Rep. Elijah Pierick

Prohibits foreign entities from owning, leasing, or holding a controlling interest in more than an unspecified number of acres of agricultural land. Limits the lease term for agricultural land by foreign entities. Requires foreign entities that own or lease interest in agricultural lands to file an annual report with the Department of Agriculture. Appropriates funds.

Creates an offshore wind energy working group to generate a roadmap to define standards to consider in the developmental process for offshore wind energy. Requires the working group to submit a report to the legislature prior to the 2027 regular session.

Maddy summaryHB 495 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Hawaii legislators to a maximum of 16 years of service in the state Legislature, affecting all current and future members of the House and Senate. The key provision would cap total service time, preventing lawmakers from serving indefinitely. This amendment is currently pending introduction in the Hawaii Legislature, with no committee action taken as of its January 2025 filing. The bill does not change existing term limits for other elected offices.

Establishes a pilot program in the Department of Health to provide intensive mobile treatment-type services, e.g., "street psychiatry", to chronically houseless adult individuals suffering from serious brain disorders like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summaryHB 291 clarifies circumstances where using deadly force in self-defense is not justified and removes the requirement for individuals to retreat or surrender property before using deadly force. The bill directly affects people who use force in self-defense scenarios, such as in home invasions or threats to personal safety. Its key provision eliminates the obligation to attempt retreat or give up possessions before resorting to deadly force. This changes the legal standard by making it easier for individuals to claim self-defense without first trying to avoid confrontation. The bill is currently pending introduction in the legislature.

Amend the State's regulation of sun screening devices on motor vehicles by lowering the allowable amount of light transmittance for vehicle windows from 35%, plus or minus 6%, to 25%, plus or minus 5%.

Categorizes electric bicycles into three classes based on speed and operation. Establishes regulations for electric bicycles. Requires electric bicycle manufacturers and distributors to apply a label to each electric bicycle specifying the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle. Imposes licensure and insurance requirements for class three electric bicycles.

Maddy summaryHB 290 establishes that harming someone aged 60 or older automatically constitutes a crime against elders, removing the need to prove the perpetrator intended to target an elder. This means prosecutors only need to confirm the victim was 60+ to charge the offense, streamlining legal proceedings for elder abuse cases. The bill directly affects prosecutors handling elder abuse cases and individuals who commit such crimes. It creates a clearer legal standard by treating elder status as a strict liability factor, not requiring proof of intent regarding the victim's age.

Maddy summaryHB 574 creates a $3,000 state income tax credit for retired Hawaii National Guard members. This credit directly reduces their annual state income tax liability by $3,000. The bill specifically applies to veterans who served in the Hawaii National Guard and have retired from service. It was introduced on January 17, 2025, and passed first reading on January 21, 2025.

Provides for the administrative dissolution of any planned community association or condominium association in existence as of 7/1/2027. Provides the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs the powers currently provided to planned community associations and condominium associations under chapters 421J and 514B, HRS, and each planned community's or condominium's bylaws and other governing documents. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to submit a report and proposed legislation to the Legislature with recommendations to administer planned communities and condominiums.