Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Department of Transportation and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to form a working group that will coordinate infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home land developments. The working group will include leaders from both departments, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and infrastructure experts to review overlapping projects and identify ways to reduce costs through synchronized planning. Specifically, the group will map out planned improvements over a five-year period, evaluate opportunities to combine construction efforts like road and drainage work, and assess potential cost savings from joint execution. The group is tasked with developing a standardized coordination process, identifying legal or procedural barriers to cooperation, and recommending any necessary changes to make coordinated planning permanent. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026 and will dissolve on June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to expand and strengthen programs focused on financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The resolution asks the department to work with financial educators, credit counselors, and community partners to provide pre-award education, post-award support, culturally responsive materials, and to identify funding opportunities. The department is also asked to report back to the Legislature within 20 days of the 2027 session with details on program improvements, the number of people served, and measurable outcomes related to lease retention and credit improvement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Department of Transportation to work with utility companies to create a statewide plan for addressing aging or abandoned utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk road corridors. The key provisions ask the department to organize assessments of infrastructure, develop repair or removal schedules, prioritize areas with high traffic or wildfire risks, and clarify who is responsible for funding and maintenance. The bill also directs the department to review existing laws regarding utility maintenance obligations and submit a detailed report to the Legislature by early 2027 outlining findings and recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges county planning and permitting agencies in Hawaii to deny all permit applications for the construction, expansion, or use of warehouses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detaining individuals facing deportation. The resolution directs these agencies to refuse permits specifically for facilities intended to house large numbers of people in warehouse settings, citing concerns about mass incarceration and local resource strain. It is a non-binding recommendation that applies to county-level planning departments across Hawaii's major islands. The bill does not create new laws or penalties but instead asks local officials to exercise their permitting authority to block such facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws cover decisions made by computer algorithms and automated systems. The Commission would examine if existing rules can handle discrimination claims involving artificial intelligence used in hiring, housing, credit, and public benefits. The study will also look at legal challenges, whether new guidance is needed, and if a complaint process should be created for these types of cases. The Commission must submit its findings and any suggested laws to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins. This is a non-binding request for analysis rather than a law that changes rules immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges state and city transportation departments to collaborate with local community groups to develop and improve the coastal trail system on Oahu's North Shore. The resolution emphasizes the need for safe, non-vehicular pathways to address current unsafe road conditions and encourage walking and biking in the area. It calls for community involvement in all stages of trail planning, design, construction, and maintenance to ensure the trails meet local needs. The measure also references existing efforts like the Complete Streets Ordinance and Vision Zero Action Plan as context for improving transportation safety and accessibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with the community along the Hana Highway to find ways to manage roadside vegetation without relying heavily on synthetic chemical herbicides. It requests the department hold public meetings in east Maui to discuss concerns about environmental and health risks from herbicides like Garlon and Finale XL, which can harm water systems and aquatic life. The resolution asks the department to review current practices, explore organic or eco-friendly alternatives, and consider community-led stewardship programs while still maintaining road safety. The Department of Transportation is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Transportation to clarify which agency is responsible for the Honopou Bridge on Maui and to work together to address safety and emergency access issues. The bill calls for these departments to assess the bridge's structural condition, identify restrictions on emergency vehicle access, and develop a coordinated plan to repair or upgrade the bridge so it can safely support modern fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. Additionally, the resolution requires the agencies to conduct community outreach, estimate costs and funding options, and submit a detailed report with a timeline to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Tourism Authority to create a working group focused on agricultural tourism to review current laws and regulations. The group would include representatives from the tourism authority, agriculture boards, all counties, and major farming organizations to examine how existing rules affect farms and ranches. Its purpose is to provide recommendations that could help grow agricultural tourism while ensuring agricultural land remains primarily used for farming. The working group must submit its findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by early 2027 before being dissolved. This resolution does not change any laws directly but asks state officials to study the issue and propose future changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) report to the state Legislature starting in 2027. The report must be delivered no later than thirty days before each regular legislative session and will provide a holistic assessment of the state's economic, social, and environmental well-being beyond traditional GDP metrics. The resolution specifies that the report should include an executive summary, detailed indicator results across economic, social, and environmental categories, methodology explanations, policy implications, and supporting data appendices. Additionally, the department is asked to make the report available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs. This requirement aims to enhance legislative oversight and inform policy decisions with broader measures of societal progress.