Sen. Karl Rhoads

Maddy summarySB 671 prohibits the use of certain dangerous pesticides on all state-owned lands and facilities, including parks, schools, and government buildings. The law applies to routine pest control but allows exceptions only when responding to emergency pest outbreaks that threaten public health or safety. This policy change directly affects state agencies responsible for maintaining public properties, requiring them to switch to alternative pest management methods except in urgent situations.

Establishes a refundable Family Caregiver Tax Credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to report to the Legislature before the convening of each Regular Session.

Adds a minimum penalty of $50 per violation of the State Water Code and makes each day that a violation exists or continues a separate offense. Requires the Commission on Water Resource Management to determine the amount of the penalty based on the circumstances of the violation.

Maddy summarySB 723 increases the required distance (setback) between new construction and shorelines. It directly affects property owners, developers, and local governments in coastal areas by mandating larger buffer zones. The bill's abstract states it "increases shoreline setback requirements" but does not specify current or new setback distances, affected water bodies, or implementation timelines. Without additional details on the exact changes or scope, a more detailed summary cannot be provided based on the available information.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to achieve full funding status, including estimated payment increases, of Medicaid home- and community-based services.

Maddy summarySB 1056 limits how much and how often landlords can raise rent for residential properties within a one-year period. It directly affects residential landlords and tenants by restricting annual rent increases to a specific percentage or frequency. The bill establishes a clear cap on the total rent hike allowed over 12 months, preventing frequent or excessive increases. This policy aims to provide greater housing stability and predictability for renters while setting clear boundaries for landlords' pricing practices.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health for the Adult Mental Health Inpatient Program to secure contracts for the provision of forty psychiatric beds annually for the Hawaii State Hospital. Requires the Department of Health to include line-item funding for the Adult Mental Health Inpatient Program in its annual budget request beginning with fiscal year 2027-2028 to secure contracts for the provision of psychiatric beds for the Hawaii State Hospital.

Requires the Department of Health to post on its website an easily understandable, searchable, and sortable list of all state-licensed care facilities including information on their licenses and inspections. Requires that the list be updated within five days of any change in its information.

Requires waste combustion facility owners to implement continuous monitoring and sampling technologies for the purposes of collecting data regarding emissions. Establishes a publicly available website hosted by the Department of Health that will track and display data collected on emissions. Requires the DOH to adjust permit limits for air contaminants based on emissions data collected. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Requires the Department of Health to establish and administer a three-year Rural Community Health Worker Pilot Program that enables community health workers to provide outreach, education, training, and navigation to individuals residing in rural communities in the State and address social determinants of health. Appropriates funds.