Rep. Ikaika Hussey

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a working group to address findings from an auditor's report on the state's farm-to-school and local food procurement programs. The working group will consist of up to seventeen members representing educators, farmers, distributors, nutrition professionals, and legislators to review challenges in meeting the goal of sourcing at least 10% of school meals from local producers. Key tasks include improving data collection on locally sourced food, streamlining procurement processes to better identify local products, and strengthening coordination between the education and agriculture sectors. The group must submit a report to the legislature by the end of 2026 with recommendations for policy changes or new legislation to support local food initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a working group to address findings from an auditor's report on the state's farm-to-school and local food procurement initiatives. The working group will include representatives from education, agriculture, food distribution, schools, and community organizations to review challenges identified in the audit, such as lack of strategic planning and coordination issues. The group will develop strategies to improve data collection, streamline local food procurement processes, and strengthen partnerships between schools and local farmers. The Department of Education is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create clear policies for storing and administering oral antihistamines in public schools. It directly affects students with allergies, school staff, and parents by establishing a framework for managing mild allergic reactions during the school day. The key provisions require schools to have written parental consent, individualized physician-approved allergy plans, and trained personnel who can recognize allergy symptoms and properly administer the medication. The resolution also asks the Department to develop standardized forms for consent and protocols, and to report back to the Legislature within 20 days of the 2027 session with findings and any proposed legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a state-level resolution from Hawaii urging the U.S. Department of Defense to extend the renewal period for medical authorizations related to the Red Hill water contamination crisis. It directly affects military personnel, their families, and civilian residents who were exposed to contaminated water at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu. The resolution requests a two-year renewal cycle for Secretarial Designee health care authorizations to improve continuity of care and asks the Defense Health Agency to expand access to civilian medical providers, implement coordinated referral practices, ensure long-term medical monitoring, and explore reimbursement programs for out-of-pocket medical costs.

Maddy summaryHB 429 allocates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants and purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to improve staffing levels and facility capabilities. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2050, after legislative approval. The measure passed committee with amendments in February 2025.

Requires developers developing an affordable housing project under the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to assist certain tenants who are subject to displacement or eviction by the proposed project by: granting those tenants the right of first refusal of a comparable unit in the housing project or establishing a fund to provide relocation benefits and offer assistance; providing information, either directly or through a contracted service, on how to obtain assistance and exercise the right of first refusal; and establishing procedures to track and maintain communication with those tenants. Establishes consequences for a developer's noncompliance. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to establish a five-year Community Land Trust Equity Pilot Program to provide community land trusts with a line of credit to fund the acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of housing for certain households. Requires reports to the Legislature regarding the pilot program. Appropriates funds from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for establishment of the pilot program. Sunsets the pilot program on 6/30/2030. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to alleviate food shortages in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature before the Regular Sessions of 2026 and 2027. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds to establish grant specialist positions to assist farmers and ranchers in meeting the requirements to receive grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to prioritize development of workforce rental and for-sale housing projects for qualified residents. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to adopt administrative rules. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)