Sen. Troy Hashimoto

Exempts Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation employees from the requirement that their employment actions and job descriptions be subject to approval by the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Requires the Executive Director of HHFDC to be paid a salary recommended by its Board of Directors and subject to the approval of the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, not to exceed ninety-nine per cent of the salary of the Governor. Renames the position of Executive Assistant to Deputy Executive Director for HHFDC and increases the salary cap for the Deputy Executive Director. Establishes conditions for the issuance, renewal, and termination of employment contracts issued by the HHFDC, Hawaii Community Development Authority, and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Exempts the Executive Director of HCDA, and officers, agents, and employees appointed by the Executive Director, from the requirement that their employment actions and job descriptions be subject to approval by the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Requires the Executive Director of HCDA to be paid a salary recommended by the Authority and subject to the approval of the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, not to exceed ninety-nine per cent of the salary of the Governor. (CD1)

Requires that the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board submit three nominees for its Executive Director to the Board of Education. Requires the Board of Education to appoint an Executive Director from the nominees on the list, subject to advice and consent of the Senate. (CD1)

Authorizes deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that a deafness designation appears when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information. Effective 1/1/2027. (CD1)

Requires the Department of Education to establish a two-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program. Authorizes the Pilot Program to be conducted for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at up to five Kalihi public elementary schools and up to five Nanakuli-Waianae public elementary schools to be integrated into existing curricula. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the expiration date for the State Rent Supplement Program, which provides financial assistance to help elderly residents afford housing. By eliminating the sunset clause, the legislation ensures that current and future eligible seniors can continue to receive rent subsidies without the program ending automatically. The measure directly affects older adults who rely on this state-funded aid and the agencies responsible for administering the program. If passed, the change allows the program to operate indefinitely rather than requiring renewal or replacement at a specific future date.

Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice for businesses to: advertise, display, or offer the price of live-ticket events or short-term lodging without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the total price; and misrepresent any fees or charges in any offer, display, or advertisement for the sale of live‑event tickets or short-term lodging. Specifies that any advertisement, display, or offer of short-term lodging or live-event tickets in compliance with the federal Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees are in compliance with this Act. (CD1)

Requires the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to adopt rules on digital accessibility for places of public accommodation that are consistent with certain federal regulations. Specifies that a violation of the rules is an unlawful discriminatory practice. Establishes that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice for a place of public accommodation to deny a person with a disability full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations, or information related thereto, by requiring the use of information and communication technology that is not accessible to the person. (CD1)

Requires homeowners insurance producers to notify policyholders that they may submit information regarding improvements made to the insured residential property, which shall then be submitted to the homeowners insurer. Requires homeowners insurers to reevaluate the replacement cost estimate based on the information submitted by a policyholder, and offer the policyholder the option to purchase additional coverage to cover the full amount of the replacement cost estimate. Establishes administrative penalties for violations. Effective 1/1/2027. (CD1)

Requires operators of AI companions in the State to issue certain disclosures to users. Requires operators to develop certain protocols to respond to user prompts regarding suicidal ideation or self-harm. Establishes protections for users and minor users of AI companions. Beginning 1/1/2028, requires operators to submit annual reports to the Behavioral Health Administration of the Department of Health containing certain information. Establishes that violations are to be considered unfair or deceptive acts or practices. (CD1)

Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules to allow hospitals to demonstrate compliance with all licensing inspections required by the State through accreditation or certification by any accreditation or certification organization approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (CD1)