Rep. Luke Evslin

Maddy summaryHB 846 raises the dollar threshold for the handyman exemption under contractor licensing law from $1,500 to $2,500. This means contractors performing small home repair jobs under the new limit ($2,500 per job) would no longer need a state license. The bill directly affects small-scale contractors and homeowners seeking minor repairs, reducing regulatory burden for simpler projects. It is a procedural change to existing licensing rules, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 558 proposes creating a Nuclear Energy Task Force within Hawaii's State Energy Office. The bill requires this task force to produce reports for the state Legislature, focusing on nuclear energy considerations. This is a procedural bill that establishes a study group (not a policy change) and directly affects Hawaii's energy office and legislative oversight process. It is currently pending in the 2026 session.

Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for enterprise zone program purposes to include retail sales of tangible personal property manufactured and sold in the enterprise zone that is to be used or consumed by the purchaser and not for resale, the processing of value-added agricultural products grown within an enterprise zone, and the provision of professional services by health care professionals in health care related sectors.

Maddy summaryHB 950 requires all newly constructed state buildings and facilities to use bi-level lighting systems starting January 1, 2026. Bi-level systems typically allow for adjustable light levels, such as dimming or separate switches for different areas, promoting energy efficiency. This mandate applies only to new construction projects initiated after the effective date, not existing buildings. The bill is currently pending in the legislature after being carried over to the 2026 Regular Session.

Maddy summaryHB 1429 appropriates state funds for capital improvement projects in the 15th, 16th, and 17th legislative districts. These projects would cover physical upgrades or construction, such as building repairs or infrastructure enhancements, directly benefiting residents and local facilities within those specific districts. The bill authorizes the allocation of money but does not specify individual projects or funding amounts. It remains pending in the legislative process after being carried over to the 2026 session.

Part I: Establishes requirements for kauhale projects, including reporting requirements by the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions (OHHS). Requires the Auditor to conduct a management and performance audit of the kauhale initiative. Appropriates funds for the continued operation of the kauhale initiative. Part II: Establishes the Ohana Zones Program as a permanent program within OHHS. Appropriates funds to DHS for the continued implementation of the Ohana Zones Pilot Program. Part III: Requires OHHS to submit a report every four months to the Legislature detailing the expenditure of funds appropriated toward the kauhale and ohana zones initiatives and conduct a comprehensive needs assessment. Part IV: Changes references to the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness to "Coordinator on Homelessness". Specifies that the Coordinator on Homelessness shall report directly to the Director of Human Services. (CD1)

Clarifies that the statute of repose applies to contract, tort, and statutory claims. Clarifies the required contents of a notice of claim of a construction defect served on a contractor. Clarifies the process and time frame by which a claimant may accept or reject a contractor's offer to settle and authorize repairs. Clarifies the mediation process for construction defect claims. Clarifies the statute of limitation or repose for construction defect claims. (CD1)

Beginning 7/1/2026, authorizes the State Historic Preservation Division to contract its review of proposed state projects and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants under certain circumstances. Establishes requirements for qualified third-party consultants providing review services. Requires the project proponent to pay the reasonable fee requirements of the third-party consultant. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to publish a draft of its proposed rules and later present its proposed final rules to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Sunsets 6/30/2030. (CD1)

Expands existing crisis intervention programs by requiring, and appropriating funds for, the Department of Health to establish a Homeless Triage and Treatment Center Program within its Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division to serve homeless individuals and individuals at risk of homelessness with substance abuse issues or mental illness. Requires the Crisis Intervention and Diversion Services Program to redirect certain homeless persons to the appropriate health care system and services. Authorizes the program to include intensive mobile outreach services. Requires appropriations for the program to be used only for services contracted directly between the Department of Health and the service provider. (CD1)

Establishes a Medi-Medi Project within the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for staff and operating expenses. Requires and appropriates funds for the Executive Office on Aging to develop a one-year pilot project to provide the Medi-Medi Project to kupuna and families living in a disadvantaged community, specifically the Kalihi Valley catchment areas. (CD1)