Rep. Chris Todd

Requires the Department of Education to include the instruction of braille and provision of braille instructional materials under certain circumstances; provide braille literacy support services; cooperate with the Department of Human Services when requested to submit information necessary to maintain a register of the blind in the State; provide comprehensive information about braille literacy services, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services, including educational programming options; and participate in the development of section 504 plans and individualized education programs. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Part I: Requires the Department of Education and state public charter schools to take certain steps to better address the harassment of educational workers, including sports officials. Authorizes the Attorney General to assist educational workers, including sports officials at department of education or public charter school sporting events, who have been subject to harassment or intentional bodily injury in obtaining a temporary restraining order. Part II: Includes the intentional, knowing or reckless disruption or interference with a school function, school administration, or school board under the offense of harassment. Makes harassment to an educational worker, including sports officials, engaged in the performance of their duty a misdemeanor. (CD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1974 requires the State Health Planning and Development Agency to create and publish a comprehensive state plan addressing hearing loss, using state funds that the bill appropriates. This bill directly affects the State Health Planning and Development Agency, mandating it to develop the plan within a specified timeframe. The key provision is the allocation of state funding to support the agency's work in researching and outlining strategies to address hearing loss across the state. The bill passed a committee recommendation with amendments in February 2026, moving it toward potential passage.

Authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds. Makes findings required by Article VII, Section 13, of the Hawaii State Constitution to declare that the issuance of authorized bonds will not cause the debt limit to be exceeded. (CD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1705 allows licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators in court cases. This change directly affects families involved in custody disputes, as it expands the pool of qualified professionals who can assess children's well-being during these proceedings. The bill modifies existing law to permit counselors with appropriate licensure to be appointed for this specific role, rather than limiting it to other types of evaluators. This is a concrete policy change that alters who can provide these evaluations in family court.

Establishes a Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund, to be administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, to provide financial assistance, including low-interest or forgivable loans, to eligible homeowners for the upgrade, conversion, or connection of cesspools. Appropriates funds for the establishment and hiring of a program management position and for the purposes of the Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund. (CD1)

Repeals the prohibition against qualified residents for Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation-approved projects holding a majority interest in land and repeals the requirement that qualified residents demonstrate financial viability or ability to pay rent. Limits a qualified resident from owning a majority interest in no more than one property suitable for dwelling purposes, but requiring the disposal of such property within two years. Amends exemptions from statutes, ordinances, charter provisions, and rules for certain housing projects developed by the Corporation that satisfy certain conditions, including requirements related to employment, owner-occupancy, and deed restrictions. (CD1)

Authorizes the display of a mobile driver's license to a law enforcement officer on a mobile electronic device, under certain conditions. Limits a law enforcement officer's access to only the information necessary to verify the driver's license credential when displayed electronically. (CD1)

Maddy summaryHB 2475 establishes labeling requirements for 'ōkolehao, a traditional Hawaiian distilled spirit made from taro. It directly affects producers and sellers of 'ōkolehao by mandating specific information on product labels, such as origin, ingredients, or production methods to ensure authenticity. The key provision requires that all 'ōkolehao sold in Hawaii meet these standardized labeling standards. This bill aims to clarify product identity for consumers while supporting local cultural heritage products.

Requires the Disability and Communication Access Board to issue a disability travel placard to an applicant who has a valid removeable windshield placard or disabled paid parking exemption permit but does not have a valid special license plate, and provides proof of travel. (SD2)