Rep. Della Belatti

Allows an existing cesspool that lawfully serves a single dwelling or dwelling unit in a priority level 3 area to continue serving that dwelling or dwelling unit and additional bedrooms constructed on the same parcel and within the existing dwelling or dwelling unit, subject to certain conditions. Authorizes the Department of Health to adopt rules and restrict additional bedrooms where evidence demonstrates that continued cesspool use impacts water quality or human health. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires the Department of Human Services to allow a full earned income disregard for individuals with disabilities who are between the ages of sixteen and sixty-four years when determining eligibility for Medicaid. Takes effect upon approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Declares feral chickens on public lands as a public nuisance and controllable pest in a city with a population of three hundred thousand or more. Prohibits supporting feral chickens on public lands, including by feeding chickens. Prohibits the abandonment of chickens on public lands or on private property without consent. Establishes fines and authorized enforcing agencies. Appropriates funds for the receipt, handling, and humane disposition of feral chickens that have already been caught. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Authorizes state agencies to implement automatic voter registration if designated by the Office of Elections. Requires eligible applicants for instruction permits, provisional licenses, driver's licenses, and identification cards to be automatically registered or preregistered to vote unless the applicant opts out. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 1742 authorizes the construction and occupancy of self-contained temporary housing units (like modular or portable homes with basic living facilities), directly affecting housing developers, property owners, and residents seeking such housing. The bill establishes a legal framework for these units but includes unspecified restrictions on their use, location, or design. It does not specify additional requirements like safety standards or tenant protections, focusing solely on permitting the units' existence. This is a substantive housing policy change, not a procedural measure.

Requires the development of transit-supportive densities to be allowed in any county-designated transit-oriented development area. Prohibits the counties from enacting an ordinance, rule, regulation, development standard, zoning provision, or other land use control that restricts the development of transit-supportive densities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that all state buildings designed on or after July 1, 2027, which are intended to serve as emergency shelters, be constructed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. The measure applies to state-owned structures that are fully enclosed and large enough to accommodate significant numbers of people during emergencies, while explicitly excluding correctional facilities, playgrounds, and sheds. The Department of Accounting and General Services is designated as the lead agency to enforce this requirement in cooperation with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The resolution also directs the department to adopt official rules to implement these construction standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an investigating committee to examine the Kauhale Initiative and related housing projects created under emergency proclamations to address homelessness in Hawaii. The committee will review the management and performance of these projects, including financial records, procurement processes, contractor qualifications, and health and safety concerns. It is designed to follow up on an ongoing state audit that has been delayed due to missing documents and to ensure accountability for the millions of dollars in state funds allocated to these initiatives. The committee may continue operating during the legislative interim if the audit reveals mismanagement or fails to adequately address performance questions.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, help states clear criminal records for past cannabis offenses, and allow cannabis businesses to access full banking services. It directly affects cannabis dispensaries, related businesses, and individuals with prior cannabis-related arrests in Hawaii and other states. The resolution requests federal policy changes to align with state laws where cannabis is legal, addressing issues like federal seizure risks and employment barriers caused by criminal records. It does not change state laws but seeks federal action to support existing state-level cannabis regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Governor of Hawaii to work with federal authorities to resolve conflicts between state medical cannabis laws and federal regulations. It specifically requests the Drug Enforcement Administration to grant an exception for registered medical cannabis patients and a registration waiver for state-licensed dispensaries. The resolution aims to protect patients and businesses from federal penalties, such as loss of employment or eligibility for federal benefits, while maintaining Hawaii's authority over intrastate medical cannabis use. The bill also requires the Governor to report progress to the Legislature quarterly and sends copies to state officials and congressional representatives.