Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws apply to decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The Commission would examine how these technologies are used in areas like hiring, housing, and lending to determine if existing rules can address potential bias or discrimination. The study will also look at legal challenges in handling complaints, whether new guidance is needed, and if a specific process for reporting algorithmic discrimination should be created. The Commission must submit its findings and any recommendations for new laws to the legislature before the 2027 session begins. This resolution does not change any laws directly but initiates an official review to ensure civil rights protections remain effective in the digital age.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to work together to create a state highway police force. It aims to address rising traffic fatalities by supplementing county police efforts with a specialized unit trained to handle highway incidents and enforce traffic laws more effectively. The resolution does not authorize funding or mandate the creation of the force but instead asks the two departments to collaborate on establishing it.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that urges the Governor of Hawaii to evaluate food insecurity conditions and create a statewide food security response plan. It directly affects state agencies, local communities, and residents concerned with food access and affordability. The resolution asks the Governor to coordinate efforts across multiple departments, identify barriers to local food production, and submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but formally requests executive action on food security issues.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to explore alternative vegetation management methods along the Hana Highway that reduce or eliminate synthetic chemical herbicides while maintaining roadway safety. The bill directs the department to hold public meetings in east Maui to gather community input and examine options such as organic herbicides, eco-friendly treatments, and non-chemical control strategies. It requires the department to submit a report of findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026, while continuing to maintain the highway and its budgetary commitments. The resolution also encourages community-based stewardship and monitoring efforts to assist in identifying vegetation management needs along this coastal corridor.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with utility companies to create a statewide plan for fixing or removing old and unsafe utility poles and power lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk road areas. The plan would involve assessing the condition of aging infrastructure, prioritizing repairs based on safety risks like wildfire potential and traffic volume, and establishing clear rules for who is responsible for maintenance and funding. The Department of Transportation must submit a detailed report to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session outlining the proposed schedule, responsible parties, and any legal barriers to implementation. This resolution does not mandate immediate action but sets up a framework for coordinated planning between state agencies and private utility providers to improve public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges state and city transportation agencies to collaborate with local community groups to develop and improve a network of coastal trails on Oahu's North Shore. The resolution encourages these agencies to actively involve community organizations in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of these trails to promote safe walking and biking options. It highlights existing trail infrastructure and current transportation plans as a foundation for expanding non-vehicular travel routes in the area. The measure does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal request for agencies to prioritize community input on trail development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Department of Transportation and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to form a working group to coordinate infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands developments. The group will review overlapping projects, identify opportunities to reduce duplicative costs, and develop a standardized process for sharing information between the two departments. Members will include leadership from both agencies, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and external experts in infrastructure and finance. The working group must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027 and will dissolve by June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Hawaii's county planning and permitting agencies to deny all applications for building, expanding, or using warehouses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detaining individuals facing deportation. It is based on concerns about the potential for mass incarceration in large facilities, the strain on local resources, and the separation of individuals from their families and legal counsel. The resolution directs copies to planning officials in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties to encourage them to reject such permit requests. It reflects Hawaii's stated values of dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications prescribed by healthcare providers for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, such as ramps or grab bars, when deemed essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but recommends a 45-day timeline to reduce delays causing fall risks and hospitalizations. It applies directly to county permitting departments and affected residents seeking urgent home modifications. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it relies on voluntary county action, not enforcement.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation to fix and update its administrative rules for the Driver Education Program based on recommendations from an auditor's report. The bill directly affects driver education instructors, schools, and students by addressing issues like outdated curriculum certification and inconsistent oversight that have existed for over twenty years. The Department must establish task forces to certify required curricula, develop clear policies and procedures, and submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027. This action aims to bring the program into compliance with existing laws and ensure consistent standards across the state.