Rep. Chris Todd

Maddy summaryHB 429 appropriates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants, and to purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to expand staffing and facilities. The bill's key provision is the allocation of dedicated funding, which will become available starting July 1, 2050. This legislation focuses on increasing early learning capacity through financial support, without changing existing program rules.

Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to submit an annual report on public charter schools before the opening day of each Regular Session of the Legislature. Requires the Board of Education to review and approve the annual report before the report is issued to the Governor, Legislature, and the public. Takes effect 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHR 147 establishes a legislative working group to oversee how the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands uses funds from Act 279 (which appropriated $600 million to help native Hawaiian applicants secure homestead leases). The group, composed of seven state representatives, must submit progress reports to the House by specific deadlines before the 2026 and 2027 legislative sessions and will dissolve on January 1, 2027. This resolution continues oversight originally recommended by a prior working group, following the extension of the deadline for using Act 279 funds until 2026. It does not change policy but ensures transparency about the department’s use of these funds.

Establishes the Condominium Loan Program to provide condominium associations with low-cost financing, or refinancing for previously obtained loans, for maintenance or repair projects. Establishes the Condominium Loan Loss Reserves Program to incentivize lenders to provide loans at competitive rates and terms to condominium associations for the purpose of allowing condominium associations to make necessary maintenance or repairs. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Exempts transfers of Hawaiian Home Lands from transfer restrictions for real property under housing development programs of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the island of Kahoolawe. Specifies the decal size for all special number organizational plates. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to house a collection of data on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the State. Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database Advisory Committee. Requires the Agency to create a Parkinson's disease research collection database webpage by 1/1/2026, and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 531 authorizes the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates recognizing the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. This bill directly affects drivers who choose to purchase these specialty plates, which would display the center's name. The key provision is creating a new plate design for public recognition, with no additional fees or requirements beyond standard plate issuance. The bill is procedural and does not change existing laws or impose new obligations. It is scheduled for committee review in February 2025.

Requires the Judiciary to conduct a study to determine the ability, best approaches, various issues, and potential impacts of requiring courts to disassociate a residential tenant from an eviction proceeding brought by a landlord in certain circumstances. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and Hawaii Invasive Species Council to ensure their long-term viability and continue to control and eradicate invasive species in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)