Rep. Andrew Garrett

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 26) requests Hawaii's congressional delegation to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address unequal export rules for Hawaiian agricultural products. It highlights that Hawaii faces longer delays than other states in getting USDA approval to export items like cut flowers and produce, as its petitions for new exports are treated the same as foreign countries' requests and often deprioritized. This delay severely restricts Hawaiian growers' ability to sell their goods, forcing them to wait years or decades for authorization. The resolution does not change laws but formally asks Congress to advocate for Hawaii's agricultural sector to achieve parity in USDA export processes.

Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to house a collection of data on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the State. Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database Advisory Committee. Requires the Agency to create a Parkinson's disease research collection database webpage by 1/1/2026, and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 531 authorizes the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates recognizing the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. This bill directly affects drivers who choose to purchase these specialty plates, which would display the center's name. The key provision is creating a new plate design for public recognition, with no additional fees or requirements beyond standard plate issuance. The bill is procedural and does not change existing laws or impose new obligations. It is scheduled for committee review in February 2025.

Creates a School Psychologists Working Group within the Department of Education to recommend actionable steps or propose legislation for an immediate pathway to licensure for school psychologists that can be acted upon in 2026. Requires a report to the Legislature. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and Hawaii Invasive Species Council to ensure their long-term viability and continue to control and eradicate invasive species in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Establishes the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

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 1278 appropriates state funds to assess and remove hazardous trees on state lands across Hawaii. It directly affects Hawaii's state land management agencies, providing the necessary budget for these safety-related tree removal operations. The bill's key mechanism is the allocation of specific funding for tree assessment and removal, effective July 1, 2030 (note: "3000" in abstract appears to be a typo). This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, focused solely on enabling tree removal work on state property.

Maddy summaryHCR 32 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to study whether nuclear energy development would be viable in the state. The study would examine costs, safety, and practicality of nuclear power as a potential solution to Hawaii's high electricity rates (over 100% above national average) and heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels (80%+ of energy). The University must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature, federal officials, and local mayors by 2027. This resolution does not approve any nuclear construction or waste disposal, as explicitly stated in the bill. It is a procedural request for analysis, not a policy change.

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.