Sen. Michelle Kidani

Maddy summarySB 2674 authorizes the University of Hawaii to conduct business-related activities (such as student-run ventures or research commercialization) directly tied to educational programs. It specifically allows the university to engage in enterprise activities that support student learning and academic goals. This bill affects the University of Hawaii system by expanding its ability to operate such initiatives under state authorization. The measure focuses on enabling educational opportunities through practical, hands-on business engagement, without changing broader university governance or funding.

Requires the Department of Transportation to assist and enable a person to voluntarily purchase a verified carbon offset for greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the person's air travel to or from an airport in the State.

Includes housing projects for individuals with disabilities and individuals with access and functional needs as eligible projects to apply for expedited permits. Effective 7/2/2026. Repeals on 6/30/2031.

Requires all managing agents of cooperative housing corporations, planned community associations, and condominiums to distribute information received regarding educational opportunities or seminars electronically to the board of directors of the cooperative housing corporation, planned community association, or condominium.

Maddy summarySB 2296 expands the legal definition of "condominium association" under Hawaii law to explicitly include associations organized under HRS Chapter 421J. This change directly affects homeowners' associations (HOAs) operating under Chapter 421J, bringing them under the same regulatory framework as traditional condominium associations. The bill’s key mechanism is amending the definition to ensure these specific HOAs are subject to the same legal rules and oversight. It does not create new requirements but clarifies which associations fall under existing condominium association statutes. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and referred to committee.

Adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to regulate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychologists when patients are located in compact states other than the state where the psychologist is licensed. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules to implement and administer the compact.

Exempts state and county lands leased after July 1, 2026, for an initial period of not less than 99 years from chapters 516 and 516D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Clarifies that a community association manager is an individual who is the managing agent responsible for the contracted management and oversight of a cooperative housing corporation, condominium association, or homeowners association. Amends the definition of "managing agent" to include a community association manager.

Requires the 911 Board to establish, implement, and maintain a statewide emergency safety profile system that allows residents to voluntarily create and manage secure personal profiles containing information relevant to emergency responses.

Transfers the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation. Makes conforming amendments. Appropriates funds.