Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. (SD1)
Establishes a Local Agriculture Transportation Cost Reimbursement Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to reimburse eligible ranchers and farmers a portion of their costs to transport livestock, livestock products, agricultural commodities, and certain necessary supplies, under certain conditions. Establishes a position to administer the Program. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 6/30/2029. (CD1)
Authorizes SHPD to conduct a phased review of a proposed project on private property under certain circumstances. Amends the process and deadlines by which SHPD must provide written concurrence or non-concurrence for proposed projects on private property or certain projects that require state or county approval for entitlement for use, after which concurrence may be assumed and the project may move to the next step in the compliance process. Amends the conditions under which a proposed project on an existing privately owned single-family detached dwelling unit or townhouse that is over fifty years old shall be subject to section 6E-42, HRS. (CD1)
Clarifies the process for selecting a certified provider of vocational rehabilitation services. Requires certified providers to automatically approve vocational rehabilitation services for an injured employee if those services will likely be required for suitable gainful employment and the initial evaluation report finds the injured employee feasible to participate. Requires providers to file an employee's vocational rehabilitation plan no later than one hundred twenty days after submitting an initial evaluation report, unless extended by the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations. Clarifies the process for an employer to object to a vocational rehabilitation plan. (CD1)
Maddy summaryHB 2415 appropriates state funds to the Department of Transportation for installing pedestrian safety improvements (like crosswalks or signage) at locations directly adjacent to school properties. It also directs the department to consider implementing similar safety measures at other high-risk sites beyond school areas. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to use these allocated funds for specific traffic safety projects, effective July 1, 3000. This policy change directly affects school communities and pedestrians near schools by directing state resources toward physical safety infrastructure.
Maddy summaryHB 1737 clarifies the permitted uses for farm dwellings and employee housing within agricultural districts. It directly affects farm employers and workers in designated farming areas by specifying what types of housing developments are allowed under existing regulations. The bill does not create new rules but makes current zoning expectations clearer to prevent confusion. It takes effect on July 1, 3000.
Maddy summaryHB 2001 designates the first Friday in February of each year as "Love My Library Day" statewide, encouraging public appreciation for libraries. This symbolic bill affects all public libraries and library users by establishing an annual observance day. It does not create new funding, regulations, or policy changes - only a ceremonial designation. The bill is currently pending committee review after passing its first reading.
Makes failure to maintain a natural stream channel that causes an unreasonable and substantial physical obstruction of the natural flow of water a violation of the State Water Code, with certain exceptions. Establishes a period of time after receipt of written notice of certain violations of the State Water Code during which a violator may remedy the violation or enter into a corrective action plan with the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM). Gives CWRM the discretion to impose a minimum penalty per State Water Code violation, increases the maximum penalty per violation, and authorizes CWRM to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Prohibits the State from acquiring a fee simple interest in any artificial watercourse, including a canal or ditch, under certain circumstances. Allows the State to acquire a fee simple interest in the artificial watercourse if the Legislature provides prior approval by concurrent resolution. (CD1)
Maddy summaryHB 1516 requires courts to consider a defendant's actual financial ability to pay bail when determining pretrial release conditions. This bill directly affects individuals facing pretrial detention decisions, particularly those with limited financial resources. The key provision mandates that judges evaluate specific factors related to a defendant's financial situation before setting bail amounts. The bill is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and passed first reading on January 21, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 1550 removes drug testing products (like home kits or workplace screening tools) from the legal definition of "drug paraphernalia" under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This change directly affects businesses that sell these products and individuals who use them, as they will no longer face penalties for possessing them under current drug paraphernalia laws. The bill achieves this by amending the statute to specifically exclude these testing products from the prohibited category. The policy change clarifies legal status without altering broader drug control provisions.
