Rep. Matthias Kusch

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges state and city transportation agencies to collaborate with local community groups to develop and improve a network of coastal trails on Oahu's North Shore. The resolution encourages these agencies to actively involve community organizations in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of these trails to promote safe walking and biking options. It highlights existing trail infrastructure and current transportation plans as a foundation for expanding non-vehicular travel routes in the area. The measure does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal request for agencies to prioritize community input on trail development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book aims to speed up permit approvals and lower regulatory barriers for building safe, affordable homes on Oahu. It includes designs for various housing types like accessory dwelling units and mid-rise buildings, incorporates climate-responsive features suited to Hawaii, and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. The bill also calls for a public design competition to generate innovative options and mandates that the final pattern book be made publicly available to streamline construction processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Hawaii's county planning and permitting agencies to deny all applications for building, expanding, or using warehouses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detaining individuals facing deportation. It is based on concerns about the potential for mass incarceration in large facilities, the strain on local resources, and the separation of individuals from their families and legal counsel. The resolution directs copies to planning officials in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties to encourage them to reject such permit requests. It reflects Hawaii's stated values of dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Establishes a Uniform Towing Practices for Public Parking Facilities Working Group within the Department of Transportation to examine existing state and county laws, ordinances, rules, and administrative practices relating to towing from public parking facilities and develop recommendations for uniform standards applicable to towing from state and county parking facilities. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)