Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Maddy summaryHB 355 creates a nonrefundable individual income tax credit for homeowners who pay expenses to retrofit their residences with wind-resistant devices, such as storm shutters or reinforced roofs. The credit directly benefits homeowners who make these safety upgrades, reducing the amount of income tax they owe based on their actual retrofit costs. This policy change provides a financial incentive for property improvements designed to enhance resilience against wind damage, without offering cash refunds if the credit exceeds tax liability. The bill remains pending in the 2026 legislative session.

Repeals the leasing restriction on owner-builders who obtain an owner-builder exemption to act as their own contractor and who build or improve residential or farm buildings or structures on property they own or lease and do not offer the buildings or structures for sale. Requires an owner or lessee to provide signed written notice that the structure for lease or sublease was built or improved by an individual who is not a licensed contractor. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 327 allocates state funds to create a childcare center for state employees and their families, managed by the Office of the Governor. The bill directs the Governor's office to establish this facility, which would provide childcare services directly to eligible state workers. It appropriates the necessary funding to operate the center, effective July 1, 3000 (a date likely intended as a placeholder). This policy change creates a new childcare resource specifically for state employees, without altering existing childcare programs or funding for other groups.

Expands workers' compensation medical benefits for firefighters to include coverage for adenocarcinoma or mesothelioma of the respiratory system; cancer of the buccal cavity, colon, pharynx, and thyroid; and malignant melanoma. Specifies that an employer may prove that the cancer or disease was not associated with the firefighting duties to deny medical benefits under workers' compensation law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 626 allocates state funds to the Hawaii Department of Education for its Hoʻākea Program, effective July 1, 3000. The bill provides budgetary resources to support the program's operations, though specific activities or eligibility details are not outlined in the abstract. It directly affects the Department of Education and the program's designated beneficiaries, such as students or schools participating in the initiative. The legislation focuses solely on funding allocation, without specifying additional requirements or changes to existing policies.

Prohibits certain foreign parties or their agents, trustees, and fiduciaries from owning, purchasing, or acquiring an interest in agricultural lands. Establishes an Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture to investigate claims that land is unlawfully owned by a prohibited foreign party. Requires the Attorney General to undertake enforcement activities. Appropriates moneys.

Requires leases used in the conveyance of available lands as defined by section 203 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, as amended, to conform to the requirements for securitization by federally insured lending programs.

Categorizes electric bicycles into three classes based on speed and operation. Requires electric bicycle manufacturers and distributors to apply a label to each electric bicycle. Authorizes county police to confiscate bicycles for certain offenses. Increases penalty fee paid upon redemption. Imposes a requirement that counties inform individuals of the applicable traffic code, safety information, and penalties for violations at the time of registering a bicycle.

Appropriates funds for critical repairs, maintenance, demolition, design, and construction for facilities of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Establishes and appropriates funds for positions within the University of Hawaii for the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish a Chamber of Commerce Competitive Grant Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)