Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto

Amends the definition of "farming operation" by including customary and traditional subsistence farming conducted by native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and excluding concentrated animal feeding operations and business entities with unclear or non-transparent ownership or beneficiary structures. Establishes additional criteria for farming operations to meet in order to be protected against nuisance claims. Clarifies the purpose and intent of the Hawaii Right to Farm Act.

Appropriates funds for eight full-time agricultural technician, and four full-time coordinator positions at University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Authorizes a licensed health care provider properly trained in the medical forensic care of a patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse, upon consultation with a minor patient who indicates that the minor was the victim of a sexual offense, with the consent of the minor patient, to perform customary and necessary examinations to obtain evidence of the sexual offense and may prescribe for and treat the patient for any immediate condition caused by the sexual offense. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

For purposes of the state ethics laws, subjects legislators to all ethics laws applicable to employees by including legislators within the definition of "employees". Repeals references to legislators under the state ethics laws made redundant by the inclusion.

Maddy summaryHB 471 requires the state Board of Education to create Korean language programs in public schools and allocates funding for these initiatives. The bill directly affects school districts, which would implement the programs, and students who would have access to Korean language learning opportunities. Key provisions include mandating the Board to establish the programs and providing dedicated state funds to support their development and operation. This is a substantive policy change focused on expanding language education options, not a procedural measure.

Establishes a two-year pilot program that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires the Department of Education to provide free school lunch to all students enrolled at a department school. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals on 6/30/2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1447 requires individual managing agents and employees of entity managing agents (like property management companies) to obtain a state license. It also imposes specific duties on these licensed individuals when managing condominium associations. The bill directly affects condominium associations and the property management professionals who work with them. If passed, it would establish licensing requirements and oversight for these roles within condominium management.

Maddy summaryHB 869 expands eligibility for the Hawaii Community College Promise Program scholarships to include all qualified students, not just current participants. The bill provides state funding to cover these expanded scholarships, ensuring more Hawaii residents can access affordable community college education. It directly affects students seeking associate degrees or certificates at Hawaii's community colleges who meet income and residency criteria. The legislation modifies the existing program by broadening access while securing dedicated funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 675 requires judges to determine a defendant's ability to pay bail before setting an amount. This directly affects defendants who cannot afford bail, potentially preventing them from being jailed solely due to poverty. The bill mandates judges to make specific findings about financial circumstances during bail hearings. It aims to modify current bail procedures by focusing on a defendant's economic situation rather than defaulting to cash bail. (Note: This is a procedural bill affecting court practices, not a substantive policy change.)

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.