no absence longer than 24 consecutive hours.
Maddy summaryHB 2419 lowers the minimum age requirement for substitute caregivers in community care foster family homes from the current standard to 18 years. This change directly affects youth aged 18 who may serve as substitute caregivers in foster family settings. The bill modifies Department of Health rules to allow 18-year-olds to fill these roles, previously requiring a higher age. It represents a specific policy adjustment to caregiver eligibility without altering other foster care standards. The bill is currently in committee referral after introduction.
