Rep. Ikaika Olds

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 1489 allocates state funds to the Department of Human Services (DHS) to administer core homelessness services. It directly supports homeless service providers and individuals experiencing homelessness by funding essential programs like emergency shelter and basic assistance. The bill does not create new programs but directs DHS to use these funds for existing core services. The bill was introduced on January 23, 2025, and referred to committees for further review.

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.

Mandates courts to impose an enhanced sentence for theft and burglary offenses over a certain property value threshold. Increases penalties for habitual property crime perpetrators. Targets fencing operations and imposes enhanced sentencing to those who knowingly receive stolen property or resell such property.

Offers rights and protections to citizens who bring civil nuisance abatement suits related to illegal gambling. Imposes a mandatory fine of $5,0000 for violating nuisance abatement laws related to gambling offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 917 establishes mandatory minimum prison terms for individuals convicted of possessing methamphetamine or fentanyl. It directly affects people found guilty of these specific drug possession offenses. The bill requires judges to impose a set minimum prison sentence for these convictions, removing judicial discretion to issue shorter sentences. This policy change alters sentencing outcomes for low-level drug possession cases under current law. (Note: The bill is new, with no committee action or voting history yet.)

Adds the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the Chairperson's designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Considers the Chairperson in determining quorum and majority and makes the Chairperson eligible to vote on matters affecting the Kalaeloa Community Development District.

Maddy summaryHB 907 allocates state funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for maintenance and improvement work on public housing units. The bill directly impacts residents of public housing by directing resources toward rehabilitation, remodeling, renovation, and repair of their living spaces. This funding mechanism allows the authority to address physical conditions in housing units without changing eligibility requirements or management policies. The legislation represents a straightforward financial commitment to preserve existing public housing infrastructure.

Requires all health insurers in the State, including Medicaid managed care programs, to cover the cost of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies under certain conditions. Applies to insurance policies, contracts, plans, or agreements issued or renewed in the State after 12/31/2025.

Establishes an ombudsman's office for homeowner associations within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Establishes an ombudsman's office special fund. Requires board members of condominium associations, cooperative housing corporations, and planned community associations to meet certain educational requirements through classes offered by the ombudsman. Updates statutes relating to condominium associations, cooperative housing corporations, and planned community associations to integrate the role and functions of the ombudsman's office for homeowner associations. Appropriates funds for establishment of the ombudsman's office. Declares that the appropriation exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling for 2024-2025.