Rep. Cory Chun

Makes both the representative of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii and the representative of the General Contractors Association of Hawaii permanent standing members of the State Building Code Council, instead of members who alternate terms every four years. Adds one representative of the Plumbers and Fitters United Association, Local 675, and one representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1186, as members of the State Building Code Council. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1602 allocates funds to create one full-time staff position within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The bill establishes a grant specialist role focused on administering grant programs. This funding directly affects the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity staff, enabling them to manage grant-related work. The bill is procedural, specifically authorizing budget resources for a new position, with no broader policy changes.

Authorizes the issuance of reimbursable general obligation bonds in four tranches to provide the necessary funds for the Condominium Loan Program. Appropriates funds from the Hurricane Reserve Trust Fund to provide initial coverage of the bond payments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Restricts motor vehicles that tow a motor vehicle or trailer from the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes going in the same direction, with exemptions. Specifies penalties for restricted motor vehicles who drive in the far left lane on roads with three or more lanes moving in the same direction. Applies restrictions and penalties to a county with a population of 500,000 or more. (HD1)

Clarifies that the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the counties, including officers, employees, and authorized agents of the Department and counties, shall not be liable for costs relating to the entering of private property to control or eradicate pests. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish a working group that comprises signatories of the biosecurity government-industry agreements for joint-decision making. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1579 establishes statewide requirements for outdoor lighting fixtures, effective July 1, 2027. The bill directly affects property owners, businesses, and municipalities that install or maintain outdoor lighting across the state. Key provisions mandate specific standards for fixture design, brightness, and direction to reduce unnecessary light emissions. These changes aim to address light pollution by requiring compliant fixtures for all new installations and replacements after the effective date.

Establishes a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel distribution in Hawaii to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Provides $1 per gallon, increasing by 2 cents per additional 1 per cent emissions reduction, up to $2 per gallon. Caps total credits at $20,000,000 annually, with carryover provisions. Requires reporting to ensure transparency and compliance. Applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and sunsets on December 31, 2035. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires and establishes benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State. Establishes labeling requirements for lei and lei materials. Requires the disclosure of the geographic origin for the plant materials and natural objects that comprise a lei or lei materials. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Specifies that disclosure of communications by an agency to the Ombudsman does not waive any existing attorney-client or attorney work-product privilege pertaining to those communications. Prohibits the Ombudsman from disclosing privileged communications to others. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)