Requires the Department of Education to implement a plan for a Hawaiian language immersion school in Kapolei that shall be ready to educate students in grades kindergarten through 12 by the 2028-2029 school year. Appropriates moneys.
Maddy summaryHB 1489 allocates state funds to the Department of Human Services (DHS) to administer core homelessness services. It directly supports homeless service providers and individuals experiencing homelessness by funding essential programs like emergency shelter and basic assistance. The bill does not create new programs but directs DHS to use these funds for existing core services. The bill was introduced on January 23, 2025, and referred to committees for further review.
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requires that each Department of Education public school student earn 2 credits in Hawaiian language as a graduation requirement. Establishes a 2-year pilot program for Hawaiian language instruction at a central Oahu elementary school and Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. Appropriates funds.
Requires all accident and health or sickness insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations operating in the State to adopt policies, procedures, and criteria for approving or denying requests for prior authorization that are the equivalent to the guidelines for prior authorization established by Medicare.
Maddy summaryHB 917 establishes mandatory minimum prison terms for individuals convicted of possessing methamphetamine or fentanyl. It directly affects people found guilty of these specific drug possession offenses. The bill requires judges to impose a set minimum prison sentence for these convictions, removing judicial discretion to issue shorter sentences. This policy change alters sentencing outcomes for low-level drug possession cases under current law. (Note: The bill is new, with no committee action or voting history yet.)
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.
Maddy summaryHB 907 allocates state funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for maintenance and improvement work on public housing units. The bill directly impacts residents of public housing by directing resources toward rehabilitation, remodeling, renovation, and repair of their living spaces. This funding mechanism allows the authority to address physical conditions in housing units without changing eligibility requirements or management policies. The legislation represents a straightforward financial commitment to preserve existing public housing infrastructure.
Appropriates funds for eight full-time agricultural technician, and four full-time coordinator positions at University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
Directs the Department of Human Services to adopt rules to expand Medicaid eligibility to all children in the State from birth to age 5 years without regard to household income. Appropriates moneys.
Maddy summaryHB 942 allocates state funds to the Department of Health for contracting health care services with community-based organizations. This bill directly affects local health organizations that provide services to residents, particularly in underserved communities. The key provision establishes a funding mechanism requiring the Department of Health to use these resources to partner with such organizations for service delivery. The bill was introduced on January 21, 2025, and referred to relevant committees for review.
