This bill requests the state Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed law that would expand health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis and treatment services. The measure specifically targets the removal of current restrictions that limit coverage to individuals under 14 years old and cap applied behavioral analysis benefits at $25,000 annually. By requiring an assessment before the proposed changes take effect, the bill ensures lawmakers receive data on how expanding coverage would affect healthcare costs and access for adolescents and adults with autism. The report must be completed and submitted to the Legislature before the start of the 2027 session.
This bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the U.S. Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and restrict terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution applies on behalf of the State of Hawaii and includes specific conditions, such as reserving the right for states to recall delegates if they breach instructions and explicitly excluding any amendments that would change the Bill of Rights. It also states that Congress should only call the convention after receiving applications from two-thirds of state legislatures and should not set rules for the convention or determine delegate numbers. The bill does not change any laws or policies directly but serves as a formal request to the federal government to initiate a process for potential constitutional amendments.
This House Resolution encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to expand Hawaiian language immersion programs in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Education. The measure responds to growing demand for these schools, which have seen enrollment increase by about 1,400 students over the past decade despite declining resources and teacher shortages. It directs the Department of Education to explore pathways for hiring teachers and consider implementing K-12 instruction in complex districts based on needs analysis. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law with mandatory requirements.
Hawaii's HCR 12 is a procedural resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention to propose term limits for U.S. Congress members. It specifically seeks to limit consecutive terms for both House and Senate members. The resolution states Hawaii's application will be counted toward the two-thirds of states required under Article V of the Constitution to trigger such a convention. This is a request for action by Congress, not a law that would directly change current term limits.
HCR 17 is a non-binding resolution urging Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation to upgrade playgrounds across all City and County of Honolulu parks. It specifically calls for improvements in safety, accessibility, and variety of playground features to better serve children. The resolution highlights that current playgrounds often lack inclusive equipment, modern safety surfacing, and adequate shade or seating, which can limit play opportunities and increase injury risks. This request applies to all Honolulu parks and aims to support children's physical development, social interaction, and equitable access to safe play spaces.
This House Resolution (HR 18) urges Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation to upgrade playgrounds across all city parks. It specifically calls for improvements in safety (e.g., modern equipment, better surfacing), accessibility (ensuring play features accommodate children of all abilities), and variety (adding diverse play options like nature-based structures). The resolution directly affects all children and families using Honolulu's public parks by promoting safer, more inclusive play spaces. It does not create new laws but encourages the city to prioritize these updates based on current playground deficiencies.
Hawaii's House Resolution 4 requests the U.S. Congress to pass the Equality Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The proposed federal law would extend these protections to employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. Hawaii already provides these protections through state law (including Act 40 of 2022), but federal law currently lacks such coverage in many areas. This resolution serves as a formal request to Congress to close the gap in nationwide non-discrimination protections.
HCR 5 is a Hawaii legislative resolution requesting the U.S. Congress to pass federal legislation that would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. The resolution does not create new state law but urges federal action to extend existing protections nationwide, referencing the Equality Act (H.R. 15) currently sponsored by Congress members including Hawaii’s Ed Case and Jill Tokuda. It notes that while Hawaii already provides some protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, employment, and jury service, federal law lacks comprehensive coverage in these areas. The resolution formally asks Congress to take this step and requests that the resolution be printed in the Congressional Record.
HCR 3 is a non-binding House Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Education to make public school recreational facilities (like pools and fields) available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. It does not create new law but asks the DOE to expand access beyond current requirements, which already mandate facility availability with a 10-day online application under Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 39. The resolution cites concerns about inequitable access to recreation, particularly in low-income and rural communities. As a request, it has no legal force and does not alter existing rules for facility use.
House Resolution 2 requests the Hawaii Department of Education to make public school recreational facilities (such as pools, gyms, and fields) available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. It aims to improve equitable access to recreation, particularly for rural and low-income communities that face barriers to physical activity. The resolution does not change existing administrative rules (which already require online applications 10 days in advance for public use during non-school times) but formally asks the Department to prioritize this access. It is a non-binding request, not a law, intended to encourage expanded use of school facilities.
HCR 7 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii counties to implement a property tax freeze on primary residences for homeowners aged 75 and older. It directly affects seniors who own their primary homes, aiming to improve financial stability amid Hawaii's high cost of living (rated 179 in 2024) and stagnant fixed incomes. The resolution specifies the tax freeze would end if the property is sold, transferred, or the homeowner no longer owns it. This is a recommendation to local governments, not a law requiring state action.
This House Resolution (HR 6) urges Hawaii counties to freeze property taxes on the primary residences of homeowners aged 75 and older. It directly affects senior homeowners in Hawaii, aiming to improve their financial stability amid the state’s high cost of living. The resolution recommends counties implement this tax freeze, which would end if the homeowner sells the property, transfers ownership, or no longer resides there. It is non-binding, meaning counties are encouraged but not required to adopt this policy.
