Rep. Ikaika Olds

Maddy summaryHB 183 would expand the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by allowing qualifying low-income working parents to claim an additional credit if they have a dependent child under 18. This directly affects families with children in that age group who currently qualify for the base EITC but may not receive the full benefit. The key provision adds a specific credit amount tied to having a dependent under 18, increasing the total refundable credit available. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted into law.

Establishes a 2-year homelessness sanctuary pilot program, to be administered by the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness in coordination with the Department of Human Services and the City and County of Honolulu. Directs the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness to designate a specific location on state or county land for the pilot program, which shall serve as a safe location for homeless individuals and families to reside and access services. Requires the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness and the coordinator's partner agencies to provide certain facilities and services at the designated location. Requires reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 12/31/2027. Appropriates moneys.

Maddy summaryHB 869 expands eligibility for the Hawaii Community College Promise Program scholarships to include all qualified students, not just current participants. The bill provides state funding to cover these expanded scholarships, ensuring more Hawaii residents can access affordable community college education. It directly affects students seeking associate degrees or certificates at Hawaii's community colleges who meet income and residency criteria. The legislation modifies the existing program by broadening access while securing dedicated funding for implementation.

Establishes the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Updates the Condominium Property Act to integrate the role and functions of the ombudsman's office for condominium associations. Appropriates funds for establishment of the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations.

Repeals the exception for when a person is not required to wear a safety helmet when operating a moped or motor scooter leased from a rental company. Requires operators and passengers of motorcycles to wear safety helmets with securely fastened chin straps while operating two-wheeled motorized vehicles on highways, streets, roadways, or any other public property in the State. Requires all renters or lessees of an electric foot scooter to wear a safety helmet regardless of their age. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Prohibits the smoking of cannabis and the smoking of cannabis for medical use, including via an electronic smoking device, in any area accessible by the public.

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents.

Prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of waste or disposal facilities that are near or above a significant aquifer. Allows counties to apply for exemptions to state siting standards if they meet certain criteria.

Requires that each county council district feature at least one voter service center for elections. Prioritizes using public schools as voter service centers. Requires the clerk to advertise for volunteers. Requires each county council district to have one voter service center open on election day.

Expands the scopes of practice for occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech pathologists employed by or contracted with the Department of Education to diagnose students with a medical condition in an educational setting and treat the students. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)