Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa

Amends the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to address carbon emissions. Incrementally increases the tax rate over time. Establishes a refundable tax credit to mitigate the effect of a carbon emissions tax on taxpayers. Reenacts the agricultural development and food security special fund. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1380 requires the state to ensure that all certified arborists working for the state, including those hired through contractors, follow established best management practices. This bill directly affects state-employed arborists and the contractors who provide arborist services to the state. The key provision mandates the state to enforce adherence to these best practices, rather than creating new standards. The goal is to standardize arboricultural work performed for state entities, focusing on consistent, professional care of trees and vegetation.

Requires each public school to implement a policy to prohibit students from using cellular phones and other wireless communication devices during school hours, subject to exceptions for education, health, and emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1288 would create a Rare Disease Advisory Council within the state Department of Health. The council would provide recommendations to the state on addressing the needs of people living with rare diseases. This bill establishes a formal advisory body to help inform state health policies and programs for rare disease patients. The bill is currently in committee referral.

Maddy summaryHB 1309 authorizes state agencies to transfer specific lands under their jurisdiction to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. This bill directly affects the state agencies holding the lands and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which manages land for Native Hawaiian residents. The key mechanism is the legal authorization for the transfer, without specifying which lands or additional conditions. The bill focuses solely on enabling this property transfer process.

Requires the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Department of Health to develop and implement a comprehensive messaging and informational campaign to prevent cannabis use among the State's youth. Requires the Division to establish and enter into contracts with community-based organizations to award grants to prevent substance misuse among youth through evidenced-based prevention programs. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Appropriates funds in addition to the base budget of the Department of Human Services' Homeless Programs Office to address the need for homeless services in the State.

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.

Authorizes the cultivation of vegetable gardens on properties within planned community associations and condominiums. Prohibits planned community associations and condominiums from prohibiting or restricting the cultivation of vegetable gardens via their association documents.

Maddy summaryHB 1463 requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on whether establishing a state lottery is feasible. The bill does not create a lottery but mandates this analysis to evaluate potential impacts, costs, and benefits. This study would inform future legislative decisions about a possible lottery, directly affecting state agencies and potentially residents if a lottery is later approved.