Rep. Jenna Takenouchi

Maddy summaryHB 334 makes intentional destruction or damage to traffic cameras a class C felony, effective July 1, 3000. This bill directly affects individuals who deliberately tamper with or destroy traffic enforcement cameras. The key provision upgrades penalties for such acts from lesser offenses to a felony charge, increasing legal consequences for damaging public safety infrastructure. The bill is currently moving through committee with a favorable recommendation.

Extends the sunset date of Act 107, SLH 2023, which allows for the reimbursement of services provided through telehealth via an interactive telecommunications system, until 12/31/2026. (HD2)

Establishes a state income tax deduction for contributions made to Hawaii 529 accounts through the college savings program and accounts made through the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program. Conforms to the amendments of the Internal Revenue Code that authorize 529 benefits to be used for K-12 educational expenses. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Makes contributions by the candidate's immediate family subject to contribution limits. Amends the loan amount that a candidate or candidate committee may receive from the candidate's immediate family. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to conduct a study on methods to support department schools that may be impacted by electric utilities' planned public safety power shutoff program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes the Department of Health to issue commemorative certificates of stillbirth. Establishes fees for the issuance of commemorative certificates of stillbirth, to be deposited into the Vital Statistics Improvement Special Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 709 establishes a limited alternative process for homeowners to remove unauthorized people from residential properties without first going to court. It creates a faster, streamlined method for immediate removal of trespassers from homes and apartments, bypassing the standard legal timeline. This directly affects homeowners and renters facing ongoing unauthorized presence on their residential property. The bill remains pending in committee and has not yet become law.

Establishes, and appropriates funds for, five full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) positions within the Civil Rights Compliance Branch of the Department of Education. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Expands workers' compensation medical benefits for firefighters to include coverage for adenocarcinoma or mesothelioma of the respiratory system; cancer of the buccal cavity, colon, pharynx, and thyroid; and malignant melanoma. Specifies that an employer may prove that the cancer or disease was not associated with the firefighting duties to deny medical benefits under workers' compensation law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Increases the minimum age for moped operators from fifteen to sixteen years. Increases the minimum age requirement for individuals prohibited from operating a moped unless they wear a safety helmet from eighteen to twenty-one years. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)