Rep. Dee Morikawa

Categorizes electric bicycles into three classes based on speed and operation. Requires electric bicycle manufacturers and distributors to apply a label to each electric bicycle. Authorizes county police to confiscate bicycles for certain offenses. Increases penalty fee paid upon redemption. Imposes a requirement that counties inform individuals of the applicable traffic code, safety information, and penalties for violations at the time of registering a bicycle.

Maddy summaryHB 1489 allocates state funds to the Department of Human Services (DHS) to administer core homelessness services. It directly supports homeless service providers and individuals experiencing homelessness by funding essential programs like emergency shelter and basic assistance. The bill does not create new programs but directs DHS to use these funds for existing core services. The bill was introduced on January 23, 2025, and referred to committees for further review.

Allows manufacturers to coordinate activities directly related to the recycling of covered electronic devices. Expands the scope of covered electronic devices to include electronic device peripherals and certain legacy devices. Requires manufacturers to provide free collection service locations and collection events.

Exempts the tax collected on the sale of groceries that are eligible under the supplemental nutrition assistance program or special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, regardless of the means of purchase and the program eligibility of the purchaser.

Maddy summaryHB 178 appropriates state funds to establish a new position for a state tea agent at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). This bill directly affects UH Manoa's CTAHR program by funding a dedicated specialist focused on tea agriculture. The key mechanism is a budget allocation to create this role, supporting research and outreach related to tea cultivation in Hawaii. The bill is procedural, focusing on funding a specific staff position rather than changing laws.

Establishes a Desalination Planning Task Force to examine the feasibility of, and develop a plan and timeline for, the use desalination as a source of potable water in the State.

Permanently increases the state earned income tax credit to fifty per cent of the federal earned income tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024.

Requires the Disability and Communication Access Board to issue a disability travel placard to an applicant who has a valid removeable windshield placard and provides proof of travel. Effective 7/1/2027.

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents.

Maddy summaryHB 362 transfers a specific parcel of land owned by the Hawaii Department of Education to Kauai County. The bill also allocates funding to support this transfer. This legislation directly affects Kauai County government and the Department of Education by changing land ownership and providing financial resources for the process. The key provision is the mandatory conveyance of the land parcel, with funds appropriated to facilitate the transaction.