Rep. Mark Hashem

Maddy summaryHB 2152 clarifies that dog owners are legally liable when their dogs attack livestock, such as cattle or sheep. It directly affects dog owners and livestock farmers by establishing clearer legal responsibility for such incidents. The bill increases penalties for owners whose dogs cause harm to livestock and strengthens enforcement mechanisms to hold them accountable. This changes current liability rules by making owner negligence more punishable through specific fines or other sanctions.

Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. (SD1)

Applies a definition of "development" to special management areas within counties with a population between one hundred fifty thousand and two hundred thousand to exempt from special management area use permit requirements all activities that are not included within the definition, including certain federal-, state-, or county-funded, authorized, or implemented infrastructure and improvement projects that are exempt from an environmental assessment or for which a finding of no significant impact has been issued. Sunsets 6/30/2030. (CD2)

Maddy summaryThis bill updates rules for fees and permits related to state small boat harbors, affecting harbor operators and users. It revises existing provisions to clarify how charges are assessed and what documentation is required for permits. The changes take effect on July 1, 2030, and aim to streamline administrative processes for small boat harbor management. The legislation does not alter the fundamental structure of harbor operations but focuses on updating fee schedules and permit requirements.

Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, fire chiefs, Law Enforcement Standards Board, and Department of Health to make available at least one hour of dementia‑specific training for first responders, including law enforcement officers, fire first responders, and emergency medical services personnel. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to take certain steps when reviewing and recommending dementia-specific training curricula. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure. It directly affects state residents, local government officials, and water utility managers by encouraging participation in educational programs and events. The resolution partners with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675 to highlight the importance of sustainable water management and infrastructure investment. Certified copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, health director, county mayors, and water supply managers across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and the Prefecture of Okayama in Japan, creating an official framework for ongoing cooperation between the two regions. The resolution, which requires no new funding or legal changes, authorizes the transmission of certified copies to relevant government officials and international partners to formalize the partnership. It recognizes existing historical ties dating back to 1868, including Japanese immigration to Hawaii and decades of grassroots exchanges, while outlining shared interests in tourism, agriculture, education, and cultural preservation. The Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission recommended this relationship based on mutual benefits for residents, businesses, and communities in both jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryHCR 14 authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources to issue a perpetual, non-exclusive easement for Resorttrust Hawaii, LLC (owner of the Kahala Hotel & Resort) to maintain and operate existing drainage infrastructure on state submerged lands at Waialae, Honolulu. The easement covers approximately 12,700 square feet of state lands and grants rights to use, repair, maintain, and replace the hotel's drainage pipelines for stormwater and lagoon outfalls. This resolution satisfies Hawaii Revised Statutes section 171-53, requiring legislative approval for such land use, and includes a one-time payment for fair market rent determined by independent appraisal.

Requires the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to: manage the aquatic life and aquatic resources of the State, giving the highest priority to protecting, restoring, and maintaining ecosystem integrity and using the best peer-reviewed scientific data available; maintain reefs and each native species within them at levels no less than the best peer-reviewed science suggests is able to comfortably withstand the worst coral bleaching events and other likely threats to reef ecosystem health in the subsequent five decades; and set goals, make plans, and take action to substantially increase coral-reef resilience with annual reports to the Legislature. (SD1)