Establishes a state-owned bank implementation board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to determine the need for, potential costs and benefits of, and prerequisites to establishing a state-owned bank. Requires a report to the legislature.
Maddy summaryHB 131 allows state agencies to share specific government records with researchers for approved research projects. This directly affects researchers seeking public data and the agencies managing those records. The bill creates a clear process for disclosures, requiring that research purposes be legitimate and defined in advance. It does not alter existing privacy laws but provides a standardized pathway for accessing government data to support research.
Establishes and appropriates moneys for a Missing Indigenous Person Alert program to help locate indigenous persons who are missing and thought to be in danger.
Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a Healthy Soils Program. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes the Statewide Interagency Food Systems Coordination Team and the Interagency Food Systems Working Group within the Department of Agriculture. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate all aspects of the cannabis plant. Beginning 1/1/2026, legalizes the personal adult use of cannabis. Establishes taxes on the retail sale of adult-use cannabis and the sale of medical cannabis. Adds new traffic offenses relating to the consumption or possession of marijuana or marijuana concentrate. Makes conforming amendments related to the legalization of personal adult use of cannabis. Beginning 1/1/2026, decriminalizes certain drug offenses related to marijuana and marijuana concentrate. Transfers the personnel and assets of the Department of Health and assets of the Department of Agriculture relating to cannabis to the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office. Establishes various positions within state entities to regulate the personal adult use of cannabis. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Appropriates funds for the Executive Office on Early Learning to contract with third-party providers of family-child interaction learning programs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Amends the definition of a "board" under the Sunshine Law to include the Legislature. Clarifies notice period requirements. Repeals the Legislature's exemption from the Sunshine Law. Repeals the exemption for permitted interactions between board members.
Proposes a constitutional amendment that would legalize the possession and use of recreational cannabis by adults who are at least 21 years of age, as provided by law.
Establishes a working group for legal services for youth in the child welfare system within the Judiciary. Appropriates funds for the working group. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
