Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto

Maddy summaryHB 889 provides a refundable tax credit for Hawaii taxpayers who pay the transient accommodations tax, which applies to short-term rentals like hotels and vacation homes. The bill directly affects travelers and businesses that collect this tax by allowing taxpayers to receive a refund if the tax paid exceeds their liability. Key provisions include making the credit refundable (meaning taxpayers get cash back, not just a reduction in future tax) and applying it to the existing transient accommodations tax structure. This is a direct policy change to the tax system, not a procedural measure.

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.

Requires all health insurers in the State, including Medicaid managed care programs, to cover the cost of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies under certain conditions. Applies to insurance policies, contracts, plans, or agreements issued or renewed in the State after 12/31/2025.

Increases the income tax rate on the highest income earners in the State by establishing a new tax bracket for taxable years beginning after 12/31/2029.

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.

Expands the types of employees protected by the Hawaii Employment Relations Act to include independent contractors and all individuals subject to the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Act.

Appropriates $500,000, for each year of the fiscal biennium to the department of corrections and rehabilitation to procure a new software for electronic record keeping of medical records. Requires a report to the legislature.

Directs the Department of Human Services to adopt rules to expand Medicaid eligibility to all children in the State from birth to age 5 years without regard to household income. Appropriates moneys.

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.

Allows manufacturers to coordinate activities directly related to the recycling of covered electronic devices. Expands the scope of covered electronic devices to include electronic device peripherals and certain legacy devices. Requires manufacturers to provide free collection service locations and collection events.