Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto

Maddy summaryHB 127 requires courts to set bail amounts based on factors like a defendant's income and financial situation, ensuring the amount is affordable. This bill directly affects individuals arrested and awaiting trial, as their pretrial release conditions would be adjusted to match their ability to pay. The key provision mandates that bail be set at a reasonable level rather than a fixed amount that may be unaffordable. The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 3000.

Maddy summaryHB 596 clarifies which types of events qualify as disasters or emergencies under the state's emergency management system. It defines specific criteria for what constitutes a disaster or emergency, directly affecting emergency management agencies and their response protocols. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2050, and aims to provide clearer guidelines for declaring and managing emergencies.

Appropriates funds to support educational training programs to expand the State's health care workforce, including funding to support health care certification programs offered in public high schools and education programs that support certified nurse assistants in becoming licensed practical nurses. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Executive Office on Aging. The tax credit applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for reentry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that the Legislative Reference Bureau conduct a feasibility study on creating a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in Hawaii. The study will be carried out in collaboration with state agencies and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization to assess the practicality of such a program. Key areas of analysis include potential program structures, estimated costs and funding sources, impacts on poverty and workforce participation, and lessons from similar programs in other locations. The final report with findings and recommendations is due to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests a feasibility study to explore establishing a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in Hawaii. The study will be conducted by the Legislative Reference Bureau in consultation with state departments and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. It will examine program structures, costs, potential impacts on poverty and workforce participation, and lessons from similar programs elsewhere. The final report with recommendations is due before the 2027 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure, operations, or fuel. The bill directly affects utility regulators, energy providers, and ratepayers by mandating that LNG investments be fully amortized by 2045, prohibiting take-or-pay fuel contracts, and ensuring no increased costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui. Key provisions require utilities to share fuel price volatility risks with customers, deny LNG costs if cheaper renewable alternatives exist, and consider how LNG approvals might impact renewable energy development. The resolution also asks the commission to evaluate risks of stranded assets and reliance on single fuel suppliers when determining cost reasonableness.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure, operations, or fuel supply. It directly affects utility companies and ratepayers by requiring that all LNG costs be fully recovered by 2045, eliminating obligations for stranded investments, and ensuring fuel supply agreements allow for a complete phase-out by 2045. The resolution also mandates that LNG approvals must not increase costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui counties, must include protections against fuel price volatility through utility sharing mechanisms, and must deny costs if cleaner alternatives are available or if the commitment exceeds renewable energy needs. Additionally, the bill directs the commission to consider how LNG approvals might impact renewable energy development and to evaluate risks from stranded assets and reliance on single fuel suppliers when reviewing utility costs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the U.S. Navy to attend in-person community meetings regarding the cleanup of the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Oahu, where fuel leaks have contaminated local drinking water. The bill specifically addresses the removal of the Navy's obligation to attend Community Representation Initiative meetings under a 2026 engagement plan, requesting their consistent presence to maintain transparency with affected residents. It also asks the Navy to provide regular public updates on water quality testing, remediation timelines, and environmental safeguards to affected communities. The resolution is directed at the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and focuses on restoring open dialogue between the Navy and local stakeholders impacted by the environmental contamination.