Rep. David Tarnas

Maddy summaryHB 505 establishes a dedicated WAI Policy Coordinator to manage Red Hill-related initiatives and creates a Red Hill Remediation Special Fund to finance cleanup efforts. The bill directly affects Red Hill remediation projects by providing a centralized role for coordination and a dedicated funding source. Key provisions include appointing the coordinator to oversee initiatives and directing the special fund to support remediation activities without specifying project details. The bill is currently under review by the committee with a recommendation to pass.

Establishes and appropriates funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 for a three-year new wastewater system and individual wastewater system technology testing pilot program within the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center. Requires interim and final reports to the Legislature. (CD1)

Establishes that for a minor in theatrical employment with a gross income of at least $5,000 on a project or $20,000 in a calendar year: a parent or legal guardian of the minor is required to establish a trust account for the minor with an independent third-party trustee; and the employer of the minor is required to deposit a portion of the minor's earnings into the trust account until the minor becomes an adult. Makes misappropriation or fraudulent use of funds within the trust account a breach of fiduciary duty subject to penalties. (CD1)

Allows a pathway for foreign medical school graduates to be licensed as physicians that was previously only available to graduates who passed the qualifying examination of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates before 1984. Establishes an alternative pathway for the licensure as physicians for foreign medical graduates who passed certain examinations, possess an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certificate, and have completed two years of post-graduate medical training. (SD1)

Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, and sunsets the Subaccount on 6/30/2030. Requires the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvement District Board to consider the infrastructure needs of transit-supportive density requirements. Requires the strategic plan developed by the Hawaii Interagency Council for Transit-Oriented Development to delineate transit-oriented development areas for each county. (CD1)

Requires utilization review entities to submit data relating to the prior authorization of health care services to the State Health Planning and Development Agency. Establishes the Health Care Appropriateness and Necessity Working Group within the State Health Planning and Development Agency and requires the working group to submit annual reports to the Legislature. (CD1)

Prohibits drug manufacturers from denying, restricting, or prohibiting the acquisition, shipping, or delivery of a 340B drug to pharmacies contracted with 340B covered entities under the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. Authorizes 340B covered entities and the Attorney General to bring a civil action for enforcement within four years of a violation. Beginning 7/1/2026, requires each 340B covered entity in the State to report certain information annually to the hospital trade association operating in the State and requires the hospital trade association to prepare and publicly post an aggregate report of reports submitted by each 340B covered entity. (CD1)

Exempts Department of Education purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products less than $250,000 from the electronic procurement system requirement. Requires at least three written quotes for Department of Education purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products of less than $250,000. Sunsets 6/30/2028. (CD1)

Maddy summaryHB 862 allows school districts to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation services, provided they meet specific safety and operational requirements. This bill directly affects public school districts that rely on transportation services for students. The key provision expands the types of vehicles eligible for school bus use beyond standard school buses, while requiring compliance with established safety standards. The bill passed committee with amendments in February 2025 but has not yet become law.

Provides that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State. (CD1)