Authorizes counties to amend district boundaries involving land areas of greater than fifteen but no more than twenty-five acres for purposes of residential housing, agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental housing, or workforce fee simple ownership. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Maddy summaryHB 1742 authorizes the construction and occupancy of self-contained temporary housing units (like modular or portable homes with basic living facilities), directly affecting housing developers, property owners, and residents seeking such housing. The bill establishes a legal framework for these units but includes unspecified restrictions on their use, location, or design. It does not specify additional requirements like safety standards or tenant protections, focusing solely on permitting the units' existence. This is a substantive housing policy change, not a procedural measure.
Maddy summaryHB 1799 allows counties to include commercial development projects within their existing authority to test and demonstrate new initiatives. It directly affects counties by expanding their ability to experiment with commercial ventures as part of local pilot programs. The key provision amends current law to explicitly permit counties to develop commercial projects under their experimental authority, rather than requiring separate approvals. This change streamlines how counties can pursue economic development through pilot programs without additional legislative steps. The bill passed committee with all members voting in favor on February 6, 2026.
Requires the development of transit-supportive densities to be allowed in any county-designated transit-oriented development area. Prohibits the counties from enacting an ordinance, rule, regulation, development standard, zoning provision, or other land use control that restricts the development of transit-supportive densities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Maddy summaryThis bill urges the University of Hawaii to evaluate the effectiveness of its Manoa Kokua Program and disability services across the university system, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement and expansion. It requests the University of Hawaii Manoa SEED program to conduct a study on how to better improve student outreach and knowledge of disability support, focusing on specific issues like registration processes, classroom accommodations, building accessibility, and basic needs access. The university is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This resolution is a non-binding request that does not create new laws or funding but asks the university to assess its current services and propose changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs Hawaii's Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study on whether the state should change its Attorney General selection process from appointment to election. The study will examine constitutional requirements, compare systems used in other states, and analyze potential impacts on the office's independence, accountability, and ability to represent the state. The report is due before the 2027 legislative session and will include recommendations on any necessary constitutional amendments or alternative selection methods. This resolution does not change current law but initiates a review of the issue for future legislative consideration.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the University of Hawaii to evaluate the effectiveness of its Kokua Program and disability services across the university system. The bill directs the University of Hawaii Manoa SEED program to conduct a study on improving student outreach, registration processes, faculty communication, building accessibility, and accommodations for basic needs like transportation and housing. The university must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session. This measure aims to address gaps in disability support services and ensure better access for students with disabilities throughout the university system.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that directs Hawaii's Legislative Reference Bureau to study whether the state's Attorney General should be elected by voters instead of being appointed by the Governor. The study will examine constitutional requirements, compare systems used in other states, and analyze potential impacts on the Attorney General's independence, accountability, and ability to work with state agencies. The Bureau must also explore alternative selection methods that could improve public confidence in the office and submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not change any laws but initiates research to inform future policy decisions about how the Attorney General is selected.
Maddy summaryThis bill requests the creation of a Space Economy Working Group in Hawaii to study and develop a strategic plan for the state's participation in the growing space industry. The working group will include representatives from state agencies, universities, private industry, and community stakeholders to examine existing capabilities, workforce needs, and opportunities for economic growth. Its main task is to produce a report with recommendations on how Hawaii can leverage its unique location and resources in areas like satellite operations, climate monitoring, and advanced manufacturing while considering environmental and cultural factors. The group must submit its findings to the Legislature by early 2027, potentially including proposed legislation to support these initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill re-establishes the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct in the Hawaii State Legislature to investigate structural issues that may have enabled a 2022 bribery conviction of a former representative. The commission will examine how concentrated power among legislative leaders and lack of transparency in bill advancement processes create opportunities for corruption. Its duties include reviewing existing rules, assessing accountability measures, and comparing Hawaii's system with other states' reform models before submitting recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.
