Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa

Maddy summaryHB 626 allocates state funds to the Hawaii Department of Education for its Hoʻākea Program, effective July 1, 3000. The bill provides budgetary resources to support the program's operations, though specific activities or eligibility details are not outlined in the abstract. It directly affects the Department of Education and the program's designated beneficiaries, such as students or schools participating in the initiative. The legislation focuses solely on funding allocation, without specifying additional requirements or changes to existing policies.

Creates the Aloha Aina Land Trust to rehabilitate and manage lands transferred by the United States military to the State after the leases for those lands expires. Appropriates funds.

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the island of Kahoolawe. Specifies the decal size for all special number organizational plates. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Agriculture to develop an online reporting tool on restricted use pesticide usage. Appropriates funds to convert an unspecified number of temporary Environmental Health Specialist III positions into permanent positions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 178 appropriates state funds to establish a dedicated "state tea agent" position at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). This bill directly affects UH Mānoa CTAHR by funding a specific staff role focused on tea-related agricultural support. The bill does not change existing laws or regulations but allocates budget resources for this new position. As a funding measure, it is procedural in nature with no broader policy implications.

Establishes a process, beginning on January 1, 2026, for automatically preregistering or registering public, charter, and private school-enrolled students who are at least 16 years old to vote.

Requires Liquor Commissions or Boards to deny any renewal for a liquor license if the applicant for renewal has violated any provision of the Intoxicating Liquor Law under chapter 281, Hawaii Revised Statutes, on three separate occasions during the twelve-month period preceding the renewal application date.

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires the Department of Education to provide free breakfast and lunch to students enrolled in a public school who meet certain requirements. Reduces the amount the Department of Education is authorized to charge for school meals to all students enrolled in department schools to no more than an unspecified portion of the cost of preparing the meals. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

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.

Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in the personal transition plan requirement for each student.