Rep. Matthias Kusch

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to provide financial relief to Hawaii households affected by higher prices caused by federal tariffs. It specifically targets families struggling with increased costs for food, fuel, and essential goods, with special attention to low-income residents and those on neighbor islands. The resolution urges Congress to create a rebate or refund program to offset these expenses and to address the constitutional concerns surrounding the tariff policies. It does not create any new laws or programs itself but serves as a formal recommendation to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis Hawaii House resolution endorses Taiwan's participation in international organizations, encourages U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement negotiations, and commemorates Hawaii-Taiwan sister-state relations. The bill directs the state to support Taiwan's observer status in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Criminal Police Organization, while urging the U.S. Trade Representative to begin talks on a double taxation avoidance agreement. Additionally, it marks the 33rd anniversary of the sister-state partnership between Hawaii and Taiwan, highlighting existing cooperation in trade, education, culture, and disaster management. The resolution has no legal binding force and serves primarily as a symbolic statement of state support for these diplomatic and economic initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a state-level resolution from Hawaii urging the U.S. Congress to provide taxpayer relief for households affected by tariff-related cost increases. It asks Congress to acknowledge the economic harm caused by federal tariff policies, particularly in Hawaii where residents face higher costs due to reliance on imported goods. The resolution requests that Congress consider enacting legislation to offer rebates or financial benefits to offset these increased expenses, with special attention to low-income families and neighbor island communities. It also calls for Congress to reaffirm its constitutional authority over taxation and trade to prevent similar economic impacts in the future.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally endorses Taiwan's participation in international organizations, encourages the United States to negotiate a double taxation agreement with Taiwan, and commemorates the sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Taiwan. The resolution supports Taiwan's role as an observer in specific international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Criminal Police Organization, while urging federal trade officials to begin talks on a tax agreement to prevent double taxation for businesses operating between the two regions. Additionally, the bill marks the 33rd anniversary of the sister-state designation between Hawaii and Taiwan, highlighting existing cooperation in areas like education, tourism, and disaster management. This document serves as a formal expression of support for existing diplomatic and economic ties rather than creating new legal obligations or changing state law.

Maddy summaryThis Hawaii House Resolution (HR 5) affirms that hospitals must provide life-saving emergency care - including abortion services when medically necessary - to stabilize pregnant patients under the federal EMTALA law. It directly supports Hawaii hospitals and emergency providers, reinforcing their existing practice of offering such care without delay. The resolution urges all hospitals in Hawaii, including religiously affiliated ones, to continue following EMTALA’s requirement to provide necessary emergency treatment regardless of patient circumstances. It does not create new law but clarifies Hawaii’s commitment to upholding federal emergency care standards, addressing confusion from recent shifts in federal guidance. The resolution aims to strengthen public confidence in emergency care access for pregnant people across the state.

Repeals the requirement for land covered by an agricultural park lease with a remaining term of fifteen years or less to be located in a county having a population of less than five hundred thousand in order for the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to extend the lease. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill nominates former Governor John D. Waihe'e III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor recognizing individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution highlights Waihe'e's historic role as the first Native Hawaiian governor, his leadership in advancing education, health care, and economic development, and his ongoing civic engagement. By passing this resolution, the House formally recommends Waihe'e for the award, with copies sent to the Governor and the Aloha Order of Merit Committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to conduct a systemwide audit to identify students who have earned enough credits for an associate degree but have not been awarded one. The audit will focus on students who transferred from community colleges to four-year campuses or those who started at four-year campuses and left before completing their degrees. The university is asked to examine administrative barriers, transfer patterns, and financial factors that may prevent these students from receiving their credentials. The Board of Regents must submit findings and recommendations for establishing degree award pathways to the Legislature by March 2027. This resolution does not directly award degrees but initiates a review process to potentially create new policies for recognizing earned academic credits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Comptroller of Hawaii to create a working group to plan a Global War on Terror memorial on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol. The memorial would honor the service and sacrifices of Hawaii's military personnel who participated in post-9/11 conflicts, including the National Guard and veterans. The working group will include representatives from military agencies, veterans' organizations, architects, and family members to discuss design, location, and potential funding. The group is tasked with developing a plan and timeline for the memorial and submitting final recommendations to the Legislature and Governor.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii Comptroller to form a working group to plan a Global War on Terror memorial on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol. The working group would include representatives from state agencies, military branches, veterans' organizations, architects, and families of service members. Its task is to discuss memorial design, gather community input, develop a timeline and budget, and submit final recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. The resolution acknowledges Hawaii's significant military contributions since 2001 and aims to create a dedicated space to honor those who served.