Rep. Diamond Garcia

Establishes the Onipaʻa Teacher Bonus Program to address teacher retention and award teachers for outstanding and extended service in the department of education. Ensures that general education teachers assigned to special education inclusion classes receive the same additional benefits as special education teachers.

Maddy summaryHB 474 allocates funds to the Department of Health to support its existing Fall Prevention Campaign. The bill directly affects the Department of Health by providing dedicated funding for ongoing fall prevention efforts, which target reducing injuries among older adults. Key provisions include appropriating specific budget resources to sustain current campaign activities like community outreach and safety education. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, and does not create new requirements for individuals or organizations.

Permanently establishes and appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement, Office of the Public Defender, and City and County of Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for the Community Outreach Court as a division of the District Court of the First Circuit. (CD1)

Expands the Preschool Open Doors Program's eligibility criteria. Repeals the requirement that Preschool Open Doors Program providers be accredited. Effective 1/1/2026. (CD1)

Exempts Department of Education purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products less than $250,000 from the electronic procurement system requirement. Requires at least three written quotes for Department of Education purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products of less than $250,000. Sunsets 6/30/2028. (CD1)

Maddy summaryHB 862 allows school districts to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation services, provided they meet specific safety and operational requirements. This bill directly affects public school districts that rely on transportation services for students. The key provision expands the types of vehicles eligible for school bus use beyond standard school buses, while requiring compliance with established safety standards. The bill passed committee with amendments in February 2025 but has not yet become law.

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)

Appropriates funds to be used by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for mercantile projects, as well as lump sum repair and maintenance, in fiscal year 2025-2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the contracting of services for start-up business financing and support. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

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.