Rep. Garner Shimizu

Maddy summaryHB 2525 establishes a refundable state income tax credit for police officers who remain employed and reside in designated housing within the state. It directly affects eligible sworn police officers by providing them with a tax credit to offset housing costs. The bill's key mechanism is a state-funded tax credit that officers can claim on their income tax returns, reducing their overall tax liability.

Appropriates funds for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) grant writer position within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and converts the position from temporary to permanent.

Requires the Auditor to conduct an audit of the Department of Education focusing on financial efficiency and administrative overhead costs affecting department of education schools on the island of Oahu.

Prohibits medical procedures and the distribution of hormones or puberty blockers for the purpose of allowing a minor to change their sex to correlate with an identified gender. Allows for certain exceptions. Creates both a private and state right of action. Outlines sanctions through the proper licensing authority for violations.

Establishes the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Updates the Condominium Property Act to integrate the role and functions of the ombudsman's office for condominium associations. Appropriates funds from the Condominium Education Trust Fund for establishment of the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations.

PART I: Authorizes county boards of water supply to produce, use, and sell electricity generated from renewable energy sources. PART II: Authorizes counties to establish a process by which subcounty governing entities can designate funding streams within the county budget and submit budget allocation resolutions to county councils.

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.

Requires state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and Agribusiness Development Corporation, that administer agricultural leases, licenses, development programs, or procurement involving agricultural products to award points or preferences to agricultural projects incorporating agricultural workforce housing. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Allows the charge of unauthorized entry into motor vehicle in the first degree to be brought as a class B felony if property damage of $750 or more occurs or the person has a previous conviction for the same offense within the past five years.

Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Executive Office on Aging. The tax credit applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2027. Effective 12/31/2026.