Rep. Garner Shimizu

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a non-binding resolution urging Honolulu to revise property tax assessments for kupuna (Hawaiian elders aged 60+ on fixed incomes). It proposes two specific changes: (1) basing property assessments on original purchase price plus 2% annual increase instead of current market value for unchanged homes, and (2) capping annual property taxes at 3% of the owner’s income. These measures aim to reduce tax burdens for fixed-income seniors facing rising costs. The resolution directs Honolulu officials to consider these adjustments but does not require them to take action.

Maddy summaryHCR 135 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement, City and County of Honolulu, and Honolulu Police Department to collaborate with local businesses and organizations to establish safe disposal programs for illegal fireworks. It proposes creating designated drop-off locations where residents can safely discard unused fireworks year-round, reducing the risk of improper storage or disposal. The resolution references a prior successful disposal event that collected over 1,300 pounds of fireworks from 121 residents. This initiative aims to address community safety concerns related to illegal fireworks use, following incidents like the tragic New Year’s Eve explosion in Salt Lake. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but encourages agency action.)

Maddy summaryHR 82 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Housing Finance and Development Corporation to establish a task force to study creating a state equity conversion mortgage program for kupuna (elderly Hawaiian residents) who own homes. The task force would examine the feasibility of such a program - similar to federal reverse mortgages - allowing kupuna to access home equity without selling their homes or taking on new monthly loan payments. It would specifically review details from related legislation (HB 1306), including eligibility, consumer protections, and transition processes if home equity is exhausted. The resolution directs the task force to report findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. This is a study request, not a new program.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Auditor to conduct biennial management and financial audits of Medicaid managed care organizations (contractors) that provide health insurance under the state's Medicaid program. It directly affects these contractors by requiring them to cooperate with audits assessing financial integrity, compliance with laws, and service quality. The audits aim to ensure public funds are used properly, beneficiaries receive quality care, and issues like overpayments or fraud are identified, with the first audit due within six months of July 2025 and reports submitted to the Governor and Legislature by 2027.

Appropriates funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, conditioned on the Department of Human Services obtaining the maximum federal matching funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a Cesspool Conversion Section within the Department of Health's Wastewater Branch, which shall be responsible for facilitating the conversion of cesspools within the State. Establishes and appropriates funds for positions within the Cesspool Conversion Section. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to establish an international teacher license for certain visa holders and the requirements to obtain the international teacher license. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1417 creates a tax exclusion for the first $50,000 of gross income earned by farmers, meaning this portion of their income would not be subject to state income tax. It directly affects individual farmers and farm businesses whose annual gross income falls below $50,000. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2030 (noting the provided date "7/1/3000" appears to be a typo for 2030). This provision represents a direct change to the state's income tax structure for qualifying agricultural income.

Authorizes the Department of Education to use alternative vehicles for student transportation under certain conditions. Allows the Department of Education to institute a staggered school hours program in public schools. Appropriates funds for the purchase of alternative vehicles and individuals to obtain CDL licensure. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

For contracts entered into on or after 10/1/2025, requires mortuaries and pre-need funeral authorities that contract to provide cremation services to provide written notice if precious metals are recovered after cremation and a disclosure that the person has thirty days to claim the precious metals after receipt of the notice. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)