Rep. Luke Evslin

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)

Requires the Department of Health, in consultation with various agencies and professionals, to review rules and practices and propose changes that have the potential to make wastewater systems and cesspool upgrades more affordable without compromising water quality. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

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)

Exempts affordable housing projects that are financed by a nonprofit community development financial institution certified by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation as utilizing less than a certain amount from the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund from prevailing wage provisions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Authorizes the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund to be used to provide financial assistance to underserved ratepayers, in addition to other eligible borrowers. Appropriates funds into and out of the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1278 appropriates state funds to assess and remove hazardous trees on state lands across Hawaii. It directly affects Hawaii's state land management agencies, providing the necessary budget for these safety-related tree removal operations. The bill's key mechanism is the allocation of specific funding for tree assessment and removal, effective July 1, 2030 (note: "3000" in abstract appears to be a typo). This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, focused solely on enabling tree removal work on state property.

Allows for county permit exemptions for certain kinds of activities, including maintenance activities, installing group U structures, and certain interior remodeling work, when located outside a special management area. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to allow projects to grant preferences in the sale or lease of housing units to applicants who live or work within five miles of the project. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis non-binding House Resolution (HR 86) urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to create a plan addressing Hawaii's severe housing shortage. It cites data showing the state produces far fewer housing units annually (0.6% growth) than the national average (1.3%), with high demand for housing in the 120%+ income range but current focus on lower-income units. The resolution requires HHFDC to submit its plan to the legislature by January 2026, emphasizing the need for housing that meets statewide demand, including units for middle- and higher-income households. It directly affects Hawaii residents struggling with housing costs and availability, which the resolution states contributes to 24% of residents considering leaving the state.

Maddy summaryHCR 32 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to study whether nuclear energy development would be viable in the state. The study would examine costs, safety, and practicality of nuclear power as a potential solution to Hawaii's high electricity rates (over 100% above national average) and heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels (80%+ of energy). The University must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature, federal officials, and local mayors by 2027. This resolution does not approve any nuclear construction or waste disposal, as explicitly stated in the bill. It is a procedural request for analysis, not a policy change.