Appropriates funds to establish a position within the Department of Health to assist with the upgrade and conversion of cesspools and perform any other related responsibilities as designated by the Wastewater Branch of the Department of Health. (CD1)
Specifies that an engineering study is not required to be considered when reducing the maximum speed limit within ten miles per hour of the current speed limit for that road. Requires the Department of Transportation or a county, to the extent practicable, to consider National Association of City Transportation Officials guidance when setting a maximum speed limit for sections of highways with residential or commercial areas or schools immediately on a highway. (CD1)
Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers. Requires that the system for the electronic filing of nomination papers be provided at no additional cost to the filer. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2028. (CD1)
Creates a framework for the licensure of rural emergency hospitals at the state level by the Department of Health. Clarify Medicaid reimbursement policies for hospitals transitioning from a critical access hospital designation to a rural emergency hospital designation. (CD1)
Maddy summaryHB 133 allocates state funds to the Department of Education to establish surfing as an official interscholastic sport in public high schools. This bill directly affects public high schools by providing resources to develop surfing programs, including equipment, coaching, and competition structures. The key provision is the funding appropriation specifically for creating and supporting school-level surfing teams and events. It aims to expand athletic opportunities for students without requiring new legislation or altering existing sports regulations. The bill is currently under committee review with a recommendation to pass.
Maddy summaryHB 862 allows school districts to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation services, provided they meet specific safety and operational requirements. This bill directly affects public school districts that rely on transportation services for students. The key provision expands the types of vehicles eligible for school bus use beyond standard school buses, while requiring compliance with established safety standards. The bill passed committee with amendments in February 2025 but has not yet become law.
Appropriates funds for equipment for the Oahu Branch of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. (CD1)
Extends the deadline for the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program to submit the North Shore Beach Management Plan to the Governor and Legislature. Extends the appropriation lapse date to 6/30/2026. (CD1)
Requires the Department of Transportation or appropriate county to scan any cat or dog carcass found on a state or county roadway for a microchip, record certain information, report that information to the appropriate county animal services or animal service contractors, and make reasonable efforts to contact the registered owner. Authorizes the Department of Transportation and each county to coordinate with each other to share scanner resources or protocols. (CD1)
Maddy summaryHR 217 is a procedural resolution authorizing Hawaii's House Speaker to manage unfinished legislative work between the 2025 and 2026 regular sessions. It grants the Speaker authority to use remaining session funds, hire temporary staff, establish committees for hearings and investigations, and approve committee reports - all to complete legislative tasks by January 21, 2026. The resolution directly affects the Speaker and House staff, enabling them to continue official business during the legislative break. It does not create new policy but streamlines administrative operations. This is a routine procedural measure to maintain legislative continuity.
