Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto

By 1/1/2028, requires the Department of Human Services, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to establish a pre-release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process for inmates nearing release. Allows all individuals convicted of an offense involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance to apply for SNAP benefits, regardless of treatment status. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Maui Health to work with state agencies, medical schools, and community health centers to create a full-time medical residency program on Maui. It highlights the island's severe shortage of physicians, which worsened after the 2023 wildfires and currently leaves many residents without access to primary care and specialized services. The resolution specifically asks Maui Health to use available federal funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program to help cover the costs of establishing the program. Additionally, the bill requires Maui Health to report its progress and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days before the 2027 session begins.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to conduct a systemwide audit to find students who have earned enough credits for an associate degree but haven't been awarded one. The audit will specifically look at students who transferred from community colleges to four-year campuses or left the system after accumulating sufficient credits. The university is also asked to study how to create pathways for awarding these earned degrees and report findings to the legislature by March 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book would include various housing types such as accessory dwelling units and low- to mid-rise buildings, featuring culturally appropriate and climate-responsive design elements. By using these pre-reviewed designs, developers could access streamlined permitting processes to reduce costs and construction delays. The resolution also calls for a design competition to source innovative plans and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. Once completed, the pattern book would be made publicly available to help accelerate the production of safe and affordable housing across Oahu.

Makes failure to maintain a natural stream channel that causes an unreasonable and substantial physical obstruction of the natural flow of water a violation of the State Water Code, with certain exceptions. Establishes a period of time after receipt of written notice of certain violations of the State Water Code during which a violator may remedy the violation or enter into a corrective action plan with the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM). Gives CWRM the discretion to impose a minimum penalty per State Water Code violation, increases the maximum penalty per violation, and authorizes CWRM to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Prohibits the State from acquiring a fee simple interest in any artificial watercourse, including a canal or ditch, under certain circumstances. Allows the State to acquire a fee simple interest in the artificial watercourse if the Legislature provides prior approval by concurrent resolution. (CD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1516 requires courts to consider a defendant's actual financial ability to pay bail when determining pretrial release conditions. This bill directly affects individuals facing pretrial detention decisions, particularly those with limited financial resources. The key provision mandates that judges evaluate specific factors related to a defendant's financial situation before setting bail amounts. The bill is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and passed first reading on January 21, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1550 removes drug testing products (like home kits or workplace screening tools) from the legal definition of "drug paraphernalia" under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This change directly affects businesses that sell these products and individuals who use them, as they will no longer face penalties for possessing them under current drug paraphernalia laws. The bill achieves this by amending the statute to specifically exclude these testing products from the prohibited category. The policy change clarifies legal status without altering broader drug control provisions.

Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1970 provides funding for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center's Hawaii Tumor Registry, which tracks cancer cases across the state. The bill directly supports the Cancer Center by enabling its data collection and analysis efforts. Key provisions include appropriating state funds to maintain and expand the registry's operations for cancer surveillance. This policy change focuses on strengthening statewide cancer data systems without altering patient care protocols or insurance coverage.

Establishes and appropriates funds in the form of grants for the Hawaii Farm to Families Program under the Department of Human Services to alleviate food shortages in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature. (SD1)