Sen. Angus McKelvey

Maddy summarySB 529 allocates state funds to the Department of Education for its Hoakea Program, which supports educational initiatives (specific program details not provided in the abstract). The bill directly affects the Department of Education as the recipient of these funds, with the appropriation becoming effective on July 1, 2050. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, and specifies no new requirements or eligibility criteria beyond the existing program structure. The bill passed committee recommendation with 5 ayes on February 3, 2025.

Authorizes manufacturers of investigational drugs or biological products that are pending approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration to make the drugs or products available to terminally ill patients under certain conditions. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Requires property insurers to offer discounts on a condominium association's annual insurance premium if the association adopts specific risk mitigation upgrades or develops comprehensive disaster response plans. Requires property insurers of condominiums to base premium increases on actuarial justifications that reflect actual risk reduction resulting from upgraded fire safety improvements installed in conjunction with a building fire and life safety evaluation. Requires property insurers of condominiums to justify premium increases above ten per cent. Requires property insurers of condominiums to publicly report premium increases each year. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a Healthy Soils Program. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Clarifies the registration process for beekeepers with the Department of Agriculture. Requires the Department of Agriculture to provide guidance and support to registered beekeepers to help beekeepers adhere to certain industry standards and best management practices. Establishes a limitation on liability for any registered beekeeper who follows industry standards and best practices. Appropriates funds. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 476 increases fines for specific fireworks-related violations, directly affecting individuals or businesses that break fireworks laws. The bill raises the monetary penalties for offenses like improper storage, sale, or use of fireworks, as defined in current law. It will take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed. The bill does not ban fireworks or change safety standards, only the financial consequences for violations.

Maddy summarySB 115 increases the amount of real property protected from seizure by creditors when enforcing court judgments. This directly affects homeowners and property owners facing debt collection, as it raises the threshold before property can be attached or executed. The key provision is raising the exemption amount, meaning more valuable homes and land will remain protected from being sold to satisfy debts. This change modifies existing property protection rules without altering debt collection procedures themselves.

Increases the limit of the State's liability from $100,000,000 to $500,000,000 for moneys borrowed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands or loans made to lessees that are guaranteed by the Department.

Maddy summarySB 408 allocates state funds to increase per-student education spending to $18,000 annually for public schools. This directly affects all K-12 public school districts receiving state education funding by mandating a higher baseline allocation per enrolled student. The key mechanism is a specific appropriation within the state budget, requiring the Department of Education to distribute these increased funds to school districts. The bill focuses solely on raising the per-pupil expenditure target, without altering educational standards or program requirements.

Classifies neonicotinoid pesticides as restricted use pesticides and establishes a list of chemicals that shall belong to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals. Prohibits the sale or use of seeds coated or treated with neonicotinoid pesticides. Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules that identify and regulate the most harmful neonicotinoid pesticide formulations and develop guidelines for safer alternatives.