Rep. Terez Amato

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding concurrent resolution (not a legislative bill) urging Hawaii's state and county governments to prioritize freshwater protection for coastal waters. It recognizes that freshwater flows from rivers, streams, and groundwater are vital for maintaining healthy coral reefs, native marine species (like 'o'opu fish), and traditional Hawaiian practices, citing the Hawaii Constitution's water protection clauses. The resolution requests agencies develop water management plans and public education efforts to balance human needs with environmental sustainability but does not create new laws or funding requirements. It serves as a symbolic reaffirmation of existing constitutional obligations under Hawaii law.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 199) urges Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources to analyze the economic impact of military leases on publicly owned lands. It requests a study assessing lost revenue from current $1 annual leases (instead of fair market value), cleanup costs for environmental damage, and economic opportunities foregone from lands unavailable for agriculture, housing, or community use. The resolution also requires the department to establish public input processes for lease negotiations and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2026. It directly affects Native Hawaiian beneficiaries of the public land trust and Hawaii’s state budget, which loses potential tax revenue and lease income.

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for reentry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a non-binding resolution encouraging the City and County of Honolulu to launch a temporary "Summer Streets" pilot program. It proposes closing certain urban streets to motor vehicles during summer months to create safe, shared spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and community activities. The resolution aims to support local businesses, promote sustainable transportation, and align with Hawaii’s environmental goals, though it does not require the city to implement the program or allocate funding. (2 sentences)

Maddy summaryHCR 153 is a non-binding resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to gradually reduce the number of inmates held in private, out-of-state prisons. It directs the department to submit annual progress reports by 2027-2030, detailing steps taken to phase out these interstate transfers. The resolution addresses concerns that such placements separate inmates from family and support networks in Hawaii, aligning with past legislative intent under Act 208 (1994). This is a procedural request, not a new law, urging policy adjustment without mandating immediate changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 66 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Building Code Council to update Hawaii's building code to allow "point access block" construction for residential buildings up to six stories. This design places units around a central stairway/elevator core (instead of traditional double-loaded corridors with hallways on both sides), enabling better natural lighting, ventilation, and flexible floor plans (including larger 2-4 bedroom units). The resolution highlights that this approach can reduce construction costs (by eliminating extra stairways/hallways), improve energy efficiency, and align with modern fire safety standards using sprinklers. It specifically asks the Council to adopt this change to increase housing supply on limited land.

Maddy summaryHCR 37 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to partner with county emergency management offices (including Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai) to create outreach programs. It specifically aims to inform kupuna (elderly Hawaiians, who make up 19% of the state population and face higher risks during disasters due to health or communication barriers) about emergency preparedness. The resolution does not create new laws but asks agencies to develop educational initiatives to improve safety for this vulnerable group during natural disasters like hurricanes or tsunamis.

Establishes the Health Information Technology Infrastructure Grant Program within the Department of Health, to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to support health information technology infrastructure and the implementation of interoperable health information technologies in federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program centers, and Native Hawaiian health centers. Appropriates funds for the grant program. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 112 is a non-binding formal request urging the Honolulu City Council to adopt a "pedestrian first" policy through city ordinance. It directs the City Council to prioritize pedestrian safety in transportation decisions, referencing Honolulu's existing Oahu Pedestrian Plan and data showing high-risk areas cause 60% of pedestrian fatalities. The resolution does not create new laws but asks the city to formally adopt this policy framework for street planning. It specifically addresses the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Transportation Services and City Council members.

Authorizes the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a 4-year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program under certain conditions. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD2)