Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives Majority Caucus, comprised of 42 Democrats is pleased to present its bill package for the 2025 Legislative Session.
“As we begin the 33rd Legislature, our focus remains on tackling the cost of living and improving the quality of life for Hawaiʻi’s residents. Local families deserve to not only live in Hawaiʻi but thrive here. To achieve this, we are focusing on critical 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 seven measures:
Housing
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.
"Traditional state and federal subsidies are targeted exclusively towards those with very low incomes. This leaves most working families in Hawai'i making too much to qualify for subsidized housing and too little to purchase market rate housing. While it's vital that we continue to support housing for very low-income families in Hawai'i, we need to expand our financial support to a broader range of incomes, such as teachers, first responders, and medical workers. I am proud of the House's unprecedented support for workforce housing projects with the creation of a mixed income subaccount and a $150 million infusion of capital. This will ensure that we have a dedicated source of funding for workforce housing," said Committee on Housing Chair Luke A. Evslin (D-16, Wailua, Hanamā‘ulu, Kapaia, Līhu‘e, Puhi, portion of ‘Ōma‘o)
Agriculture/Biosecurity
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.
“There is urgency to take proactive measures to protect our borders from invasive species threatening our ʻāina (land), natural resources, and our local lifestyle. This bill strengthens our biosecurity efforts - our pathways to entry and control of invasive species, so that our native wildlife, communities, and economy can thrive," said House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems Chair Kirstin Kahaloa (D-6, Hōnaunau, Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona)
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.
"One in three households in Hawaiʻi faces food insecurity, and our most vulnerable populations need our support. This bill highlights the House Majority's commitment to supporting Hawaiʻi-grown food and providing nutritious options for local families, while empowering Hawaiʻi's farmers. When we invest in local agriculture, we boost our economy, create sustainable opportunities, and mālama ʻāina—steward our land to preserve it for future generations. By nourishing our keiki and families, we strengthen and uplift our entire community," said House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems Chair Kirstin Kahaloa (D-6, Hōnaunau, Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona).
Economic Development
Appropriates funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants and for equipment and services for public preschools.
"Investing in our keiki shows our commitment to their future and the well-being of our communities. Making childcare affordable eases the cost of living for families. If we can expand access to free public preschool education, we will support working families, while preparing our keiki for success. The House Majority aims to address staffing shortages by dedicating funds to hire more teachers and provide essential equipment and services," said House Committee on Education Chair Justin H. Woodson (D-9, Kahului, Pu‘unēnē, portion of Wailuku).
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.
“Expanding the Hele Imua paid internship program will provide students an opportunity to develop their professional skills and interests with local employers. As private and public employers struggle with the workforce shortage, especially in key areas of education and health, this bill will support the next generation of local, talented workers. Developing this workforce will be the cornerstone to improved government services and initiatives in economic development," said House Committee on Labor Chair Jackson D. Sayama (D-21, St. Louis Heights, Pālolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimukī).
Public Safety
Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for reentry services to connect offenders with community-based services.
"With the visible signs of substance abuse, behavioral health, and mental health challenges everywhere in our communities – from our streets and parks, to our prisons and jails – the House Majority is committed with this administration to investing in rehabilitation and re-entry services to improve the safety of our communities," said House Committee on Public Safety Chair Della Au Belatti (D-26, Makiki, Punchbowl).
Homelessness
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.
"This bill provides a total of $72 million for chronically homeless and other vulnerable populations such as youth aging out of foster care, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities or mental illness, and people re-entering after incarceration to be housed, connected with ongoing services and community, either for a temporary hand up, or for permanent stability, depending on their needs. It creates a new financing tool for Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation in the form of a supportive housing special fund so it can fund targeted projects for residents that need special services or include them in mixed-income rental housing projects," said House Committee on Human Services & Homelessness Chair Lisa Marten (D-51, Waimānalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai, portion of Kailua).
To track the status of these measures, visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov.
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