Rep. Gregg Takayama

Maddy summaryHB 2399 appropriates state funds to the State Public Charter School Commission specifically for prekindergarten-only public charter schools. This bill directly affects prekindergarten-only public charter schools by providing them with dedicated state funding through the Commission. The key mechanism is a budget allocation for operational support, without changing eligibility rules or student enrollment requirements. The bill is currently in early stages, having been introduced on January 27, 2026.

Requires hospitals and hospital systems to submit annual certified reports regarding costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients to the Department of Health, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and State Health Planning and Development Agency. Requires the Department of Health, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and State Health Planning and Development Agency to review the reports, establish standards and procedures, and adopt rules. Requires the Department of Health to consider the reports when determining the department's budget request and designate financial assistance requests in an equitable way. Requires the Office of the Auditor to conduct periodic audits of the financial assistance distributed to hospitals and hospital systems. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 7 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii counties to implement a property tax freeze on primary residences for homeowners aged 75 and older. It directly affects seniors who own their primary homes, aiming to improve financial stability amid Hawaii's high cost of living (rated 179 in 2024) and stagnant fixed incomes. The resolution specifies the tax freeze would end if the property is sold, transferred, or the homeowner no longer owns it. This is a recommendation to local governments, not a law requiring state action.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6) urges Hawaii counties to freeze property taxes on the primary residences of homeowners aged 75 and older. It directly affects senior homeowners in Hawaii, aiming to improve their financial stability amid the state’s high cost of living. The resolution recommends counties implement this tax freeze, which would end if the homeowner sells the property, transfers ownership, or no longer resides there. It is non-binding, meaning counties are encouraged but not required to adopt this policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1452 expands who can legally submit an affidavit to create a new birth certificate for certain individuals. It allows more types of health care providers (beyond just physicians) to certify birth details for registrants needing updated certificates. This change directly affects people who require corrected or new birth records, such as those with incomplete documentation. The bill modifies the process by broadening the list of authorized medical professionals who can provide the required legal statement.

Prohibits health care facilities, health care providers, and emergency medical services from furnishing medical debt to a consumer credit reporting agency. Prohibits consumer credit reporting agencies from reporting or maintaining medical debt information in the file on a consumer. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 2153 establishes the Kūpaʻa Law Enforcement Retention Bonus Program, which provides financial incentives to help retain law enforcement officers. The bill allocates state funds specifically for these retention bonuses, directly affecting eligible law enforcement officers in Hawaii. The key mechanism is the state appropriating dedicated funding to cover the bonus payments. This policy change creates a formal, funded program to support officer retention efforts.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a program for the support of students experiencing homelessness. Requires the Department to designate a state coordinator position and state navigator positions to implement the program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes a two-year-pilot program within the Department of Human Services to provide temporary financial stabilization assistance to families with students identified as experiencing homelessness. Funds the program through the Department of Human Services using allowable Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds. Requires Department of Education Complex Area Community Homeless Concerns Liaison to make approved purchases. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Increases the number of enterprise zones that may be nominated by each county. Authorizes enterprise zone designation for census tracts that contain the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Allow businesses not established in an enterprise zone to qualify for enterprise zone benefits; provided that they have entered into a binding collaboration or contract with a business that is established in the census tract that contains the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine or the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)