Rep. Tina Grandinetti

Establishes statewide, uniform standards to promote agricultural tourism activities in the State for all counties that have adopted an agricultural tourism ordinance. Requires agricultural tourism activities to be registered by the county planning department. Requires agricultural tourism activities to coexist with an agricultural activity on a farming operation and requires termination of the agricultural tourism activities upon cessation of the agricultural activity, except under certain circumstances. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 131 allows state government agencies to share certain government records with researchers for specific research projects. It directly affects researchers seeking access to public data and government agencies handling record disclosures. The bill establishes a clear process for agencies to release records when researchers demonstrate the work serves a legitimate public interest, such as policy analysis or community studies. The measure passed committee unanimously on January 28, 2025, with 8 representatives voting in favor. This policy change aims to improve data access for research while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

Establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion. Requires each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Authorizes the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund to be used to provide financial assistance to underserved ratepayers, in addition to other eligible borrowers. Appropriates funds into and out of the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHR 176 is a House Resolution (not a bill) requesting Hawaii's State Office of Elections to form a working group to study changing the state's automatic voter registration system from an opt-in model (where voters must actively register) to an opt-out model (where registration is automatic unless declined). The working group, including election officials and advocacy representatives, must recommend changes and submit a report to the Legislature by 2025. This resolution directly affects Hawaii voters and election administrators by proposing a potential shift in how voter registration is handled. It does not enact new law but seeks to evaluate a policy change aimed at improving registration convenience and participation.

Maddy summaryHCR 147 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Health, Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to coordinate an enforcement plan addressing illegal dispensaries selling cannabis labeled as hemp. It directly affects these state agencies and targets the surge of over 84 illegal operators selling cannabis (with THC over 0.3%) disguised as hemp, often near schools and in high-traffic areas like Waikiki. The resolution calls for interagency coordination to address gaps in enforcement, as current rules lack specific regulations for these illicit operations, which offer unregulated products without age checks or medical requirements. It does not create new laws but requests existing agencies use their authority under Hawaii Revised Statutes and administrative rules to combat this issue.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 142) requests Hawaii’s Department of Health to create a task force that will develop minimum professional standards for community health worker training programs. The task force must include representatives from the Department of Health, community colleges, county health workers, advocacy groups, and healthcare organizations, with a report due by January 2026. It directly affects community health workers and training programs across Hawaii by aiming to establish consistent quality standards for their education and practice. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to improve workforce readiness and health outcomes through standardized training.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 141) urges Hawaii's Department of Health, Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to create a coordinated enforcement plan addressing illegal dispensaries selling cannabis labeled as hemp. It directly affects state agencies responsible for public health and safety, noting over 84 such operations are selling unregulated cannabis near schools, airports, and residential areas without age checks or medical requirements. The resolution highlights that hemp (≤0.3% THC) and cannabis (over 0.3% THC) are chemically distinct, but illegal operators falsely label high-THC products as hemp, risking contaminated products. It references existing Hawaii laws (HRS Chapter 328G, HRS Chapter 11-37) but states no specific statutes currently cover these illegal operations. The resolution is non-binding and focuses on closing enforcement gaps, not creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 104) requests the State Auditor to conduct biennial management and financial audits of Hawaii's Medicaid health care insurance contractors (managed care organizations). It directly affects these contractors, requiring them to cooperate with the Auditor by providing necessary records. The resolution mandates audits to assess financial integrity, compliance with laws/regulations, and contractor performance, with the first audit due within six months of July 1, 2025. The Auditor must submit findings to the Governor, Legislature, and Human Services Director by January 2027, and every two years thereafter. This follows past issues including Medicaid overpayments and a 2023 federal review identifying gaps in fraud prevention.