Rep. Linda Ichiyama

Establishes and appropriates funds for a one-year Digital Youth Mental Health Platform Pilot Project that will enable the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Department of Health to develop and make publicly available a digital platform designed to help young people address and manage mental health challenges. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Amends the process for the hiring of the Executive Director of the Aha Moku Advisory Committee. Specifies that the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources is responsible for the appointment, oversight, and administrative authority over the Executive Director of the Aha Moku Advisory Committee. Requires any formal position, recommendation, or advisory action of the Aha Moku Advisory Committee to be adopted at a duly noticed public meeting at which a quorum is present. Amends the reporting requirements of the Aha Moku Advisory Committee. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to provide students with information on how to preregister to vote before they reach voting age. It specifically requests that schools distribute materials on voter eligibility, registration procedures, and opportunities to volunteer at voter service centers. The resolution also asks the department to designate the last two weeks of September as a dedicated period for voter registration activities and to ensure resources are available for students with disabilities. This measure is non-binding and does not mandate any specific actions, instead serving as a formal recommendation to the education department.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to evaluate the environmental and ecological effects of jug line fishing and to develop regulations under state law to address any identified concerns. The bill targets recreational anglers who use unattended buoyant devices to deploy fishing lines, noting that this method can entangle non-target marine species and contribute to ocean pollution. It specifically references a recent incident where a Hawaiian monk seal died from entanglement in such gear, highlighting the need for an official assessment. The resolution does not impose immediate restrictions but directs state officials to study the practice and propose appropriate rules to protect marine life and ecosystems.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to evaluate the effects of jug line fishing on marine life and create regulations to address any issues found. The resolution directs the department to conduct an assessment and adopt rules under Chapter 91 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to manage concerns related to this fishing method. Jug line fishing involves using buoyant devices to suspend baited hooks and has been linked to entanglement of endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal and hawksbill sea turtle. The bill is based on a 2025 incident where a monk seal died from entanglement in a jug line, highlighting the need for potential management changes.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education to provide students with information on how to preregister to vote before they turn 18. The bill directs schools to distribute voter registration materials, offer guidance on eligibility and submission procedures, and designate the last two weeks of September as a dedicated period for voter registration activities. It also requires the department to make paper application forms available and provide resources on accessible voting options for students with disabilities. The resolution aims to increase civic engagement among youth by making voting information more accessible in public schools, where civics education is already part of the curriculum.

Maddy summaryHB 1697 exempts natural hair braiders from state licensing requirements when operating under specific conditions, directly affecting individuals who provide natural hair braiding services. The bill removes a barrier for braiders who meet defined criteria, such as operating in non-commercial settings or adhering to safety standards. This policy change simplifies access to the profession without requiring a state-issued license for qualifying practitioners. The bill is currently in early stages, having been prefiled and introduced in January 2026.

Requires the Department of Health to procure a Maternal and Infant Health Information Mobile Application by 1/1/2027 to provide qualified individuals with information on federal and state programs and resources for prenatal, pregnant, and postpartum individuals and their families. Requires DOH to issue a request for proposals. Authorizes DOH to procure or otherwise contract for an existing mobile pregnancy application. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 2448 criminalizes female genital mutilation (FGM) performed on minors within the state, establishing it as a punishable offense. The bill directly affects minors who are victims of FGM and provides them with civil remedies, including legal options to seek compensation. Key provisions include defining FGM on minors as a criminal act and creating a pathway for victims to pursue civil claims against perpetrators. This legislation focuses on preventing harm to minors and offering legal recourse, without specifying enforcement details or penalties beyond the criminal and civil frameworks.

Establishes the nonconsensual disclosure of intimate or private images as a criminal offense. Amends the criteria for an extended term of imprisonment to include an offender whose act of attempting to commit or committing the nonconsensual disclosure of intimate images or private images against a minor or vulnerable adult was the proximate cause of the victim's death. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)