Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture for agricultural biosecurity and the prevention, detection, and control of invasive species in Maui County. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Maddy summaryHB 131 allows state government agencies to share certain government records with researchers for specific research projects. It directly affects researchers seeking access to public data and government agencies handling record disclosures. The bill establishes a clear process for agencies to release records when researchers demonstrate the work serves a legitimate public interest, such as policy analysis or community studies. The measure passed committee unanimously on January 28, 2025, with 8 representatives voting in favor. This policy change aims to improve data access for research while maintaining appropriate safeguards.
Authorizes a county planning commission, by special permit, to permit land uses exclusively providing residential housing for purposes of agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or workforce fee simple ownership in an agricultural district, under certain conditions. Repeals 6/30/2035. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Allows the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to utilize the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund as collateral when the Department acts as an eligible borrower for a loan agreement under section 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, as amended. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion. Requires each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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)
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 14) requests the City and County of Honolulu transfer its authority to construct the Makakilo Drive extension to the State of Hawaii. It directly affects Makakilo residents by seeking to address safety concerns, including the lack of a second evacuation route highlighted after the 2023 Maui wildfires, and to reduce traffic congestion. The resolution asks the state to take over construction planning and execution, aiming to improve community connectivity, public safety, and emergency vehicle access. As a non-binding request, it does not change laws but urges the city to formally transfer its existing authority to the State Department of Transportation.
Maddy summaryHCR 202 is a concurrent resolution (not a law) that strongly supports modernizing Hawaii's Patient Bill of Rights. It recommends updates to address current challenges like AI-driven insurance denials, provider shortages, and rural healthcare access. Key provisions include requiring insurers to provide clear written explanations of coverage, maintain accurate provider directories with telehealth details, guarantee emergency care access without post-service denial, and implement transparent appeals processes. The resolution also calls for insurers to report on network adequacy in shortage areas and ensure HIPAA-equivalent data security. It directs the Insurance Commissioner to enforce these standards but does not create new legal requirements itself.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 10) requests the Hawaii probate court to increase transparency and stakeholder involvement in selecting Kamehameha Schools' Board of Trustees. It specifically asks the court to: (1) ensure future Trustee Screening Committees include Native Hawaiian stakeholders and Kamehameha alumni, (2) publish committee members' qualifications, and (3) fully follow the 2000 court order on committee composition. The resolution directly affects the probate court's role in trustee selection and aims to involve the Native Hawaiian community, beneficiaries, alumni, faculty, staff, and parents. It does not create new law but seeks to implement existing court guidelines for greater accountability.
Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 10) requests the probate court to increase transparency and stakeholder involvement in selecting Kamehameha Schools' Board of Trustees. It specifically asks the court to follow the 2000 court order requiring Trustee Screening Committee members to understand Hawaiian community history and Princess Pauahi Bishop's legacy. The resolution directs the court to appoint committees with greater representation from Native Hawaiian stakeholders - including beneficiaries, alumni, and community members - and to publicly share the qualifications of screening committee members. This aims to align the selection process more closely with the school's founding mission to support Hawaiian education.
