This House Resolution directs the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on the state's food manufacturing strengths and strategic export markets. The study will assess competitive advantages, define high-value products, analyze production costs, and identify logistical barriers to international trade. It also requests collaboration with the University of Hawaii and other agencies to update educational programs and align funding with identified export opportunities. The resolution aims to support small businesses in scaling production for premium markets while accounting for Hawaii's high operational costs.
This bill urges state agencies that own or control land in West Maui to actively manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risks in the Lahaina area and surrounding communities. It calls for agencies to clear invasive grasses, create defensible space, maintain fuel breaks, and ensure emergency access routes remain open to protect homes, schools, and temporary housing from future fires. The resolution specifically names agencies like the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Department of Education as responsible for implementing these measures on their lands. The bill is based on lessons from the 2023 Lahaina wildfires and recent weather patterns that have increased fuel loads from rapid vegetation growth.
This bill asks the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws apply to decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The Commission would examine how these technologies are used in areas like hiring, housing, and lending to determine if existing rules can address potential bias or discrimination. The study will also look at legal challenges in handling complaints, whether new guidance is needed, and if a specific process for reporting algorithmic discrimination should be created. The Commission must submit its findings and any recommendations for new laws to the legislature before the 2027 session begins. This resolution does not change any laws directly but initiates an official review to ensure civil rights protections remain effective in the digital age.
This bill is a House resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to work together to create a state highway police force. It aims to address rising traffic fatalities by supplementing county police efforts with a specialized unit trained to handle highway incidents and enforce traffic laws more effectively. The resolution does not authorize funding or mandate the creation of the force but instead asks the two departments to collaborate on establishing it.
This bill urges the County of Maui to actively enforce its existing fire code provisions related to vegetation management and fire safety. It specifically calls for the county to prioritize enforcement on large properties, areas near residential and temporary housing sites, and locations along major evacuation routes. The resolution emphasizes using available tools such as inspections, fines, and abatement orders to ensure compliance with rules on brush clearance, fuel breaks, and roadside vegetation removal. The bill does not create new laws but requests the county to implement enforcement measures already established in its fire code to reduce wildfire risks and protect communities.
This bill is a House resolution that urges the Governor of Hawaii to evaluate food insecurity conditions and create a statewide food security response plan. It directly affects state agencies, local communities, and residents concerned with food access and affordability. The resolution asks the Governor to coordinate efforts across multiple departments, identify barriers to local food production, and submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but formally requests executive action on food security issues.
This House Resolution expresses support for using the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to provide interim loans for predevelopment costs on government affordable housing projects in Hawaii. The measure aims to help cover expenses like site analysis, technical studies, design work, and permit preparation before construction begins. It specifies that developers would repay these loans through the project's permanent financing source to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. This resolution does not change existing laws but formally endorses a funding approach to help expedite affordable housing delivery.
This bill requests the Hawaii Departments of Land and Natural Resources and Education to create a permanent, statewide program for planting and maintaining trees on public school campuses. The initiative aims to address rising campus temperatures and improve equity by ensuring schools in lower-income areas receive adequate shade and cooling. Key provisions include establishing long-term funding, planning for tree maintenance, and selecting species that provide durable climate and health benefits. The resolution also supports creating dedicated staff positions to manage and sustain the collaborative effort.
This bill requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on how state and county tax structures affect Hawaii's long-term economic growth. The study will examine factors such as business formation rates, startup survival, and self-employment levels, which are currently lower than national averages. It will also analyze operational costs including taxes, energy, labor, and imported goods to understand their impact on the business climate. The department will work with the University of Hawaii's Economic Research Organization to provide policy recommendations on aligning tax structures with state and county programs to support economic development.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations that are not covered by federal Fair Housing Act protections. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations, assess the impact of accessibility barriers on aging in place, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset the costs of necessary modifications. The working group will include representatives from disability rights, consumer affairs, aging services, civil rights, and housing associations, and must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026.
This House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to explore alternative vegetation management methods along the Hana Highway that reduce or eliminate synthetic chemical herbicides while maintaining roadway safety. The bill directs the department to hold public meetings in east Maui to gather community input and examine options such as organic herbicides, eco-friendly treatments, and non-chemical control strategies. It requires the department to submit a report of findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026, while continuing to maintain the highway and its budgetary commitments. The resolution also encourages community-based stewardship and monitoring efforts to assist in identifying vegetation management needs along this coastal corridor.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with utility companies to create a statewide plan for fixing or removing old and unsafe utility poles and power lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk road areas. The plan would involve assessing the condition of aging infrastructure, prioritizing repairs based on safety risks like wildfire potential and traffic volume, and establishing clear rules for who is responsible for maintenance and funding. The Department of Transportation must submit a detailed report to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session outlining the proposed schedule, responsible parties, and any legal barriers to implementation. This resolution does not mandate immediate action but sets up a framework for coordinated planning between state agencies and private utility providers to improve public safety.
