Requires the Board of Education and collective bargaining units to calculate student-to-teacher ratios for class sizes according to a prescribed method to promote quality education and positive student-teacher interactions. Informs parents if changes to class sizes are needed.
Establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Transportation Assistance Program, to consist of a reimbursement program for geographically disadvantaged farmers and livestock producers to mitigate the high costs of transportation for agricultural products, inputs, and supplies, and a grant program to assist small-scale farmers, ranchers, food hubs, and agricultural producers in rural or underserved areas with transportation costs directly related to the production and distribution of agricultural commodities. Establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Transportation Assistance Special Fund. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
Maddy summaryHB 2623 establishes a new tax surcharge on high-income individuals, estates, and trusts, applying to taxable years starting after December 31, 2026. The bill directly affects high earners and large wealth holders by imposing an additional tax on their "wealth proceeds," though specific income thresholds are not detailed in the abstract. Key provisions include defining the tax base as wealth-related income or assets and setting a future effective date to allow for planning. The bill is currently in early committee review, having been introduced and passed its first reading in January 2026.
Authorizes and appropriates moneys for the Board of Psychology to grant prescriptive authority privilege to clinical psychologists who meet specific education, training, and registration requirements. Requires the Board of Psychology to accept applications for prescriptive authority privilege beginning 7/1/2027. Requires reports to the Legislature.
Requires a county with a population of 500,000 or more to adopt ordinances to implement park maintenance standard prioritization. Imposes a fine for incompliant parks after three months. Authorizes DLNR to take action and be reimbursed by the county for costs incurred. Appropriates funds.
Establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to assist eligible households in paying their energy bills. Requires the Public Utilities Commission Public Benefits Fee Administrator to provide certain information and assistance to recipients of the program. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds.
Authorizes the use of conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in a habitat conservation plan and associated incidental take license. Amends the membership and scope of authority for the Endangered Species Recovery Committee.
Maddy summaryHB 2228 increases matching funds for candidates participating in the state's partial public financing program. It specifically raises the amount of public money matched for "excess qualifying contributions" beyond the program's base threshold. This change directly affects candidates who receive small donations under the program, potentially providing them with more public funding for their campaigns. The bill is currently in early stages of the legislative process.
Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of a recent criminal background check or credit report. Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee if a recent comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. Requires a landlord or the landlord's agent to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report.
Requires the Board of Regents to grant a waiver on all tuition for qualifying native Hawaiian and Hawaiian students enrolled within the University of Hawaii System.
