Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives has approved all seven bills in the House Majority Package on third reading ahead of the First Crossover deadline on Thursday. The bills now move to the Senate for further consideration.
“These measures aim to address the cost of living and improving quality of life for Hawaiʻi’s residents, by focusing on key areas such as housing, homelessness, agriculture and biosecurity, economic development, and public safety,” said House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan (D-47, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Kawailoa Beach, Waimea, Sunset Beach, Waiale‘e, Kawela Bay, Kahuku, Lā‘ie, Hau‘ula, Punalu‘u, Kahana).
The House Majority Package consists of the following seven bills:
Establishes the mixed-income subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund that targets workforce rental housing projects for persons and families with incomes at or below one hundred forty percent of the area median income. Authorizes the Director of Finance to transfer funds from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund into the mixed-income subaccount. Appropriates funds into and out of the mixed-income subaccount of the Rental Housing Revolving Fund.
Renames the Department of Agriculture to the "Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity". Renames the Board of Agriculture to the "Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity". Establishes and appropriates funds for a Deputy Director of Biosecurity. Changes references to the plant and animal declaration form to the "biosecurity form". Authorizes and specifies conditions under which the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity may declare a biosecurity emergency, during which the Department and Governor may take certain actions to prevent the establishment or spread of pests and prohibited or restricted organisms. Broadens the objectives and general actions of the Biosecurity Program. Appropriates funds for positions for the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
Establishes the Hawaiʻi Farm to Families Program to alleviate food shortages in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature prior to the Regular Sessions of 2026 and 2027. Appropriates funds.
Appropriates funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants and for equipment and services for public preschools.
Permits the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to enter into contracts with eligible employers or registered apprenticeship programs in the private sector to provide on-the job training to eligible interns. Provides that the State shall be the responsible employer for purposes of workers' compensation coverage for students or recent graduates in the on-the-job-training work experience program, subject to certain limitations. Appropriates funds.
Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for reentry services to connect offenders with community-based services.
Appropriates funds for the Kauhale Initiative. Establishes and appropriates funds into and out of the Supportive Housing Special Fund. Establishes the Kauhale Initiative Special Fund.
To track the status of these measures, visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov.
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The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives consists of 51 members who serve two-year terms. The House Majority consists of 42 Democrats for the 33rd Legislature. Follow the Hawaiʻi House Democrats on Facebook, Instagram, or visit www.hawaiihousedemocrats.com.
Cathy S . Lee
Director of Communications
Hawaiʻi House of Representatives
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