Rep. Kanani Souza

Maddy summaryHB 932 establishes a Green Bonds Working Group within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. The bill creates this group to address green bond initiatives but does not specify its exact duties, timeline, or how it would affect specific entities or projects. The provided context lacks details on the group's specific functions, target industries, or funding mechanisms. The bill's effective date (July 1, 3000) appears to be a placeholder error. Without additional details on the group's purpose or concrete policy changes, a full summary of key mechanisms cannot be provided.

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)

Excludes a homeowner-developer from the annual requirement to file a developer's report and pay a fee if the homeowner's development consists of no more than two units, one in which the developer resides and one for which the initial sale of the other unit has been completed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Prohibits state contractors, prospective state contractors, holders of procurement prequalification certificates, or principals of these groups from making contributions to, or soliciting contributions from their employees or from subcontractors or principals of subcontractors on behalf of, certain candidate committees, noncandidate committees, and political party committees. Requires the Procurement Policy Board to adopt rules to issue prequalification certificates to prospective contractors for public buildings or other public works. Amends the contribution limits for certain individuals and noncandidate committees. Prohibits lobbyists and certain persons related to lobbyists from soliciting contributions from client lobbyists. Increases the administrative fines.

Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated for Bargaining Unit (5) and subject to the availability of funds, provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed a year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 625 establishes a program providing financial incentives to school districts that hire nationally certified school psychologists. It appropriates state funds to support these incentives, directly affecting school districts and school psychologists seeking certification. The key provision is the creation of a reimbursement or bonus system for districts employing psychologists meeting national certification standards. The bill passed committee with amendments on January 30, 2025, and is now moving toward potential floor consideration.

Requires the Department of Health to post on its website an easily understandable, searchable, and sortable list of all state-licensed care facilities including information on their licenses and inspections. Requires that the list be updated within five days of any change in its information.

Establishes and appropriates funds for a digital navigator pilot program to offer technical assistance with computers and electronic devices to residents.

Maddy summaryHB 626 appropriates funds to the Hawaii Department of Education for its Hoʻākea Program, which aims to support educational initiatives (though specific program details are not described in the context). The bill was recently recommended for passage by the Education Committee with 10 ayes and 1 excused vote, moving it toward potential enactment. It would become effective on July 1, 2030, after the current legislative process. This funding measure directly affects the Department of Education’s budget and program implementation. The bill does not specify additional affected groups or detailed policy changes beyond the financial allocation.

Establishes certain minimum registered nurse-to-patient staffing requirements for hospitals. No later than 9/1/2025, requires hospitals to create hospital registered nurse staffing committees. Beginning 7/1/2026, requires hospitals to implement registered nurse staffing plans. Appropriates funds.