Rep. Terez Amato

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 91) requests Hawaii's Department of Education to provide students with information about changes to gun safety and storage laws. It does not create new laws but asks the Department to share existing updates on secure storage requirements, which directly affects students in Hawaii public schools. The resolution cites concerns about unsecured firearms increasing risks to children and notes Hawaii has existing or proposed secure storage laws. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a bill, so the summary is concise as required.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii's governor to develop a plan for state Medicaid (Med-QUEST) if federal funding is cut. It highlights that Medicaid covers 1 in 5 Hawaii residents (including 1 in 3 children) and relies on 73% federal funding, with potential cuts risking coverage for 156,000 people - 34% of Hawaii's Medicaid population. The resolution notes maintaining coverage would require significant state funding increases, while dropping expansion could eliminate federal support for 156,000 vulnerable residents. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but requests proactive planning.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 99) urges Hawaii’s counties to adopt local zoning ordinances requiring owners of agricultural-zoned land to sign and record declarations acknowledging state and county agricultural land use rules and penalties for noncompliance. It directly affects agricultural landowners statewide, particularly those on land designated for farming but not actively used for crops or grazing (only ~8% of such land is currently used for crops). The key mechanism is mandating these declarations - similar to Maui County’s existing requirement for building permits - to ensure future owners understand regulations and to encourage active agricultural use. The resolution also encourages counties to share information about farm mentorship programs (like GoFarm Hawaii) to help landowners transition to production. As a resolution, it does not create new law but seeks to align county policies with state goals of increasing farmland productivity and food security.

Maddy summaryHR 137 is a House Resolution urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to require all transient accommodations (such as hotels, hostels, short-term rentals, and timeshares) to make the Pono Pledge a mandatory step during guest check-in. The Pono Pledge is an educational commitment teaching visitors to respect Hawaii's environment, cultural sites, and local communities. The resolution requests the Tourism Authority develop procedures for guests to complete and provide proof of the pledge before check-in, using methods like online platforms or in-person acknowledgments. This is a non-binding recommendation, not a law, aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices.

Maddy summaryHCR 143 is a concurrent resolution urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to require all hotels, short-term rentals, and other transient accommodations to incorporate the Pono Pledge as a mandatory step during guest check-in. The resolution asks the authority to establish procedures where visitors must acknowledge the pledge - committing to respect Hawaii’s environment, culture, and safety - before checking in. It directly affects tourism businesses and visitors staying in temporary lodging across Hawaii. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to promote responsible tourism through this educational commitment.

Maddy summaryHR 107 is a resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education to submit a detailed report to the legislature on the true cost of school meals. The report must include itemized cost breakdowns for ingredients (noting local sourcing), operational expenses, beverages, supplies, and logistics, plus data on meal types served (full-price, reduced-price, free) and federal reimbursement coverage. It specifically requires cost details for the 2024-2025 school year and projections for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The DOE must submit this report by January 2026, aiming to increase transparency around proposed meal price increases affecting students and families.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 102) requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to study whether the state could establish a green bonds program. The study must evaluate best practices for managing such a program, identify clean energy projects that could benefit from it, and explore partnerships between state agencies and private sector groups. Green bonds would be a funding mechanism specifically for environmental projects like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation. The Energy Office must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not create new law but seeks information to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the State Building Code Council to update Hawaii's building code to allow "point access block" construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Point access blocks are compact designs where units center around a single stairway/core (instead of requiring double-loaded corridors), aiming to improve natural lighting, ventilation, and floor plan flexibility while reducing construction costs. The resolution cites Honolulu's existing allowance for this design and argues it supports efficient land use and housing supply without compromising fire safety, as modern sprinkler systems reduce historical fire risks.

Maddy summaryHCR 36 is a procedural resolution requesting Hawaii's Auditor to assess the social and financial impacts of a proposed mandate requiring health insurance to cover colorectal cancer screenings. It specifically directs the Auditor to evaluate House Bill 556 (2025), which aims to expand existing insurance mandates to include these screenings. The resolution requires the Auditor to submit a report by January 2026, detailing potential effects on costs, access, and health outcomes as mandated by Hawaii Revised Statutes §23-51. This assessment is a legal prerequisite before the legislature can consider implementing the screening coverage mandate.

Maddy summaryHR 135 is a House Resolution requesting a working group to study the feasibility of creating a Hawaii Cultural Trust. The working group, composed of state officials and cultural representatives, will examine potential funding sources, tax incentives, governance structures, and impacts on cultural institutions. It will specifically evaluate how a trust could support Hawaii's cultural preservation and promotion through sustainable funding models. The group must submit findings and recommendations, including possible legislation, to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not create the trust but initiates a study to determine if one would be viable.