Rep. Chris Muraoka

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that requests the State Building Code Council and Hawaii counties to update their building codes to include specific standards for off-site construction methods like modular and prefabricated building. The resolution asks officials to adopt national standards for planning, inspection, and mechanical systems that aim to lower construction costs, speed up project delivery, and improve energy efficiency. It also encourages the creation of a statewide registry for pre-approved building designs to reduce repetitive review work while ensuring local safety requirements are met. The bill is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law, requiring the Council and counties to decide whether to incorporate these standards into their regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that Hawaii's State Building Code Council and local counties update their building codes to include national standards for off-site construction methods like modular and prefabricated building. The proposed standards would cover planning, design, fabrication, inspection, and mechanical systems to promote faster, safer, and more cost-effective construction while supporting energy efficiency and disaster resilience. The resolution also asks for a statewide registry of pre-approved building designs to streamline the approval process and reduce redundant reviews. Officials are directed to consult with industry stakeholders and labor groups to ensure the new standards fit Hawaii's unique climate and workforce needs before adoption.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education to provide students with information on how to preregister to vote before they turn 18. The bill directs schools to distribute voter registration materials, offer guidance on eligibility and submission procedures, and designate the last two weeks of September as a dedicated period for voter registration activities. It also requires the department to make paper application forms available and provide resources on accessible voting options for students with disabilities. The resolution aims to increase civic engagement among youth by making voting information more accessible in public schools, where civics education is already part of the curriculum.

Maddy summaryHB 2444 increases the state tax credit available to low-income household renters, raising the amount from $50 to $100 for each tax exemption claimed by the taxpayer. This change directly affects renters who qualify as low-income and claim tax exemptions, providing them with greater financial relief through their state tax return. The key provision is the specific dollar amount increase per exemption, making the credit more substantial for eligible households. The bill does not alter eligibility criteria or introduce new administrative requirements.

Requires the Department of Education to provide additional benefits to: (1) teachers with special assignments where their duties and responsibilities are greater than their ordinary duties and responsibilities; (2) teachers in Hawaiian language medium education whose responsibilities are greater or unique and require additional language skills; and (3) teachers at special needs schools. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Makes broadcast and streaming platform productions and commercial advertisement productions with Internet-only distribution eligible to receive the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit. Repeals 1/1/2033. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1756 updates the Individual Housing Account Program statute to adjust how down-payment costs are calculated, ensuring the program reflects current housing market prices. This change directly affects individuals using the program to save for home purchases by aligning eligibility and contribution requirements with present-day housing costs. The bill modifies the statutory formula used to determine down-payment assistance amounts, removing outdated cost references to better serve participants. (3 sentences)

Increases the aggregate cap on credits allowed in any given year for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit from $50,000,000 to $60,000,000. Extends the sunset of the tax credit to 1/1/2038. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Repeals 1/1/2038. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Affirms student-athletes' rights to engage in name, image, and likeness activities for compensation. Requires the University of Hawaii to adopt policies governing institutional name, image, and likeness agreements and other aspects of name, image, and likeness activity consistent with federal law, rules by an intercollegiate athletics governing body such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and Title IX. Establishes certain transparency and accountability requirements in the administration of institutional name, image, and likeness activities. Provides protections and educational support for student-athletes who enter into name, image, and likeness agreements. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 6/30/2030. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 2399 appropriates state funds to the State Public Charter School Commission specifically for prekindergarten-only public charter schools. This bill directly affects prekindergarten-only public charter schools by providing them with dedicated state funding through the Commission. The key mechanism is a budget allocation for operational support, without changing eligibility rules or student enrollment requirements. The bill is currently in early stages, having been introduced on January 27, 2026.