Rep. Terez Amato

Maddy summaryHCR 205 is a non-binding resolution urging Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to accelerate planning, funding, and construction of a permanent bridge replacement for the aging Kulanihakoi Bridge in South Maui. The resolution addresses a 114-year-old temporary structure that has faced repeated delays due to regulatory challenges and safety concerns, with current temporary solutions deemed insufficient for long-term reliability. It specifically calls for prioritizing a permanent raised bridge design - advocated by local groups - to improve transportation safety, flood management, and economic stability in the region. The resolution also emphasizes collaboration with communities and experts to address environmental and cultural considerations during the redesign process. This request does not create new laws but formally seeks action from the two entities responsible for the bridge's future.

Maddy summaryHCR 171 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). This study is required by state law (HRS § 23-51) before the legislature can consider House Bill 820, which proposes to require insurers to cover CGMs for diabetes management. The Auditor must submit a report by December 2025 detailing potential impacts on patients (including those in rural areas with diabetes), insurers, and state costs. This resolution does not change current coverage but provides data to inform future legislative decisions on CGM mandates.

Maddy summaryHCR 203 is a non-binding resolution urging Maui County to prioritize planning the northern terminus of the Kihei North-South Collector Road. It directly affects Maui County officials, including the Mayor, Public Works Department, and County Council, by requiring them to identify the northern terminus location and submit a status report by January 2026. The resolution cites ongoing traffic congestion, safety risks from bottlenecks, and projected population growth as reasons for urgency, noting that a $25 million federal grant (2023) hasn't advanced this critical segment. It does not create new law but requests collaboration with transportation planning groups to integrate the terminus with existing infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHCR 27 is a Hawaii House Concurrent Resolution requesting the state's congressional delegation to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address unequal export rules for agricultural products. It specifically highlights that Hawaii faces restrictions similar to U.S. territories, requiring USDA approval for most fruit, vegetable, and flower exports to the mainland - unlike other states. The resolution notes Hawaii's export petitions often wait years behind foreign countries' requests, causing significant delays for local growers. This bill does not change regulations but formally asks federal lawmakers to advocate for Hawaii's agricultural sector to achieve parity with other states.

Maddy summaryHCR 25 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to add a new section to the existing State of Hawaii Plant and Animal Declaration Form. This section would require travelers completing the form (such as visitors arriving with plants or animals) to acknowledge awareness of laws protecting Native Hawaiian cultural sites, burial grounds, and places of worship. The form would ask travelers to confirm they understand these laws, know how to learn more about them, and commit to following them. The resolution does not create new laws but seeks to use an existing travel form as an educational tool for visitors.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Human Services to continue using aina-based learning programs for youth in the juvenile justice system. Aina-based learning connects youth to Hawaiian cultural practices through land, ocean, and nature-based activities, addressing gaps in current community service that lack cultural relevance. The resolution specifically asks the advisory council to maintain these programs and create a list of qualified organizations for courts to assign as community service. It directly affects youth in Hawaii's juvenile justice system, particularly Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and African American youth who face disproportionate impacts from traditional court fees and fines.

Maddy summaryHCR 146 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Human Services to apply for and implement the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) for SNAP benefits. It would streamline SNAP enrollment for low-income seniors aged 60+ by waiving recertification interviews, extending benefit periods to 36 months, and simplifying application processes. Currently, Hawaii does not participate in ESAP, which directly affects over 130,000 SNAP recipients, primarily seniors with no earned income. The resolution asks the Department to seek federal approvals and adjust state rules to enable this program. This is a procedural request, not a binding law, aimed at reducing barriers to food assistance for vulnerable older adults.

Establishes the Accessory Dwelling Unit Financing and Deed Restriction Program to allocate funds to the counties for the purchase of equity in an accessory dwelling unit by the State. Specifies eligible homeowners or homebuyers for the Program to finance construction costs, development costs, and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit and purchase deed restrictions on the property. Appropriates moneys for infrastructure projects. Sunsets 1/1/2031. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to prioritize development of workforce rental and for-sale housing projects for qualified residents. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to adopt administrative rules. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Allows digitized identification cards to be accepted as a valid form of identification, under certain conditions. Authorizes state and county law enforcement agencies to accept a digitized identification card as proof of a person's identity beginning 7/1/2027. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD2)