Rep. Matthias Kusch

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to form a working group focused on improving consumer awareness of invasive plant species and reducing their spread through plant sales. The working group would develop a comprehensive labeling system to indicate the invasiveness risk of plants sold in the state, aiming to help buyers make more informed decisions. The group would include representatives from various agricultural, retail, and environmental organizations and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This initiative is designed to address the fact that most invasive plants in Hawaii are imported intentionally through horticulture, with the current list of prohibited species last updated in 1992.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a standardized swimmer classification system for public schools to improve water safety education. The bill directs the department to adopt a framework developed by Leahi Swim School and Na Kama Kai, which defines three proficiency levels: Swimmer, Water Safe Individual, and Water Smart Individual. Each level includes specific criteria such as swimming distances, treading water duration, stroke proficiency, and knowledge of ocean safety and environmental responsibility. The resolution aims to ensure consistent water-safety benchmarks across schools for physical education, athletics, and enrichment programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a working group to address findings from an auditor's report on the state's farm-to-school and local food procurement programs. The working group will consist of up to seventeen members representing educators, farmers, distributors, nutrition professionals, and legislators to review challenges in meeting the goal of sourcing at least 10% of school meals from local producers. Key tasks include improving data collection on locally sourced food, streamlining procurement processes to better identify local products, and strengthening coordination between the education and agriculture sectors. The group must submit a report to the legislature by the end of 2026 with recommendations for policy changes or new legislation to support local food initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education to work with teachers to create an artificial intelligence literacy curriculum for students in grades six through twelve. The bill requests that the curriculum be developed using peer-reviewed research, global AI literacy frameworks, and existing local resources while focusing on ethical use, equitable access, and regular assessments. By establishing this educational framework, the resolution aims to prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven workforce without mandating specific curriculum content or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a working group to address findings from an auditor's report on the state's farm-to-school and local food procurement initiatives. The working group will include representatives from education, agriculture, food distribution, schools, and community organizations to review challenges identified in the audit, such as lack of strategic planning and coordination issues. The group will develop strategies to improve data collection, streamline local food procurement processes, and strengthen partnerships between schools and local farmers. The Department of Education is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution urging the Governor and local mayors to reassure visitors that they will be treated safely, legally, and ethically by law enforcement agencies in Hawaii. It is based on concerns about federal immigration policies allowing warrantless searches of electronic devices and social media, which the bill argues could lead to unfair treatment of travelers. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead calls for official statements to maintain Hawaii's reputation as a welcoming destination. It directs copies of the resolution to state and county leaders, including those in Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Land and Natural Resources to work together on returning the state's small boat harbors to the Department of Transportation. The bill directs these two agencies to create a management team that will develop detailed plans for transferring staff, operations, and assets back to the Department of Transportation. The management team must prepare a report with recommendations for any needed legislation by early 2027 to ensure the transition happens smoothly without disrupting harbor services. This resolution serves as a planning step rather than an immediate transfer, as full legal authority changes would require separate legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares that affordable housing credits issued under Hawaii state law are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to fulfill housing obligations, rather than having expiration dates. It directly affects counties and developers by requesting that local administrative agreements and policies do not impose time limits or restrictions on these credits beyond what state statutes authorize. The resolution aims to clarify that memoranda of agreement between counties and housing agencies are meant to facilitate credit management, not to diminish their value or transferability. By seeking alignment with existing state law, the bill intends to protect the financial incentives for developers and ensure a stable pipeline for affordable housing construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that asks the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to evaluate the state's emergency shelters and create a plan to strengthen their ability to withstand hurricanes. The agency will identify all designated disaster shelters, assess their structural capacity to handle hurricane-force winds, and publish a public list showing each shelter's location and resilience level. Additionally, the resolution requires the agency to develop recommendations for improving shelter capacity through upgrades or retrofits and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure directly affects emergency management officials and aims to provide residents with clearer information about safe shelter options during storm events.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges state agencies to form a working group to explore ways to protect Hawaii residents from rising insurance costs and reduced coverage due to climate change. The group would assess the state's exposure to extreme weather, identify existing recovery options, and analyze legal strategies to seek financial recovery from fossil fuel companies accused of contributing to climate disasters. Key members would include the Insurance Commissioner, Attorney General, and representatives from relevant government agencies and insurance associations. The working group is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to state committees by early 2027, with the group dissolving by June 2027.