Rep. Gene Ward

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)

Maddy summaryHB 474 allocates funds to the Department of Health to support its existing Fall Prevention Campaign. The bill directly affects the Department of Health by providing dedicated funding for ongoing fall prevention efforts, which target reducing injuries among older adults. Key provisions include appropriating specific budget resources to sustain current campaign activities like community outreach and safety education. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, and does not create new requirements for individuals or organizations.

Appropriates funds to establish a position within the Department of Health to assist with the upgrade and conversion of cesspools and perform any other related responsibilities as designated by the Wastewater Branch of the Department of Health. (CD1)

Maddy summaryHB 862 allows school districts to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation services, provided they meet specific safety and operational requirements. This bill directly affects public school districts that rely on transportation services for students. The key provision expands the types of vehicles eligible for school bus use beyond standard school buses, while requiring compliance with established safety standards. The bill passed committee with amendments in February 2025 but has not yet become law.

Establishes the Accessory Dwelling Unit Financing and Deed Restriction Program to allocate funds to the counties for the purchase of equity in an accessory dwelling unit by the State. Specifies eligible homeowners or homebuyers for the Program to finance construction costs, development costs, and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit and purchase deed restrictions on the property. Appropriates moneys for infrastructure projects. Sunsets 1/1/2031. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD2)

For taxable years, beginning 1/1/2026, increases the maximum annual deduction for contributions to, and maximum account levels for, individual housing accounts. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the contracting of services for start-up business financing and support. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Maddy summaryHCR 163 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to create an annual festival celebrating Pacific Island cultures and arts. It directly addresses the Foundation (with consultation from other agencies), inspired by the success of the 2024 FestPAC event that drew over 500,000 visitors. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but requests the Foundation establish this recurring event to foster cultural appreciation among Pacific nations. It is procedural in nature, focusing on symbolic recognition rather than policy change.

Appropriates funds to support educational training programs to expand the State's health care workforce, including funding to support health care certification programs offered in public high schools and education programs that support certified nurse assistants in becoming licensed practical nurses. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 164) is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's four major counties (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai) to create and maintain a publicly accessible online list of hurricane shelters and refuges. It requires counties to include specific details for each location, such as address, hurricane rating capability (category 1+), capacity, pet policies, and accessibility accommodations. The resolution also recommends counties collaborate with Hawaii's emergency management agency to develop a statewide list and include disclaimers that shelter availability depends on emergency declarations. The goal is to improve public access to critical, up-to-date shelter information during storm events.