Rep. David Tarnas

Maddy summaryHB 429 appropriates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants, and to purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to expand staffing and facilities. The bill's key provision is the allocation of dedicated funding, which will become available starting July 1, 2050. This legislation focuses on increasing early learning capacity through financial support, without changing existing program rules.

Amends the Department of the Attorney General pilot project for a state-initiated expungement process of arrest records concerning promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree to include the possession of any schedule V substance in any amount. (HD1)

Authorizes the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center to transmit all expungement orders to the Judiciary to effectuate the purposes of Act 159, SLH 2023. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 65 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Land Use Commission to coordinate with county planning commissions and county councils to review general plan amendments, district boundary changes, and zoning amendments at the same time (concurrently) instead of sequentially. This would directly affect the Land Use Commission, county planning bodies, and county councils across Hawaii, particularly for projects involving land reclassification. The key mechanism is requiring these entities to schedule reviews closer together, share public hearings, and develop protocols to reduce redundant processes. The goal is to speed up the land use amendment process, which currently takes months or years due to separate reviews, helping landowners, businesses, and government agencies address housing, development, and environmental needs more efficiently. This resolution does not change laws but asks state and county agencies to improve coordination.

Maddy summaryHCR 24 is a resolution requesting the state Auditor to conduct a study evaluating whether condominium association managers should be required to obtain certification. This study, called a "sunrise analysis," will examine a proposed bill (H.B. 1312) that aimed to mandate certification for these managers under a new regulatory framework. The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations - including potential legislation - to the Legislature by a specific deadline. The resolution itself does not impose new rules but seeks to inform future decisions about regulating condominium management practices.

Maddy summaryHR 147 establishes a legislative working group to oversee how the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands uses funds from Act 279 (which appropriated $600 million to help native Hawaiian applicants secure homestead leases). The group, composed of seven state representatives, must submit progress reports to the House by specific deadlines before the 2026 and 2027 legislative sessions and will dissolve on January 1, 2027. This resolution continues oversight originally recommended by a prior working group, following the extension of the deadline for using Act 279 funds until 2026. It does not change policy but ensures transparency about the department’s use of these funds.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 23) requests the Hawaii Auditor to conduct a "sunrise analysis" evaluating whether condominium association managers should be regulated. It specifically asks the Auditor to assess the proposal in H.B. 1312 (2025), which would require managers to be certified by the Real Estate Commission. The resolution cites concerns that current managers - licensed brokers with fidelity bonds ($20,000-$500,000) - may lack knowledge of condominium laws and have ignored board members’ requests. The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by February 2026. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not change current rules but seeks analysis before potential future regulation.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill), requesting the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a Geothermal Energy Working Group. The working group - comprising state agency representatives, county officials, industry stakeholders, and community experts - will evaluate regulatory and policy challenges for geothermal energy development in Hawaii and provide recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. It does not create new laws but aims to identify pathways for accelerating geothermal energy, a stable renewable resource, to support Hawaii's clean energy goals.

Maddy summaryHR 59 is a House Resolution requesting the Land Use Commission to coordinate with county planning commissions and county councils to review general plan amendments, district boundary changes, and zoning amendments at the same time (concurrently) instead of sequentially. This would directly affect landowners, developers, and government agencies seeking to change land use for housing, infrastructure, or business purposes. The key mechanism requires state and county bodies to schedule reviews together, share public hearings, and create protocols to reduce redundant processes and lengthy delays. The resolution does not create new laws but asks agencies to streamline existing procedures to expedite land reclassification.

Establishes the Condominium Loan Program to provide condominium associations with low-cost financing, or refinancing for previously obtained loans, for maintenance or repair projects. Establishes the Condominium Loan Loss Reserves Program to incentivize lenders to provide loans at competitive rates and terms to condominium associations for the purpose of allowing condominium associations to make necessary maintenance or repairs. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)