Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Establish a safe routes to school program vehicle registration surcharge on certain motor vehicle registrations to be imposed and collected no later than 12/31/2025. Prohibits the use of facial recognition software in the operation of any photo red light imaging detector systems or automated speed enforcement systems. Clarifies the citations and summons procedures for the Automated Speed Enforcement Detector Systems Program. (CD1)

Transfers the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to the Department of Accounting and General Services. Renames the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office to Broadband Office. Repeals broadband duties assigned to the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Repeals the Broadband Assistance Advisory Council. Transfers the duty of collecting and posting certain broadband infrastructure notices to the Broadband Office. Establishes the Broadband Revolving Fund. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Maddy summaryHB 505 establishes a dedicated WAI Policy Coordinator to manage Red Hill-related initiatives and creates a Red Hill Remediation Special Fund to finance cleanup efforts. The bill directly affects Red Hill remediation projects by providing a centralized role for coordination and a dedicated funding source. Key provisions include appointing the coordinator to oversee initiatives and directing the special fund to support remediation activities without specifying project details. The bill is currently under review by the committee with a recommendation to pass.

Specifies that an engineering study is not required to be considered when reducing the maximum speed limit within ten miles per hour of the current speed limit for that road. Requires the Department of Transportation or a county, to the extent practicable, to consider National Association of City Transportation Officials guidance when setting a maximum speed limit for sections of highways with residential or commercial areas or schools immediately on a highway. (CD1)

Establishes that for a minor in theatrical employment with a gross income of at least $5,000 on a project or $20,000 in a calendar year: a parent or legal guardian of the minor is required to establish a trust account for the minor with an independent third-party trustee; and the employer of the minor is required to deposit a portion of the minor's earnings into the trust account until the minor becomes an adult. Makes misappropriation or fraudulent use of funds within the trust account a breach of fiduciary duty subject to penalties. (CD1)

Establishes the Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development (SPEED) Task Force to identify actions taken, challenges encountered, and legislative measures necessary to facilitate, expedite, and coordinate state and intergovernmental development permit processes. Appropriates funds. (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)

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 345 proposes to establish the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the official state shrimp of Hawaii. This designation aims to support the protection of anchialine pool ecosystems throughout the islands, which are the natural habitat for the ‘ōpae ‘ula.

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a procedural resolution authorizing Hawaii's House Speaker to manage unfinished legislative work between the 2025 and 2026 regular sessions. It grants the Speaker authority to use remaining session funds, hire temporary staff, establish committees for hearings and investigations, and approve committee reports - all to complete legislative tasks by January 21, 2026. The resolution directly affects the Speaker and House staff, enabling them to continue official business during the legislative break. It does not create new policy but streamlines administrative operations. This is a routine procedural measure to maintain legislative continuity.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Human Services to continue using aina-based learning programs for youth in the juvenile justice system. Aina-based learning connects youth to Hawaiian cultural practices through land, ocean, and nature-based activities, addressing gaps in current community service that lack cultural relevance. The resolution specifically asks the advisory council to maintain these programs and create a list of qualified organizations for courts to assign as community service. It directly affects youth in Hawaii's juvenile justice system, particularly Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and African American youth who face disproportionate impacts from traditional court fees and fines.