Rep. Diamond Garcia

Maddy summaryHB 663 would authorize special vehicle license plates in Hawaii to commemorate the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). This bill directly affects Hawaii drivers who may choose to purchase these commemorative plates. The key provision is the formal authorization for the state to issue these plates, which would serve as a tribute to OHA’s role in Hawaiian affairs. The bill is currently pending committee review after being deferred by the relevant committee.

Requires the department of education to prohibit cell phone use during the instructional day, prohibit student access to social media through the school's internet, and implement a social media education campaign. Creates exemptions for students requiring accommodations, emergency situations, and teacher authorizations.

Establishes tax credits for insurers providing full property coverage to owners and associations of condominiums in the amount equal to twenty per cent of the insurance premium. Provides additional ten per cent tax credits to insurers incorporated in the State.

Establishes a School Choice Scholarship program which allows parents to exercise more financial freedom to send their children to nonpublic schools with the assistance of a $10,000 grant for eligible students.

Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to identify all legislative districts in the State in which at least twenty-five per cent of the population consists of Native Hawaiians. Designates these districts as Native Hawaiian notable districts. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the department of human services to provide written notice to a parent of the parent's rights when conducting an investigation regarding a child who is or may be subject to imminent harm.

Maddy summaryHB 581 appropriates state funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) for constructing new housing units specifically for Native Hawaiians. The bill directly affects Native Hawaiians who qualify for DHHL housing programs by expanding available housing through new construction. Its key provision is allocating budgetary resources to DHHL for this purpose, without altering eligibility rules or existing program structures. The bill is currently pending in the 2025 legislative session after being referred to relevant committees.

Continues a licensing scheme for licensed certified midwives and licensed certified professional midwives, to be overseen by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Reestablishes the home birth task force to provide recommendations on issues related to home births. Dissolves the task force on 6/30/2026. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Repeals registration requirements relating to qualifying outofstate medical cannabis patients who are validly registered in other states, United States territories, or the District of Columbia. Repeals language requiring an initial inperson consultation before physicians and advanced practice registered nurses may make medical cannabis treatment recommendations via telehealth. Prohibits the Department of Health from imposing fees for patients' medical cannabis registration certificates.