Requires that the Hawaiian version of a law be held binding if the law in question was originally drafted in Hawaiian and then translated into English and the law has not been later amended, codified, recodified, or reenacted in English. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Beginning 1/1/2026, requires health insurers and mutual benefit societies to provide coverage for traditional native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices offered through a Federally Qualified Health Center or a Native Hawaiian Health Care System.
Appropriates funds to the Judiciary to support services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)
Adds the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, or the Chairperson's designee, to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.
Maddy summaryHB 598 prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to pay copays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams ordered by doctors to investigate concerns or monitor conditions. This directly affects patients needing these specific exams, such as follow-up tests after abnormal mammograms. The bill mandates that insurers cover these exams fully without patient cost-sharing, applying only to diagnostic and supplemental procedures - not routine screenings. It represents a policy change to reduce financial barriers for medically necessary breast examinations.
Establishes enhanced penalties for multiple violations of the same liquor law by licensees in a county with a population of 500,000 or more, under certain circumstances.
Appropriates funds for the Office of the Governor, in collaboration with the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, to strengthen existing hurricane shelters and develop new hurricane shelters to withstand category five hurricanes.
Establishes the Small Housing Provider Grant Program under Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to provide grants to eligible property owners of multi-family buildings for renovations, repairs, and addressing hazardous and unsafe living conditions. Appropriates funds.
Adds the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the Chairperson's designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Considers the Chairperson in determining quorum and majority and makes the Chairperson eligible to vote on matters affecting the Kalaeloa Community Development District.
Codifies and makes permanent the Hawaii Carbon Smart Land Management Assistance Program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
