Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Maddy summarySB 2318 establishes a formal Agricultural Statistics Program within state law and allocates funding for its operation. The bill directly affects agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, agribusinesses, and state agricultural agencies, by creating a dedicated system for collecting and analyzing farm data. Key provisions include codifying the program's structure in statute and providing dedicated funding to support data collection efforts. This bill does not change existing agricultural regulations but creates a new administrative framework for gathering sector-specific statistics.

Maddy summarySB 2850 expands eligibility for disabled parking permits to include people who are blind or deaf, directly affecting these residents in accessing parking accommodations. The bill amends existing law to allow individuals with these specific disabilities to apply for and receive the same disabled parking permit as those with other mobility impairments. This change modifies the current permit program by adding blindness and deafness as qualifying conditions, without altering other eligibility criteria or permit usage rules. The bill is currently under review by the TRS/HHS committee, with a public hearing scheduled for February 11, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2701 appropriates state funds to plan, design, and build a new outpatient care center in North Kona, Hawaii. The bill directly affects residents in the West Hawaii region by providing resources for expanded local healthcare services. Key provisions include funding for site work, construction, and facility planning to support outpatient care needs. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, and does not alter existing healthcare laws or regulations. The bill passed committee recommendation on February 2, 2026, with all five committee members voting in favor.

Allows a retirant to be employed without reenrollment in the Employees' Retirement System and without loss or interruption of benefits if the retirant is employed in a position identified as one needed for succession planning. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to implement and administer a three-year phased Water-Energy Resilience Competitive Grant Program in the County of Maui. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals 6/30/2027. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Amends the fee exemption period for individuals possessing a disabled paid parking exemption permit from the first 2.5 hours or the maximum amount of time the meter allows, whichever is longer, to the first 4.5 hours.

Requires a participant in the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program to remain and work in the State for a certain number of years based on the amount of financial assistance received.

Maddy summarySB 2355 requires the state Transportation Director to create rules enabling mobile safety inspections for passenger cars, allowing inspections to occur at various locations instead of only fixed stations. This directly affects passenger car owners by changing how vehicle safety checks are conducted. The key provision mandates the adoption of specific rules for mobile inspection services, focusing on practical implementation. The bill does not specify inspection frequency or costs, only establishing the framework for mobile inspections.

Maddy summarySB 2787 authorizes the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to provide loans or grants to eligible individuals for purchasing rental housing units. This directly affects prospective landlords or property owners seeking to enter the rental market. The bill enables the fund - which typically recycles repaid loans - to finance these purchases, expanding its use beyond its current scope. This policy change aims to increase the supply of rental housing by supporting new property acquisitions through low-barrier financing. The bill is currently under review by the Housing committee.

Maddy summarySB 3312 creates a state income tax credit program to encourage commercial property owners to convert vacant or underused buildings (like stores or offices) into residential housing. The bill directly affects property owners who complete such conversions, offering them a tax credit to offset costs. Key provisions include appropriating state funds to cover the credit value and establishing eligibility criteria for qualifying properties. This policy aims to increase housing supply by making commercial-to-residential conversions financially attractive, without specifying target locations or housing types.