Rep. Elijah Pierick

Replaces the State's renewable portfolio standard of 100 per cent renewable energy generation by 2045 with the original mandate for 70 per cent by 12/31/2045.

Maddy summaryHB 1755 would eliminate the state's individual income tax, meaning residents would no longer pay tax on personal earnings like wages or investments. This change would directly affect all state residents who currently pay income tax, including wage earners and those with taxable income. The bill's key provision is the removal of this tax obligation without specifying alternative revenue sources. The bill is currently in committee review after its introduction on January 21, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1758 removes the requirement that prosecutors prove a perpetrator knew an elderly victim was vulnerable due to age in felony assault cases. This change directly affects elderly crime victims and prosecutors handling assault cases where the victim's age is a factor. The bill simplifies prosecution by allowing felony assault charges to be filed based solely on the victim's age, without needing to establish the perpetrator's knowledge of that age. It modifies the legal standard for aggravated assaults against elderly individuals.

Amends various election provisions to increase public access to in-person voting, increase public confidence in elections, and impose accountability in the election certification process. Key features include increased access to voter service centers open on election day, abolition of ranked choice voting, public access to election records, signature verification in the presence of official observers, reform of the mandatory recount process, the use of physical ballots during election audits, and subjecting the chief election officer position to election instead of appointment.

Authorizes the State and counties to temporarily rehire retired public employees to fill positions identified as unique and critical to government operations.

Repeals statutory language that currently authorizes the Department of Law Enforcement to: (1) inspect a qualifying medical cannabis patient's medical records held by the health provider who issued a written certification for the qualifying patient; and (2) suspend or revoke a health provider's ability to issue written certification for medical cannabis if the provider refuses the foregoing inspection, or if the medical records do not comply with the medical use of cannabis law.

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.

Authorizes neighborhood boards to solicit suggestions for capital improvement projects and operating budget priorities from residents. Requires each county mayor to consider and respond in writing to the suggestions for capital improvement projects and operating budget priorities submitted by each neighborhood board. Requires each county council to consider the neighborhood boards' recommendations, the mayor's responses, and county fiscal health in determining the final budget.

Requires the Hawaii emergency management agency to inventory all designated emergency shelters and their ability to withstand a category one hurricane or higher. Requires Hawaii emergency management agency to publish a publicly available list of shelters and their respective hurricane ratings. Appropriates funds for a hurricane shelter retrofit program and director.

Maddy summaryHB 98 authorizes public school complexes to use authentic assessments - such as student projects, presentations, or real-world tasks - instead of traditional tests for classroom performance evaluations. This policy change directly affects public schools and students by shifting how learning is measured in day-to-day teaching. The bill requires schools to incorporate these methods into regular classroom assessments, moving away from standardized testing for certain evaluations. It takes effect on July 1, 3000, as stated in the official abstract.