Rep. Terez Amato

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests that all state agencies in Hawaii use bi-level lighting systems in new buildings starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting adjusts brightness based on motion sensors to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs. The resolution directs copies to various state officials and agencies to implement this change in future construction projects.

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 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 bill urges the Governor of Hawaii to work with federal authorities to resolve conflicts between state medical cannabis laws and federal regulations. It specifically requests the Drug Enforcement Administration to grant an exception for registered medical cannabis patients and a registration waiver for state-licensed dispensaries. The resolution aims to protect patients and businesses from federal penalties, such as loss of employment or eligibility for federal benefits, while maintaining Hawaii's authority over intrastate medical cannabis use. The bill also requires the Governor to report progress to the Legislature quarterly and sends copies to state officials and congressional representatives.

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 is a non-binding resolution that urges state departments and agencies to include dedicated day care facilities for both adults and children when designing state buildings that will employ or house 250 or more people. The resolution highlights Hawaii's high childcare costs and workforce shortages as reasons for encouraging state facilities to integrate care spaces, which could help address access issues for working families. It also recommends that state agencies explore partnerships with licensed providers to operate these services within larger state buildings. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new laws or require specific actions but instead serves as a formal recommendation to state officials and various government leaders.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design and recommend a basic, affordable health plan for all state residents. The working group will include representatives from the Legislature, Governor's office, Insurance Commissioner, state health agency, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and Kaiser Permanente. The group is tasked with developing a plan that addresses potential increases in uninsured residents due to federal changes to health insurance subsidies and Medicaid requirements, with recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Hawaii's counties to create additional property tax relief programs for senior citizens who have owned and lived in their primary homes for at least ten consecutive years. The resolution specifically targets homeowners aged 65 or older and requests that these new programs supplement existing county tax relief measures while excluding rental or investment properties. It asks counties to develop reasonable eligibility verification procedures to confirm age, ownership, and occupancy before granting tax reductions. As a non-binding concurrent resolution, the bill does not mandate action but formally requests county officials to consider implementing these relief programs to help seniors age in place.