Rep. Cory Chun

Maddy summaryHB 665 creates a working group within the Office of Enterprise Technology Services to develop rules and policies for how state agencies share data. The group will establish guidelines for data governance, including security and privacy standards, to improve coordination across state departments. The bill allocates funds to support the group’s operations and meetings. This bill is currently in early stages (introduced January 2025, referred to committees) and does not directly affect residents or businesses, but will shape future data-sharing practices for state agencies.

Makes certain urban development and land use requirements applicable only to counties with a population of less than five hundred thousand, including: vesting the director of the county land use agency with the administrative authority to act on any application for subdivision, consolidation, or resubdivision; the required adoption or amendment of an ordinance to allow at least two accessory dwelling units, subject to certain conditions, on all residentially zoned lots; the calculation of certain school impact fees; and a prohibition on private covenants that include certain limitations or restrictions for residentially zoned lots within an urban district.

Appropriates funds for the Department of Health to develop and implement a public health and informational campaign; administer grants to prevent substance misuse among youth; and administer grants to treat substance use disorder among youth.

Authorizes school complexes to incorporate media literacy in their standards-based curriculum, including content that prevents negative impacts of misinformation, disinformation, digital discrimination, and online hate speech.

Maddy summaryHB 109 increases the deposit and refund value for beverage containers under the state's deposit program from 5 cents to 10 cents. This change directly affects consumers who return containers for refunds and retailers who handle container returns. The key provision raises the refund amount for eligible containers, such as cans and bottles, to encourage recycling by making returns more financially rewarding. The bill does not alter program administration or eligibility rules, only the monetary value of the refund.

Establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to assist households in paying their energy bills. Requires the Public Utilities Commission's Public Benefits Fee Administrator to provide information and technical assistance about available energy efficiency programs to recipients of the program. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summaryHB 811 requires property owners to fix violations of housing standards, such as unsafe conditions, or face penalties. It directly affects residential property owners who fail to address these issues. Key provisions include imposing fines for non-compliance and, in specific cases, allowing foreclosure on the property to enforce corrections. The bill aims to ensure property maintenance through financial and ownership consequences, without specifying the exact types of violations.

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Veterans' Services to perform its statutory duties, including maintaining a center that provides information, counsel, aid, and assistance to veterans, their families, and their dependents; and cooperating with federal agencies responsible for the administration of rights and benefits granted to veterans, their families, and their dependents.

Revises the deadline for a county council to take action on a low- and moderate-income housing project's application from 45 days to 90 days after receipt of the applicable agency's report and the proposed project's preliminary plans and specifications.

Requires graduates of the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine who have paid in-state tuition to serve as a physician in the State for at least 2 years following their medical residency or fellowship. Begins with the class of 2029.