Rep. Matthias Kusch

Maddy summaryHCR 105 is a non-binding Hawaii House resolution urging the U.S. government to create a national biodiversity strategy. It calls for a comprehensive plan to conserve ecosystems, protect species, and address the biodiversity crisis - impacting all U.S. citizens and natural resources. The resolution emphasizes the need for coordinated federal action, equity in conservation efforts, and alignment with international goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Hawaii highlights its own biodiversity challenges (e.g., 550+ endangered species and minimal federal funding) as a reason for federal action. This resolution does not create new laws but advocates for a strategic approach to biodiversity conservation.

Maddy summaryHR 122 directs Hawaii's Legislative Reference Bureau to review all reports required by law to be submitted to the Legislature and recommend which reports should no longer be required. It aims to eliminate redundant or outdated reporting obligations, such as those for discontinued programs or reports gathering minimal new information. The Bureau must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, including any proposed changes to the reporting requirements. This resolution streamlines legislative oversight by focusing on necessary reports without altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 101) urges the U.S. federal government to create a national biodiversity strategy. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but asks the federal government to develop a coordinated plan to conserve biodiversity, set conservation targets, and collaborate with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders. Hawaii’s context drives this request, citing its 550+ endangered species (25% of the national total) receiving only 3% of federal conservation funding, alongside global biodiversity loss data. The resolution emphasizes the strategy should address ecosystem services, climate resilience, and equity, aligning with international conservation goals. As a non-binding resolution, it directly addresses the U.S. government’s policy approach, not specific affected groups.

Maddy summaryHCR 101 is a request to Hawaii's Department of Taxation to create a one-time "Tax Amnesty Day" allowing businesses and individuals with unpaid taxes to settle their liabilities without penalties or fines. It directly affects taxpayers who owe back taxes due to financial hardship, errors, or unintentional noncompliance. The resolution cites Hawaii's 2009 Tax Fresh Start Program, which collected $14.4 million in unpaid taxes, as a successful model. The Department would need to develop implementation guidelines and report on feasibility to the Legislature by 2026. This is a procedural request, not a binding law.

Maddy summaryHR 46 is a House Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement and Department of Health to form a task force by August 1, 2025. The task force must include state agencies, Honolulu officials, legislative leaders, and community representatives to address no-trespassing policies along Oahu streams. Its key goals are developing humane enforcement practices, improving state-county coordination on encampments, connecting unhoused individuals to services, and mitigating environmental pollution from stream encampments. The task force must submit recommendations to the Legislature by August 2025, with a final report due before the 2026 legislative session. This is a procedural resolution that directs collaboration but does not create new laws.

Establishes a Plant-based Building Materials Working Group to study and report on how best to grow plants and develop plant-based building materials in Hawaii. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 893 bans assault rifles, assault shotguns, and .50 caliber rifles. It also expands the existing restriction on high-capacity detachable magazines. These provisions would directly affect firearm owners who possess or purchase these specific weapons and magazines. The bill aims to limit access to certain firearms and ammunition devices through these new restrictions.

Raises the minimum age to enter into marriage from sixteen to eighteen years of age. Repeals the authority of parents and the family court to consent to a minor's marriage. Repeals spousal cohabitation after the parties attain legal age as an exception for an annulment based on nonage. Repeals exemptions for sexual assault of a minor if the perpetrator is married to the minor. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

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)

Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)