Rep. Jackson Sayama

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Human Services to form a task force to study how to allow two unrelated private-pay individuals to live together in community care foster family homes. Currently, state law generally restricts these homes to one private-pay client at a time, or two only if they are married or in a civil union. The task force will examine ways to simplify application processes for couples and potentially expand housing options for unrelated individuals while considering impacts on Medicaid recipients. The group will include representatives from health services, care home organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Hawaii House Resolution (HR 5) affirms that hospitals must provide life-saving emergency care - including abortion services when medically necessary - to stabilize pregnant patients under the federal EMTALA law. It directly supports Hawaii hospitals and emergency providers, reinforcing their existing practice of offering such care without delay. The resolution urges all hospitals in Hawaii, including religiously affiliated ones, to continue following EMTALA’s requirement to provide necessary emergency treatment regardless of patient circumstances. It does not create new law but clarifies Hawaii’s commitment to upholding federal emergency care standards, addressing confusion from recent shifts in federal guidance. The resolution aims to strengthen public confidence in emergency care access for pregnant people across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill nominates former Governor John D. Waihe'e III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor recognizing individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution highlights Waihe'e's historic role as the first Native Hawaiian governor, his leadership in advancing education, health care, and economic development, and his ongoing civic engagement. By passing this resolution, the House formally recommends Waihe'e for the award, with copies sent to the Governor and the Aloha Order of Merit Committee for further consideration.

Authorizes HHFDC to designate certain for-sale units as permanently affordable housing, subject to certain restrictions. Clarifies that certain resale and occupancy restrictions apply only to projects developed prior to a certain date. Amends the definition of "qualified resident" for the purposes of HHFDC housing development programs. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Makes the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program permanent, with modifications that include changing the method for computation of interest for purchasers of certain real property. Expands the use of proceeds in the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to include purchasing equity in for-sale housing development projects and interim primary or secondary financing. Exempts disbursements from the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund from appropriation and allotment requirements. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires purchase, lease, and power purchase agreements for residential solar energy devices to include a cover page with certain required disclosures. Requires any person or entity that markets, sells, leases, or solicits a residential solar energy device or markets, sells, or solicits power purchase agreements to comply with consumer protection laws. Prohibits any person or entity from installing, marketing, offering financing, or engaging in customer acquisition for a residential solar energy device without holding a contractor's license or having a contractual affiliation with a licensed contractor. Allows for rescission or cancellation of the agreement. Specifies that agreements in violation of the law are voidable. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Establishes an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program to be administered by the University of Hawaii to provide financial support for early learning program service providers in the State to participate in state- or federally-approved early learning apprenticeship programs. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)

Establishes and appropriates funds for the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives that support the use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Sunsets 12/2/2030. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Imposes conveyance tax on the transfer of a controlling interest of an entity with an interest in real property. Stipulates that the imposition of the conveyance tax on transfers of entity ownership shall not apply to any transfer of interest or acquisition between entities wholly owned by the same common ownership that results in no change in the beneficial ownership. Imposes the conveyance tax on certain transfers of real property at the lowest tax rate. Imposes liability on the transferee in the event that the transferor of the controlling interest does not pay the tax due. Effective 1/1/3028. (SD1)

Implements certain recommendations of the SPEED Task Force. Requires the State Building Code Council to provide annual training to state and county permitting agency employees. Appropriates funds for the training, subject to a matching requirement from the counties. Effective 7/1/2055. (SD1)