Rep. Kanani Souza

Maddy summaryHB 531 would authorize Hawaii to issue special license plates featuring recognition of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. These plates would allow vehicle owners to display a dedicated plate design supporting the cancer center, with the program becoming effective July 1, 2030. The bill creates a new plate option without altering existing vehicle registration rules or imposing costs on the state. It directly affects vehicle owners who choose to purchase these plates as a form of public recognition for the cancer center.

Maddy summaryHB 213 allocates state funds to the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, directly supporting healthcare professionals who took out education loans. The bill provides financial assistance to repay qualifying student loans for professionals working in underserved areas or specific healthcare roles. Key provisions include using state appropriations to cover a portion of eligible loan payments, reducing financial barriers for healthcare workers. The program becomes effective July 1, 3000 (a date likely indicating a placeholder or error in the abstract).

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii I Hoa Na Moolelo program, including for the hiring of a graduate assistant, hiring of undergraduate writers, and acquiring a new website domain. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds for eight full-time agricultural technician, and four full-time coordinator positions at University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Maddy summaryHB 471 requires the state Board of Education to create Korean language programs in public schools and allocates funding for these initiatives. The bill directly affects school districts, which would implement the programs, and students who would have access to Korean language learning opportunities. Key provisions include mandating the Board to establish the programs and providing dedicated state funds to support their development and operation. This is a substantive policy change focused on expanding language education options, not a procedural measure.

Beginning on 1/1/2026, increases transient accommodations tax rates by 1 percentage point. Deposits the increased revenues into the Hawaiian Home General Loan Fund established under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 365 prohibits the farming of octopus in aquaculture operations within the state. The bill directly affects businesses or entities currently engaged in or planning to raise octopus commercially. Its key provision bans these specific octopus farming activities, with an effective date listed as July 1, 3000 (a likely typographical error, as this date is far in the future). The bill is currently pending in committee after receiving a favorable recommendation for passage with amendments.

Authorizes the payment of allowances for TRICARE, TRICARE Dental Program, and vision coverage to all officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel of the Hawaii National Guard ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 767 extends the deadline for voters to fix minor errors on ballots (a process called "ballot curing") from 5 business days to 13 calendar days after an election. This change directly affects voters who submit ballots with small mistakes, such as missing signatures or incorrect addresses, giving them more time to correct these issues. The bill modifies the existing election timeline to provide greater flexibility for voters to resolve technical ballot problems. It is currently pending in the 2026 Regular Session after being carried over from 2025.

Establishes a two-year pilot program that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires the Department of Education to provide free school lunch to all students enrolled at a department school. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals on 6/30/2027.