Rep. Ikaika Olds

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in kindergarten through grade twelve. Requires students in grades nine through twelve to complete a one-half credit in financial literacy before graduation. Requires the Board of Education to provide professional development to teachers who are teaching financial literacy courses.

Authorizes neighborhood boards to solicit suggestions for capital improvement projects and operating budget priorities from residents. Requires each county mayor to consider and respond in writing to the suggestions for capital improvement projects and operating budget priorities submitted by each neighborhood board. Requires each county council to consider the neighborhood boards' recommendations, the mayor's responses, and county fiscal health in determining the final budget.

Maddy summaryHB 942 allocates state funds to the Department of Health for contracting health care services with community-based organizations. This bill directly affects local health organizations that provide services to residents, particularly in underserved communities. The key provision establishes a funding mechanism requiring the Department of Health to use these resources to partner with such organizations for service delivery. The bill was introduced on January 21, 2025, and referred to relevant committees for review.

Maddy summaryHB 869 expands the Hawaii Community College Promise Program to provide scholarships to all qualified students, removing prior restrictions. It directly affects eligible students attending Hawaii community colleges by making the scholarship available regardless of previous eligibility criteria. The bill's key provision broadens the program's scope while appropriating state funds to cover the expanded coverage. This change creates a concrete policy shift in scholarship access without specifying additional student qualifications.

Expands programming and training for the comprehensive offender reentry program under the department of corrections and rehabilitation to reduce the rate of recidivism and increase inmate marketability. Appropriates funds.

Adds psychology, physician assistant, marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, clinical social worker, rehabilitation counselor, and school counselor students to the definition of "eligible student" under the qualifications for the healthcare preceptor tax credit. Amends the definition of "preceptor" by adding psychologists, physician assistants, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, clinical social workers, rehabilitation counselors, and school counselors to the list of preceptors eligible to receive the tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025.

Establishes a refundable Family Caregiver Tax Credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the department of taxation to report to the legislature before the convening of each regular session.

Clarifies that a person who uses deadly force in self-defense does not have a duty to retreat if they are in their dwelling or on their property unless they are the initial aggressor. Repeals statutory language that permits a person to use deadly force at their place of work.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 518 prohibits licensed attorneys from representing clients in small claims court. It directly affects individuals who file small claims cases, such as for unpaid debts, property disputes, or minor contractual issues. The key provision bans attorney representation in these proceedings, requiring self-representation for all parties. This change would limit legal assistance for small claims court users, making the process more accessible for self-represented individuals.