Rep. Gregg Takayama

Maddy summaryHB 442 allocates state funds specifically for the University of Hawaii, West Oahu to support its pre-nursing pathway program. This bill directly affects students at UH West Oahu who are enrolled in or seeking entry into nursing education. The key provision is the appropriation of dedicated funding to develop and operate this pre-nursing curriculum. The bill focuses on expanding access to nursing education pathways at this campus, without changing broader university policies or regulations.

Requires the Department of Transportation or appropriate county to scan any cat or dog carcass found on a state or county roadway for a microchip, record certain information, report that information to the appropriate county animal services or animal service contractors, and make reasonable efforts to contact the registered owner. Authorizes the Department of Transportation and each county to coordinate with each other to share scanner resources or protocols. (CD1)

Appropriates funds to support the efforts of the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources in the removal of the majano anemone from Kaneohe Bay. (CD1)

Allows a patient who has been seen in person by a health care provider who is in the same medical group as the prescribing provider authorized pursuant to section 329-33, HRS, to be prescribed an opiate prescription for a three-day supply or less via telehealth. (SD1)

Increases the domiciliary care rates for certain providers and clarifies that the needs allowance and domiciliary care rates are included in the state supplemental payment ceiling amounts. Effective 10/1/2025. (CD1)

Makes laws regulating midwives and the practice of midwifery permanent. Clarifies the scope of practice of midwifery. Establishes licensure requirements for certified midwives and certified professional midwives. Establishes continuing education requirements. Grants global signature authority to midwives. Grants prescriptive authority to licensed midwives practicing as certified midwives and amends the list of approved legend drugs that may be administered by midwives. Establishes peer review and data submission requirements. Affirms that the practice of midwifery does not include Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices. Clarifies exemptions from licensure and grounds for refusal to grant, renew, reinstate, or restore licenses or for revocation, suspension, denial, or condition of a license. Clarifies medical record availability and retention requirements for the purposes of medical torts. (SD3)

Maddy summaryHCR 200 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's State Department of Agriculture and Maui County's Agriculture Department to address axis deer overpopulation. It highlights that overgrazing by axis deer harms native plants that prevent erosion and natural disasters, while noting these deer represent a potential food source. The resolution specifically calls for making USDA-certified meat inspections more accessible and affordable for local hunters, increasing the number of USDA-certified inspectors for game mammals, and establishing a joint task force to develop a venison processing and distribution program. The task force must report by November 2025 with findings and recommendations, including potential legislation. This resolution does not create new laws but formally requests specific actions from state and county agencies.

Maddy summaryHCR 171 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). This study is required by state law (HRS § 23-51) before the legislature can consider House Bill 820, which proposes to require insurers to cover CGMs for diabetes management. The Auditor must submit a report by December 2025 detailing potential impacts on patients (including those in rural areas with diabetes), insurers, and state costs. This resolution does not change current coverage but provides data to inform future legislative decisions on CGM mandates.

Maddy summaryHCR 27 is a Hawaii House Concurrent Resolution requesting the state's congressional delegation to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address unequal export rules for agricultural products. It specifically highlights that Hawaii faces restrictions similar to U.S. territories, requiring USDA approval for most fruit, vegetable, and flower exports to the mainland - unlike other states. The resolution notes Hawaii's export petitions often wait years behind foreign countries' requests, causing significant delays for local growers. This bill does not change regulations but formally asks federal lawmakers to advocate for Hawaii's agricultural sector to achieve parity with other states.

Maddy summaryHCR 25 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to add a new section to the existing State of Hawaii Plant and Animal Declaration Form. This section would require travelers completing the form (such as visitors arriving with plants or animals) to acknowledge awareness of laws protecting Native Hawaiian cultural sites, burial grounds, and places of worship. The form would ask travelers to confirm they understand these laws, know how to learn more about them, and commit to following them. The resolution does not create new laws but seeks to use an existing travel form as an educational tool for visitors.