Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa

Maddy summaryHB 233 establishes a state-run breast milk bank operated by the Department of Health to provide donor breast milk for medically vulnerable infants. It creates a dedicated "breast milk bank special fund" to cover operational costs and appropriates state funds for this purpose. The bill directly affects hospitals, healthcare providers, and families seeking donor milk for premature or ill newborns. Key provisions include setting up the bank under state health authority and securing dedicated funding to ensure access to this critical resource.

Requires the Department of Education to establish rules for the procurement of goods and services related to the administration of food programs at public schools that incorporate a geographic preference for unprocessed locally grown and locally raised food products.

Prohibits the addition of fluoride to a public water system. Preempts and voids conflicting laws, executive orders, ordinances, regulations, or rules.

Maddy summaryHB 581 allocates state funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) for constructing new housing units specifically for Native Hawaiians eligible for Hawaiian Home Lands. The bill directly affects Native Hawaiians who qualify for DHHL housing under state law by enabling the development of new residential properties. Key provisions include authorizing the use of appropriated funds for new construction projects on Hawaiian Home Lands, rather than repairs or existing units. This funding mechanism aims to expand housing availability for the designated population through DHHL's development programs.

Maddy summaryHB 507 appropriates funds for a pilot grant program to help property owners comply with cesspool regulations. It directly affects property owners in areas with cesspools by providing financial assistance through a limited pilot project, not by changing existing rules. The bill does not create new requirements but allocates money to test a compliance support model. This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change. (1 sentence summary for a procedural bill)

Makes permanent the amendments made by Act 163, SLH 2023, to the state earned income tax credit and refundable food/excise tax credit. Amends the income thresholds and credit amounts for the low-income household renters tax credit and refundable food/excise tax credit. Amends the state earned income tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024.

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.

Authorizes the Land Use Commission to designate another agency, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Department of Agriculture, or Agribusiness Development Corporation, to monitor compliance with any restrictions imposed in a special permit.

By 1/1/2027, requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish a family and medical leave insurance program and begin collecting payroll contributions to finance payment of benefits. By 1/1/2028, requires the Department to start receiving claims and paying benefits under the program. Specifies eligibility requirements and employee protections under the program.

Amends the Hawaii State Constitution to prohibit the State from denying or interfering with an individual's reproductive freedom, including the right to choose to obtain an abortion and to obtain or use contraceptives.