Rep. Gene Ward

Maddy summaryHB 260 eliminates state taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel for motor vehicles, directly affecting drivers and fuel consumers by removing these costs from their purchases. The bill requires fuel distributors to pass the full tax savings directly to consumers, ensuring any reduction in state taxes translates to lower prices at the pump. Currently pending introduction (as of January 16, 2025), the legislation focuses on concrete tax removal and consumer savings without additional provisions or exemptions.

Repeals the requirement imposed on the counties to allow for the construction of at least two accessory dwelling units on all residentially zoned lots. Establishes the accessory dwelling unit housing development program with the Hawaii Community Development Authority to award subsidies to individuals who build accessory dwelling units. Exempts those accessory dwelling units from general excise tax for the first 3 years of rental.

Clarifies that surfers have the right of way in designated surf locations to be determined by the department of land and natural resources. Authorizes penalties for fishermen who violate this section. Requires DLNR to implement a public education campaign, erect clear signs, and create a designated surf location map.

Maddy summaryHB 623 requires the State Board of Education to create a policy banning student use of phones and other electronic devices during school hours. This policy directly affects all public school students and school staff in the state. The key provision mandates the Board to adopt this rule, which would apply to all K-12 schools during instructional time. The bill does not specify exceptions or enforcement methods, only requiring the Board to establish the policy. (3 sentences)

Establishes the Onipaʻa Teacher Bonus Program to address teacher retention and award teachers for outstanding and extended service in the department of education. Ensures that general education teachers assigned to special education inclusion classes receive the same additional benefits as special education teachers.

Maddy summaryHB 665 creates a working group within the Office of Enterprise Technology Services to develop rules and policies for how state agencies share data. The group will establish guidelines for data governance, including security and privacy standards, to improve coordination across state departments. The bill allocates funds to support the group’s operations and meetings. This bill is currently in early stages (introduced January 2025, referred to committees) and does not directly affect residents or businesses, but will shape future data-sharing practices for state agencies.

Requires the Department of Education to assign school resource officers to department public schools and charter schools. Encourages the employment of qualified retirees from the local police departments and department of law enforcement. Appropriates funds for these positions.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the terms of members of the Legislature, as provided by law, for terms beginning after the general election of 2028.

Requires the department of education to designate athletic sports teams based on the biological sex assigned to players at birth. Prevents males from participating in female sports.

Establishes tax credits for insurers providing full property coverage to owners and associations of condominiums in the amount equal to twenty per cent of the insurance premium. Provides additional ten per cent tax credits to insurers incorporated in the State.