Rep. David Tarnas

Maddy summaryHB 892 limits the use of geographical restrictions as conditions of probation, directly affecting individuals under probation supervision. The bill establishes specific boundaries preventing overly broad or vague location bans (such as restricting movement to entire neighborhoods or areas without clear justification). Key provisions require probation officers to justify any geographical restriction based on the individual's offense and risk level, rather than applying blanket prohibitions. This changes probation practice by mandating more tailored, reasonable restrictions instead of arbitrary area limitations.

Maddy summaryHB 131 allows state government agencies to share certain government records with researchers for specific research projects. It directly affects researchers seeking access to public data and government agencies handling record disclosures. The bill establishes a clear process for agencies to release records when researchers demonstrate the work serves a legitimate public interest, such as policy analysis or community studies. The measure passed committee unanimously on January 28, 2025, with 8 representatives voting in favor. This policy change aims to improve data access for research while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

Authorizes a county planning commission, by special permit, to permit land uses exclusively providing residential housing for purposes of agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or workforce fee simple ownership in an agricultural district, under certain conditions. Repeals 6/30/2035. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Allows the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to utilize the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund as collateral when the Department acts as an eligible borrower for a loan agreement under section 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, as amended. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund to be used to provide financial assistance to underserved ratepayers, in addition to other eligible borrowers. Appropriates funds into and out of the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1278 appropriates state funds to assess and remove hazardous trees on state lands across Hawaii. It directly affects Hawaii's state land management agencies, providing the necessary budget for these safety-related tree removal operations. The bill's key mechanism is the allocation of specific funding for tree assessment and removal, effective July 1, 2030 (note: "3000" in abstract appears to be a typo). This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, focused solely on enabling tree removal work on state property.

Amends the law authorizing the killing of mongoose by clarifying the circumstances under which mongoose may be killed and authorizing feral chickens to be killed under certain circumstances. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes factors under which officers may, without warrant, arrest and detain persons for petty misdemeanors and violations. Requires officers to record the factors that justified the warrantless arrest. (HD1)

Establishes a Plant-based Building Materials Working Group to study and report on how best to grow plants and develop plant-based building materials in Hawaii. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)