Sen. Rachele Lamosao

Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including present and future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches shall be protected and shall not be infringed.

Clarifies the definition of "covered employer" under the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act. Requires covered employers to automatically enroll covered employees into the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program unless the employee chooses to opt out. Repeals the limit on the total fees and expenses that can be spent for the Program each year. Appropriates funds to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for the development and operation of the Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 531 would authorize Hawaii to issue special license plates featuring recognition of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. These plates would allow vehicle owners to display a dedicated plate design supporting the cancer center, with the program becoming effective July 1, 2030. The bill creates a new plate option without altering existing vehicle registration rules or imposing costs on the state. It directly affects vehicle owners who choose to purchase these plates as a form of public recognition for the cancer center.

Maddy summaryHB 213 allocates state funds to the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, directly supporting healthcare professionals who took out education loans. The bill provides financial assistance to repay qualifying student loans for professionals working in underserved areas or specific healthcare roles. Key provisions include using state appropriations to cover a portion of eligible loan payments, reducing financial barriers for healthcare workers. The program becomes effective July 1, 3000 (a date likely indicating a placeholder or error in the abstract).

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii I Hoa Na Moolelo program, including for the hiring of a graduate assistant, hiring of undergraduate writers, and acquiring a new website domain. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes a licensed health care provider properly trained in the medical forensic care of a patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse, upon consultation with a minor patient who indicates that the minor was the victim of a sexual offense, with the consent of the minor patient, to perform customary and necessary examinations to obtain evidence of the sexual offense and may prescribe for and treat the patient for any immediate condition caused by the sexual offense. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Beginning on 1/1/2026, increases transient accommodations tax rates by 1 percentage point. Deposits the increased revenues into the Hawaiian Home General Loan Fund established under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Transportation to establish and implement a five-year Interisland Transportation Fee Reimbursement Pilot Program, to be funded by revenues received from the rental motor vehicle surcharge. Extends the increase of the rental motor vehicle surcharge by $0.50 each year from 12/31/2027 to 12/31/2031. Appropriates funds.

Establishes a two-year pilot program that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires the Department of Education to provide free school lunch to all students enrolled at a department school. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals on 6/30/2027.

Maddy summaryHB 183 would expand the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by allowing qualifying low-income working parents to claim an additional credit if they have a dependent child under 18. This directly affects families with children in that age group who currently qualify for the base EITC but may not receive the full benefit. The key provision adds a specific credit amount tied to having a dependent under 18, increasing the total refundable credit available. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted into law.