Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. (SD1)
Allows the use of certain monofilament netting for the protection of plants against invasive species. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules allowing the sale and distribution of fine mesh nets, including monofilament netting, in the State to protect plants from the coconut rhinoceros beetle. (CD1)
Authorizes SHPD to conduct a phased review of a proposed project on private property under certain circumstances. Amends the process and deadlines by which SHPD must provide written concurrence or non-concurrence for proposed projects on private property or certain projects that require state or county approval for entitlement for use, after which concurrence may be assumed and the project may move to the next step in the compliance process. Amends the conditions under which a proposed project on an existing privately owned single-family detached dwelling unit or townhouse that is over fifty years old shall be subject to section 6E-42, HRS. (CD1)
Maddy summaryHB 2415 appropriates state funds to the Department of Transportation for installing pedestrian safety improvements (like crosswalks or signage) at locations directly adjacent to school properties. It also directs the department to consider implementing similar safety measures at other high-risk sites beyond school areas. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to use these allocated funds for specific traffic safety projects, effective July 1, 3000. This policy change directly affects school communities and pedestrians near schools by directing state resources toward physical safety infrastructure.
Establishes within the Department of Education arts integration coordinator or specialist positions to support fine arts education and arts integration in public schools statewide. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summaryHB 2438 establishes the Hawaii Cultural Trust within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to support cultural preservation. It creates an income tax credit for individuals and businesses donating to the Trust or qualified Hawaii cultural organizations, subject to specific conditions. The bill also introduces a special vehicle license plate with proceeds funding the Trust, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. These provisions directly affect donors and cultural organizations by providing new tax incentives and dedicated funding streams.
Clarifies that community mental health outpatient programs that have agreed to provide mental health services to a defendant as part of an assisted community treatment order may prepare a certificate for assisted community treatment and provide the certificate to a defendant and may file an assisted community treatment petition with the Family Court. (CD1)
Maddy summaryHB 2437 allocates state funds to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to support its "Artists in the Schools" program. This program directly brings professional artists into public schools to provide hands-on arts education. The bill provides concrete funding for the program's operations, including artist stipends and materials. It affects participating public schools and their students by expanding access to in-person arts instruction.
Maddy summaryHB 1737 clarifies the permitted uses for farm dwellings and employee housing within agricultural districts. It directly affects farm employers and workers in designated farming areas by specifying what types of housing developments are allowed under existing regulations. The bill does not create new rules but makes current zoning expectations clearer to prevent confusion. It takes effect on July 1, 3000.
Maddy summaryThis bill urges Maui Health to work with state agencies, medical schools, and community health centers to create a full-time medical residency program on Maui. It highlights the island's severe shortage of physicians, which worsened after the 2023 wildfires and currently leaves many residents without access to primary care and specialized services. The resolution specifically asks Maui Health to use available federal funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program to help cover the costs of establishing the program. Additionally, the bill requires Maui Health to report its progress and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days before the 2027 session begins.
