Rep. Andrew Garrett

Maddy summaryHB 442 allocates state funds specifically for the University of Hawaii, West Oahu to support its pre-nursing pathway program. This bill directly affects students at UH West Oahu who are enrolled in or seeking entry into nursing education. The key provision is the appropriation of dedicated funding to develop and operate this pre-nursing curriculum. The bill focuses on expanding access to nursing education pathways at this campus, without changing broader university policies or regulations.

Beginning 1/1/2026, increases the cigarette tax from 16 cents to 18 cents and amends the disposition of cigarette tax revenues by allocating the increase in the cigarette tax amount to the Hawaii Cancer Research Special Fund, with a portion to be used exclusively for debt service of capital expenditures and building maintenance. Effective 12/31/2025. (CD1)

Beginning 1/1/2026, establishes a regulatory framework specifically for pet insurance based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Pet Insurance Model Act. (CD1)

Allows a patient who has been seen in person by a health care provider who is in the same medical group as the prescribing provider authorized pursuant to section 329-33, HRS, to be prescribed an opiate prescription for a three-day supply or less via telehealth. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 27 is a Hawaii House Concurrent Resolution requesting the state's congressional delegation to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address unequal export rules for agricultural products. It specifically highlights that Hawaii faces restrictions similar to U.S. territories, requiring USDA approval for most fruit, vegetable, and flower exports to the mainland - unlike other states. The resolution notes Hawaii's export petitions often wait years behind foreign countries' requests, causing significant delays for local growers. This bill does not change regulations but formally asks federal lawmakers to advocate for Hawaii's agricultural sector to achieve parity with other states.

Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to prioritize development of workforce rental and for-sale housing projects for qualified residents. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to adopt administrative rules. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summaryHCR 96 is a non-binding resolution encouraging the University of Hawaii (UH) to evaluate and expand mental health services for students. It specifically urges UH to hire more mental health professionals, extend counseling hours, improve crisis response, and implement proactive outreach programs to meet growing student demand. The resolution requires UH to provide the legislature with periodic updates on these efforts to ensure accountability. It directly affects UH students by addressing gaps in current mental health support, though it does not allocate funding or mandate changes. The resolution was introduced by Representative Mar and passed by the 2025 Hawaii Legislature.

Requires the University of Hawaii System to collect, analyze, and publicly report certain graduate outcome data. Requires and appropriates funds for the development and maintenance of a graduate outcomes dashboard. Appropriates funds for positions within the University of Hawaii's Office of the Vice President of Academic Strategy. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines. Effective 7/1/2050. (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 7/31/2050. (SD1)