Rep. Matthias Kusch

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that urges Hawaii's Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning school buses to electric vehicles. It directs these agencies to collaborate with districts that have already made the switch, such as Oakland, to study potential benefits like reduced emissions, lower maintenance costs, and improved student safety. The resolution requires a report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature by late 2027.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Hawaii executive branch to lead the state in sustainable tourism by preserving cultural and natural resources while improving resident quality of life and visitor experiences. It specifically asks state officials to require tourist-serving businesses to obtain third-party sustainability certifications, pursue official certification as a sustainable destination, and halt expansion of tourist accommodations until current unsustainable practices are addressed. The resolution also calls for restoring Native Hawaiian ancestral lands and rights, and for developing policies with community input to ensure tourism benefits both residents and the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Governor to reactivate the Hawaii Health Authority to develop a plan for transitioning Hawaii to a single-payer health care system. The resolution supports this initiative by highlighting potential cost savings from reduced administrative expenses and streamlined billing processes, which could lower overall state health care spending. It calls for the Health Authority to submit progress reports and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. The plan aims to implement the system as soon as possible after obtaining federal waivers to maintain Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE funding.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution from Hawaii asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, which currently classifies it as an illegal drug nationwide. The bill also requests federal support for states that are expunging or sealing criminal records for past cannabis offenses and seeks to allow cannabis-related businesses to access full banking services, including deposit insurance. While the resolution does not directly change federal law, it formally urges federal lawmakers to consider these policy changes to align federal rules with state legalization efforts in many parts of the country.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Establishes the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District and the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District Special Fund. Specifies the powers and duties of the Hawaii Community Development Authority as it relates to the new development district. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 2164 defines "compounded prescription drugs" specifically for workers' compensation claims. This bill directly affects injured workers seeking medical coverage and insurers processing those claims. It establishes a clear legal definition to determine which custom-mixed medications qualify for coverage under workers' compensation law. This clarification aims to reduce disputes over medication eligibility in injury claims. The bill does not change existing coverage rules but provides a precise standard for applying them.

Establishes a goal of the State to retrofit state facilities to be electric vehicle charger-ready. Requires the design of all new state building construction where parking is to be included to provide that at least twenty-five per cent of parking stalls be electric vehicle charger-ready. Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office, in consultation with all state agencies that have parking facilities, to conduct a survey and identify certain high-priority state facilities. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a Hilo-Kona transportation pilot program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study, plan, evaluate, implement, and trial transportation routes and services connecting Hilo and Kona. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1655 allows public employers (like city or state agencies) and union representatives to negotiate specific retirement benefits for public employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. The bill removes barriers that previously prevented these parties from discussing certain retirement benefits during contract talks. It directly affects public employees in unionized roles and their employers, focusing on retirement plan terms rather than other benefits. The bill is currently pending committee review and has not yet been enacted.