Clarifies that a person who uses deadly force in self-defense does not have a duty to retreat if they are in their dwelling or on their property unless they are the initial aggressor. Repeals statutory language that permits a person to use deadly force at their place of work.
Maddy summaryHB 518 prohibits licensed attorneys from representing clients in small claims court. It directly affects individuals who file small claims cases, such as for unpaid debts, property disputes, or minor contractual issues. The key provision bans attorney representation in these proceedings, requiring self-representation for all parties. This change would limit legal assistance for small claims court users, making the process more accessible for self-represented individuals.
Exempts the tax collected on the sale of groceries that are eligible under the supplemental nutrition assistance program or special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, regardless of the means of purchase and the program eligibility of the purchaser.
Maddy summaryHB 178 appropriates state funds to establish a new position for a state tea agent at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). This bill directly affects UH Manoa's CTAHR program by funding a dedicated specialist focused on tea agriculture. The key mechanism is a budget allocation to create this role, supporting research and outreach related to tea cultivation in Hawaii. The bill is procedural, focusing on funding a specific staff position rather than changing laws.
Requires a trigger lock for all firearms purchases from a licensed dealer. Requires licensed firearms dealers to provide purchasers with notice regarding the law on firearms storage. Amends the requirements for the secure storage of firearms and establishes fines for violations. Amends the offense of criminally negligent storage of a firearm.
After 1/1/2026, prohibits businesses where food or beverages are packaged and sold on the business' premises for individual consumption from using, selling, or distributing certain disposable or single-use food ware and beverage service items, including items containing PFAS.
Maddy summaryHB 87 requires all public schools in the state to provide free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill allocates state funds to cover the cost of these meals, ensuring schools can implement the program without additional local funding burdens. This policy directly affects all public school students and their school districts, which must adopt the universal meal program using the designated state appropriations. The legislation creates a concrete, statewide change in school nutrition access without specifying eligibility criteria.
Repeals the requirement imposed on the counties to allow for the construction of at least two accessory dwelling units on all residentially zoned lots. Establishes the accessory dwelling unit housing development program with the Hawaii Community Development Authority to award subsidies to individuals who build accessory dwelling units. Exempts those accessory dwelling units from general excise tax for the first 3 years of rental.
Authorizes and decriminalizes the sale of raw milk, raw milk products, and raw milk dairy products directly from producers to consumers for human consumption, subject to certain restrictions. Authorizes the direct sale of raw goat milk for pet consumption. Establishes labeling requirements. Requires the Board of Agriculture and Department of Health to adopt rules no later than 7/1/2026.
Maddy summaryHB 623 requires the State Board of Education to create a policy banning student use of phones and other electronic devices during school hours. This policy directly affects all public school students and school staff in the state. The key provision mandates the Board to adopt this rule, which would apply to all K-12 schools during instructional time. The bill does not specify exceptions or enforcement methods, only requiring the Board to establish the policy. (3 sentences)
