Rep. Luke Evslin

Establishes an exemption from applicable county permit requirements for repetitive construction projects for facilities under the control of any state department or agency, under certain conditions. Clarifies that, except for projects in special flood hazard areas, contracts for the construction, renovation, or repair of facilities under the control of the Department of Education, University of Hawaii, or School Facilities Authority shall be exempt from county permitting requirements that related off-site improvements be made by the contracting government agency as a condition to the issuance of any permit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes green infrastructure objectives, policies, and priority guidelines for state facility systems, infrastructure, transit projects, and other areas in the Hawaii State Planning Act to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Adds definition of "green infrastructure". Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, in partnership with the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force, to submit a report to the Legislature making recommendations for implementing the green infrastructure objectives, policies, and priority guidelines. Establishes full-time equivalent ( .0 FTE) policy analyst positions within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Appropriates funds.

Exempts from restrictions on light transmittance percentages, up to a certain percent, of certain motor vehicle sun screening devices for persons having light sensitivity of the eyes due to a medical condition. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 146 appropriates funds to the Hawai'i Judiciary to support its 'Ōlelo Hawai'i Initiatives, which promote the use of the Hawaiian language in court settings. The bill provides specific funding for these programs, directly affecting the Judiciary's operations and language accessibility services. It does not change existing laws but allocates resources to advance the Judiciary's existing language preservation efforts, effective July 1, 2030. (Note: The abstract's "7/1/3000" appears to be a typo; the intended effective date is 2030.)

Authorizes the Hawaiian Homes Commission to retain independent legal counsel, with any legal fees owed to be paid by the State, and also use the services of the Attorney General as needed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 527 prohibits county legislative bodies from altering housing development proposals in ways that would increase project costs. It directly affects housing developers and county governments by preventing local officials from adding requirements or fees that raise construction expenses. The bill’s key provision bans county-level changes - such as extra fees, design mandates, or environmental overlays - that would make housing projects more expensive. The bill is currently pending in committee, having been referred to the Housing and Governmental Affairs committee but not yet passed.

Establishes a working group to revise the State's Qualified Allocation Plan, the prioritization of the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, and the terms of loans made from the RHRF. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Exempts the sale of groceries and nonprescription drugs from the general excise tax. Incrementally increases the general excise tax over four years, with the increased proceeds during certain fiscal years to be deposited into the general fund. Removes the state income tax on unemployment compensation benefits. Doubles the standard deduction for individuals earning less than $100,000 and joint returns earning less than $200,000. Repeals the incremental increases on standard income tax deduction amounts. Increases the minimum income threshold and exemption amount for the low-income household renters' income tax credit. Removes the tax liability for the first $100,000 of individual income earned. Establishes the Maui Recovery Special Fund to be used for recovery programs related to the 2023 Maui wildfires. Appropriates funds. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024.

Decreases the time period for the legislative body of a county to approve, approve with modification, or disapprove housing developments exempt from certain requirements pursuant to section 201H-38, HRS, from forty-five days to thirty days.

Establishes the Transit-Oriented Community Improvement Partnership within the Department of Transportation. Establishes the Community Improvement Revolving Fund. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)