Rep. Elijah Pierick

Requires the Department of Health to conduct a statewide needs assessment to determine what will be needed to reduce waste generation, increase reuse, improve recycling collection services, and expand local processing of materials through an extended producer responsibility program for packaging materials and paper products. Establishes an advisory council to review the draft needs assessment and propose recommendations throughout the assessment process. Requires the Department of Health to hold a public hearing on the draft needs assessment and complete and submit the needs assessment to the Legislature by 12/31/2027. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Allows a patient who has been seen in person by a health care provider who is in the same medical group as the prescribing provider authorized pursuant to section 329-33, HRS, to be prescribed an opiate prescription for a three-day supply or less via telehealth. (SD1)

For taxable years, beginning 1/1/2026, increases the maximum annual deduction for contributions to, and maximum account levels for, individual housing accounts. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Allows digitized identification cards to be accepted as a valid form of identification, under certain conditions. Authorizes state and county law enforcement agencies to accept a digitized identification card as proof of a person's identity beginning 7/1/2027. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD2)

Establishes braille literacy as a policy of the State. Requires literacy assessments for eligible low vision and blind students to include braille instruction and the use of braille. Authorizes the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules. Establishes the Braille Literacy Resource Center. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 164) is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's four major counties (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai) to create and maintain a publicly accessible online list of hurricane shelters and refuges. It requires counties to include specific details for each location, such as address, hurricane rating capability (category 1+), capacity, pet policies, and accessibility accommodations. The resolution also recommends counties collaborate with Hawaii's emergency management agency to develop a statewide list and include disclaimers that shelter availability depends on emergency declarations. The goal is to improve public access to critical, up-to-date shelter information during storm events.

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Appropriates funds for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Expands the definitions of "preceptor" and "volunteer-based supervised clinical training rotation" to improve accessibility for providers to receive income tax credits for acting as preceptors, including removing "primary care" from the criteria to qualify as a preceptor. Adds dietitians, physician assistants, and social workers to the list of preceptors and eligible students. Expands eligibility for the tax credit to include accredited residency programs that require preceptor support. Adds the Director of Health and representatives of residency programs with eligible students to the Preceptor Credit Assurance Committee. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summaryHCR 66 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Building Code Council to update Hawaii's building code to allow "point access block" construction for residential buildings up to six stories. This design places units around a central stairway/elevator core (instead of traditional double-loaded corridors with hallways on both sides), enabling better natural lighting, ventilation, and flexible floor plans (including larger 2-4 bedroom units). The resolution highlights that this approach can reduce construction costs (by eliminating extra stairways/hallways), improve energy efficiency, and align with modern fire safety standards using sprinklers. It specifically asks the Council to adopt this change to increase housing supply on limited land.

Maddy summaryHCR 19 is a resolution urging Hawaii's Governor to create a task force focused on improving public-military relations, directly affecting Hawaii residents and the over 42,000 military personnel stationed in the state. The task force would include the Governor, state legislative leaders, Honolulu's mayor, and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command commander, and must examine ways to share military resources like water, recreational facilities, housing, and employment opportunities with the public. It specifically directs the task force to consider how military assets could benefit communities, such as using military land for farming or water treatment technologies. The resolution requires the task force to submit its final report and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2025.