Rep. Garner Shimizu

Requires the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to establish a nutrition and metabolic health curriculum for medical students at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1534 allows actively practicing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to claim exemption from jury duty service. The bill directly affects APRNs who are currently working in their field, removing a requirement to serve on juries. Key provision: APRNs can formally request exemption by providing proof of active practice, streamlining their ability to avoid jury service without needing individual court approval. This changes the standard requirement for all eligible citizens to serve, specifically targeting APRNs due to their critical healthcare roles.

Requires that an environmental assessment be conducted and an environmental impact statement be prepared for any proposed use within historic properties considered significant or recognized as a traditional cultural property.

Establishes restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence, algorithms, or other software tools for purposes of decision-making in health insurance utilization reviews. Requires a licensed health care provider to review all adverse actions by the health carrier.

Exempts food and groceries from the general excise tax. Expands the general excise tax exemption implemented in 2024 for certain medical and dental services to include all medical and dental services.

Amends the definition of "dangerous to self". Defines the terms "gravely disabled" and "psychiatric deterioration". Broadens the term of "imminently dangerous to self and others". Increases the maximum period of emergency hospitalization.

Replaces the State's renewable portfolio standard of 100 per cent renewable energy generation by 2045 with the original mandate for 70 per cent by 12/31/2045.

Exempts predator control and trapping for the purpose of protecting property or native biodiversity from the offense of cruelty to animals in the first degree.

Maddy summaryHB 1746 establishes a rapid DNA investigative lead program within the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), allowing officers to quickly test DNA evidence from crime scenes to identify suspects. The bill appropriates funding to support this program, directly affecting HPD operations and criminal investigations. Key provisions include creating a dedicated unit to process DNA samples rapidly (within hours instead of weeks) to generate investigative leads. This program aims to expedite solving violent crimes by leveraging immediate DNA analysis, with no mention of broader public impact beyond law enforcement use.

Maddy summaryHB 1755 would eliminate the state's individual income tax, meaning residents would no longer pay tax on personal earnings like wages or investments. This change would directly affect all state residents who currently pay income tax, including wage earners and those with taxable income. The bill's key provision is the removal of this tax obligation without specifying alternative revenue sources. The bill is currently in committee review after its introduction on January 21, 2026.