Rep. Kanani Souza

Maddy summaryHB 627 allocates funds to the Department of Education to hire staff focused on implementing and maintaining school safety measures. It directly affects public schools and students by providing resources for safety personnel, though the specific roles aren't detailed in the abstract. The bill's key mechanism is funding these positions, with an effective date listed as July 1, 3000 (likely a typo for 2030). The bill passed committee with amendments on February 4, 2025, but remains pending final approval.

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to establish an international teacher license for certain visa holders and the requirements to obtain the international teacher license. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Spay and Neuter Special Fund to reduce pet overpopulation and the reproduction of free-roaming cats. Establishes various revenue and fundraising sources for the special fund. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 610 establishes a dedicated Cold Case Investigation Unit within the state Attorney General's Department and allocates funding for its operations. The bill directly affects cold case investigations by creating a specialized team to re-examine unresolved criminal cases. Key provisions include appropriating state funds to support the unit's staffing, technology, and investigative resources. The unit will become operational starting July 1, 3000, as specified in the bill.

Allows a party aggrieved by the judgment of a circuit court on a minimum term order to appeal to the Intermediate Appellate Court. Requires prisoners to continue to be represented by counsel in any petition challenging minimum term proceedings. Requires the Supreme Court to establish rules. Establishes grounds for challenging a minimum term order. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Imposes an additional fee for a certificate of registration for motor vehicles, to be deposited into the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a lithium-ion battery recycling working group within the Department of Health to assess recycling methods for small and medium format lithium-ion batteries. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

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 certain types of octopus farming, directly affecting businesses engaged in commercial octopus aquaculture. The bill would ban this activity starting July 1, 3000, though this effective date appears to be a placeholder error. Key provisions include a complete prohibition on the practice without specifying exemptions or implementation details. The bill has advanced to committee with a recommendation for passage.

Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program to support teacher retention at public and charter schools classified as hard-to-staff. Requires reports to the Legislature. Amends the purpose and uses of the Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)