Rep. Matthias Kusch

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that all state agencies install bi-level lighting systems in new state buildings and facilities starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting uses motion sensors to adjust brightness based on occupancy, reducing energy waste compared to traditional systems that stay at full intensity. The resolution directs the House of Representatives to send copies to various state officials, including the Governor and agency directors, to implement this energy-saving measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Hawaii's Department of Education to create a plan for transitioning its public school buses to electric vehicles. The resolution cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence, while highlighting benefits observed in other districts like Oakland, including lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The Department of Education is asked to collaborate with stakeholders, study the Oakland model, and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. As a concurrent resolution, this document serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law that directly mandates funding or immediate changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, help states clear criminal records for past cannabis offenses, and allow cannabis businesses to access full banking services. It directly affects cannabis dispensaries, related businesses, and individuals with prior cannabis-related arrests in Hawaii and other states. The resolution requests federal policy changes to align with state laws where cannabis is legal, addressing issues like federal seizure risks and employment barriers caused by criminal records. It does not change state laws but seeks federal action to support existing state-level cannabis regulations.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks Hawaii's Board of Education and Department of Education to create a working group that will design a Climate Literacy Seal of Excellence for public school students. The proposed working group would include educators, university experts, industry representatives, and student members to develop a framework for recognizing students who complete advanced coursework and hands-on projects focused on climate science and sustainability. The group is tasked with outlining course requirements, certification criteria, and a timeline for implementation, with final recommendations due to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution is a procedural step that initiates planning rather than immediately changing policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed mandate requiring health insurers to cover generic opioid antagonists and related devices. The resolution directs the Auditor to prepare a report analyzing costs, benefits, and potential effects on individuals with opioid use disorders, as required by state law before such coverage mandates are enacted. The report must be completed and submitted to the Legislature by late February 2027. This procedural measure does not change insurance coverage itself but ensures a formal assessment is conducted before any related legislation takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution expresses support for the University of Hawaii at Manoa Faculty Senate's request for university leaders to commit to defending students, faculty, and staff who exercise their rights to academic freedom and free speech. The measure responds to concerns that proposed revisions to campus expressive activity policies could restrict speech and create an antagonistic relationship between the administration and the university community. The resolution formally endorses the Faculty Senate's opposition to these policy changes and directs copies to key university officials, including the Board of Regents and the university president.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Health to coordinate the stockpiling of a three-year supply of mifepristone, a medication commonly used in medical abortions. The resolution is directed at state health officials and aims to ensure a stable supply of the drug, which has a five-year shelf life and is used in approximately 63% of U.S. abortions. The measure responds to potential disruptions in the medication's supply chain and seeks to maintain access to reproductive healthcare services within the state. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal request to the Department of Health to plan for adequate inventory levels.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks Hawaii's Director of Health to form a working group to study whether arts-based social prescribing can be added to public, private, and prepaid health insurance plans. Arts-based social prescribing involves doctors recommending participation in creative activities like music, dance, or visual arts as part of treatment for mental health conditions. The working group will include representatives from health insurers, arts organizations, and healthcare providers to examine legal, financial, and practical issues related to covering these services. The group will evaluate potential benefits, design pilot programs, and submit findings to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not change current laws but initiates a study to determine if such programs are feasible for Hawaii's healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Director of Health to form a working group to study whether arts-based social prescribing - where doctors recommend participation in creative activities like music, dance, or theater as part of mental health treatment - can be integrated into public, private, and prepaid health insurance plans. The working group will include representatives from health insurers, arts organizations, healthcare providers, and relevant state agencies to examine legal, regulatory, and financial feasibility across Hawaii's multi-payer system. The group will analyze potential impacts on patient outcomes and costs, explore pilot program opportunities, and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that requests the State Building Code Council and Hawaii counties to update their building codes to include specific standards for off-site construction methods like modular and prefabricated building. The resolution asks officials to adopt national standards for planning, inspection, and mechanical systems that aim to lower construction costs, speed up project delivery, and improve energy efficiency. It also encourages the creation of a statewide registry for pre-approved building designs to reduce repetitive review work while ensuring local safety requirements are met. The bill is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law, requiring the Council and counties to decide whether to incorporate these standards into their regulations.