Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summarySB 694 would prohibit holding minors (under 18) in adult jails, lockups, or prisons, except for very brief temporary detention under specific circumstances like transporting them to a juvenile facility. The bill directly affects minors involved in the justice system and the facilities that currently house adult offenders. Its key provision bans long-term or routine detention of minors in adult facilities, ensuring they are held in appropriate juvenile settings whenever possible. This is a policy change focused on separating youth from adult criminal justice environments. The bill is currently pending committee review with a scheduled hearing.

Extends the sunset date of Act 107, SLH 2023, which allows for the reimbursement of services provided through telehealth via an interactive telecommunications system, until 12/31/2027. (CD1)

Requires one voting member of the Early Learning Board to have experience as a local provider of early childhood education and development services. Adds the Director of the Hawaii Head Start State Collaboration Office as an ex officio, nonvoting member to the Early Learning Board. Requires the Early Learning Board to invite the President of the Head Start Association of Hawaii, or their designee, to serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Board. (CD1)

Appropriates funds for the continued implementation of the Food Hub Pilot Program, including the awarding of grant moneys to qualifying food hubs. (CD1)

Authorizes the payment of allowances for TRICARE, TRICARE Dental Program, and vision coverage to all officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel of the Hawaii National Guard ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. (CD1)

Appropriates funds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation to support the Coffee and Orchard Crops Extension and Applied Research Program and Kona Research Station in the County of Hawaii, and to fund the establishment of one permanent Extension Agent position within the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience's Kona Cooperative Extension. (CD1)

Maddy summarySB 65 allocates state funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority specifically for rehabilitating, remodeling, renovating, and repairing public housing units. This directly affects low-income residents living in Hawaii's public housing by improving their living conditions through these repairs. The bill provides concrete funding for physical maintenance work, without changing eligibility rules or creating new housing programs.

Part I: Increases the penalty for a third or subsequent offense within five years of excessive speeding to a misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum jail sentence of thirty days. Part II: Clarifying when a summons or citation is sent under an automated speed enforcement system. (CD2)

Expands the types of electronic devices subject to the Electronic Device Recycling and Recovery Act to include electronic device peripherals and certain legacy devices. Excludes manufacturers of only electronic device peripherals and no other electronic devices. Allows, rather than requires, the Department of Health to determine additional penalties. Requires manufacturers' recycling plans to describe communication efforts with the State and counties to facilitate consumer education efforts. Repeals the requirement that recycling plans be implemented and fully operational by 1/1/2023 in order for manufacturer collaboration authority to apply. Establishes additional manufacturer recycling goals beginning on 1/1/2026 and 1/1/2027. Requires additional information to be included in manufacturers' reports containing information for calendar years 2025, 2026, and 2027. Requires collectors to report certain information regarding recyclers and refurbishers and allows the Department of Health to require submission of bills of lading and recycler receiving reports. Requires a report to the Legislature. (CD1)

Maddy summarySB 662 authorizes county police officers to enforce the Statewide Traffic Code on all public streets, roadways, and highways throughout the state. This directly affects county law enforcement officers and drivers using public roads by expanding officers' authority to issue traffic citations statewide. The key provision removes any prior restrictions on where county police could enforce traffic laws, requiring no additional local action for statewide application. Drivers would face consistent traffic enforcement on all public roads without geographic limitations.