Sen. Rachele Lamosao

Maddy summaryHB 1353 allocates funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHL) to purchase a specific parcel of land identified by tax map key 9-1-013-025. The bill directly affects DHL, which manages Hawaiian Home Lands under state law, by providing resources for acquiring this property. It contains no policy changes beyond the funding authorization for this land transaction. The bill was introduced and passed its first reading on January 23, 2025, and referred to relevant committees.

Maddy summaryHB 1463 requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on whether establishing a state lottery is feasible. The bill does not create a lottery but mandates this analysis to evaluate potential impacts, costs, and benefits. This study would inform future legislative decisions about a possible lottery, directly affecting state agencies and potentially residents if a lottery is later approved.

Establishes a schedule of late fees to be added to the original unpaid claim amount if a health insurer, mutual benefit society, or health maintenance organization fails to pay a provider within the required time.

Establishes a tax credit for landlords who charge below-market rent and assesses an additional privilege tax on landowners who charge above-market rent, under certain conditions. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to determine median market rent for rental units by geographic area for the purposes of the below-market rent tax credit and above-market rent tax.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requires that each Department of Education public school student earn 2 credits in Hawaiian language as a graduation requirement. Establishes a 2-year pilot program for Hawaiian language instruction at a central Oahu elementary school and Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. Appropriates funds.

Establishes the rare disease advisory council to increase awareness and effective medical intervention for rare diseases. Establishes the rare disease advisory council special fund. Requires DOH and DOE to incorporate the importance of annual physical examinations for children in programs and literature. Amends the insurance code to include coverage for individuals with velocardiofacial syndrome and other genetic disorders. Exempts from cost sharing. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summaryHB 917 establishes mandatory minimum prison terms for individuals convicted of possessing methamphetamine or fentanyl. It directly affects people found guilty of these specific drug possession offenses. The bill requires judges to impose a set minimum prison sentence for these convictions, removing judicial discretion to issue shorter sentences. This policy change alters sentencing outcomes for low-level drug possession cases under current law. (Note: The bill is new, with no committee action or voting history yet.)

Adds the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the Chairperson's designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Considers the Chairperson in determining quorum and majority and makes the Chairperson eligible to vote on matters affecting the Kalaeloa Community Development District.

Provides that leaders of nonprofit organizations shall be exempt from county liquor commission criminal history check requirements for license applicants.

Allows manufacturers to coordinate activities directly related to the recycling of covered electronic devices. Expands the scope of covered electronic devices to include electronic device peripherals and certain legacy devices. Requires manufacturers to provide free collection service locations and collection events.