Rep. Tina Grandinetti

Establishes a carbon displacement tax credit for taxpayers of locally produced goods. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to certify tax credit amounts.

Prohibits the use of algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii's rental market. Requires the Department of the Attorney General to develop and undertake a public education program regarding the prohibition.

Proposes an amendment to article X, section 1, of the Hawaii State Constitution to require that the statewide public school system be thorough and efficient.

Requires a hotel to provide notification of a service disruption, or that a service disruption may occur, to all third-party vendors and prospective and current guests. Prohibits a hotel from imposing any fee, penalty, or other charge, or retaining any deposit: if before check-in, a guest cancels a reservation due to a service disruption, unless the hotel provided prior notice; or if the service disruption arises after check-in, regardless of whether the hotel provided prior notification.

Maddy summaryHB 889 provides a refundable tax credit for Hawaii taxpayers who pay the transient accommodations tax, which applies to short-term rentals like hotels and vacation homes. The bill directly affects travelers and businesses that collect this tax by allowing taxpayers to receive a refund if the tax paid exceeds their liability. Key provisions include making the credit refundable (meaning taxpayers get cash back, not just a reduction in future tax) and applying it to the existing transient accommodations tax structure. This is a direct policy change to the tax system, not a procedural measure.

Appropriates funds for eight full-time agricultural technician, and four full-time coordinator positions at University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Increases the income tax rate on the highest income earners in the State by establishing a new tax bracket for taxable years beginning after 12/31/2029.

Expands the types of employees protected by the Hawaii Employment Relations Act to include independent contractors and all individuals subject to the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Act.

Maddy summaryHB 942 allocates state funds to the Department of Health for contracting health care services with community-based organizations. This bill directly affects local health organizations that provide services to residents, particularly in underserved communities. The key provision establishes a funding mechanism requiring the Department of Health to use these resources to partner with such organizations for service delivery. The bill was introduced on January 21, 2025, and referred to relevant committees for 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.