Rep. Kanani Souza

Maddy summaryHB 932 proposes creating a Green Bonds Working Group within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop a program for issuing state green bonds. The working group would advise the department on structuring and implementing a green bond initiative, which would fund projects with environmental benefits like renewable energy or conservation. This bill directly affects state agencies involved in economic development and finance, though it does not authorize bond issuance itself. As of now, the bill passed committee recommendation with amendments and is pending further legislative action.

Establishes the Hawaii Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council. Requires an action plan and reports to the Governor and Legislature by certain dates. Establishes positions. Authorizes the hiring of consultants to assist the advisory council. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the shipping container inspection program and shipping container inspection program special fund. Amends the definitions of "aerial devices" and "fireworks" within state fireworks law. Requires reports to the Legislature on implementation of the shipping container inspection program. Appropriates moneys.

Provides that if a law enforcement officer lawfully stops a motor vehicle and the operator is cited for driving without a valid license, the officer shall not permit the operator to resume the use of the motor vehicle. Requires the motor vehicle to be moved by a licensed driver or towed at the owner's expense. Provides that the cited operator is responsible for arranging the operator's transportation from the scene of the stop.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for the development of a controlled-environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon research and teaching site in Manoa, Oahu. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires any person providing doula services for compensation or representing or advertising themselves as a certified doula to register with the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Establishes certain rights for certified doulas, including being present during delivery and in any recovery rooms, if requested by the client. Requires the Director to maintain a link to the registry on the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' website. Effective 1/1/2026.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Prohibits the resetting of lease rents for long-term commercial leases above a level that is economic for the lessee's actual use of the property. Requires that a lessee whose long-term commercial lease has been terminated be compensated for the value of buildings, infrastructure, and businesses created by the lessee that will be retained by the lessor. Allows a lessee the right to purchase the property at fair market value.

Maddy summaryHB 1306 establishes the Kupuna Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program through the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. It allows older Hawaii residents (kūpuna) who own homes to convert their home equity into mortgage payments, providing financial stability as they age. The program is administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance Corporation, which will manage eligibility, funding, and participant support. This directly affects homeowners aged 62+ who wish to leverage their home equity without selling their property.

Creates a School Psychologists Working Group within the Department of Education to recommend actionable steps or propose legislation for an immediate pathway to licensure for school psychologists that can be acted upon in 2026. Requires a report to the Legislature. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)