Rep. Amy Perruso

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.

Maddy summaryHB 183 would expand the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by allowing qualifying low-income working parents to claim an additional credit if they have a dependent child under 18. This directly affects families with children in that age group who currently qualify for the base EITC but may not receive the full benefit. The key provision adds a specific credit amount tied to having a dependent under 18, increasing the total refundable credit available. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted into law.

Establishes the position of Ka Papahana Kaiapuni Program Complex Area Superintendent. Requires that at least one at-large member of the Board of Education be a proficient Hawaiian speaking educator, practitioner, or scholar of Hawaiian studies or the Hawaiian language, to be selected from a list of three nominees submitted by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Clarifies the purpose and objective of the Hawaiian Language Medium Education Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 869 expands eligibility for the Hawaii Community College Promise Program scholarships to include all qualified students, not just current participants. The bill provides state funding to cover these expanded scholarships, ensuring more Hawaii residents can access affordable community college education. It directly affects students seeking associate degrees or certificates at Hawaii's community colleges who meet income and residency criteria. The legislation modifies the existing program by broadening access while securing dedicated funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 675 requires judges to determine a defendant's ability to pay bail before setting an amount. This directly affects defendants who cannot afford bail, potentially preventing them from being jailed solely due to poverty. The bill mandates judges to make specific findings about financial circumstances during bail hearings. It aims to modify current bail procedures by focusing on a defendant's economic situation rather than defaulting to cash bail. (Note: This is a procedural bill affecting court practices, not a substantive policy change.)

Establishes the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Updates the Condominium Property Act to integrate the role and functions of the ombudsman's office for condominium associations. Appropriates funds for establishment of the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations.

Establishes the Food and Beverage Supply Chain Resiliency Income Tax Credit to be administered by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Department of Taxation. Requires DBEDT to establish expedited permitting processes for food and beverage supply chain activities. Applicable to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Repeals the exception for when a person is not required to wear a safety helmet when operating a moped or motor scooter leased from a rental company. Requires operators and passengers of motorcycles to wear safety helmets with securely fastened chin straps while operating two-wheeled motorized vehicles on highways, streets, roadways, or any other public property in the State. Requires all renters or lessees of an electric foot scooter to wear a safety helmet regardless of their age. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)