Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryThis bill urges state agencies to form a working group to explore ways to protect Hawaii residents from rising insurance costs and reduced coverage due to climate change. The group would assess the state's exposure to extreme weather, identify existing recovery options, and analyze legal strategies to seek financial recovery from fossil fuel companies accused of contributing to climate disasters. Key members would include the Insurance Commissioner, Attorney General, and representatives from relevant government agencies and insurance associations. The working group is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to state committees by early 2027, with the group dissolving by June 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that asks Hawaii's Insurance Division to create a working group to explore ways to protect residents from climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The working group would assess how extreme weather affects insurance exposure, review existing recovery mechanisms, and analyze legal options for seeking financial recovery from fossil fuel companies accused of contributing to climate disasters. The group would include state officials, committee chairs, insurance representatives, and experts, and must submit its findings and recommendations to legislative committees by May 2027 before dissolving in June 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares that affordable housing credits issued in Hawaii are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to meet housing obligations, rather than expiring after a set period. It directly affects local county governments and developers who rely on these credits to fulfill affordable housing requirements under state law. The resolution clarifies that administrative agreements between counties and housing agencies should not impose expiration dates or other restrictions that are not authorized by existing statutes. By ensuring these credits maintain their full value and transferability, the bill aims to protect the financial incentives for developers and support the state's long-term housing goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to adjust the size and design of rumble strips on Kamehameha V Highway in Molokai to reduce unintended safety hazards. The resolution argues that the current rumble strips are too aggressive, causing drivers to swerve into shoulders where cyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable. It requests the department modify the strips to be shallower or use sinusoidal patterns that provide warning without encouraging dangerous avoidance maneuvers. The bill also asks for reduced noise pollution to improve quality of life for local residents. This is a non-binding resolution that does not mandate changes but formally requests the department to review and adjust the road design.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to evaluate which emergency shelters can safely withstand hurricane-force winds and create a plan to strengthen the state's shelter capacity. The agency will identify all designated shelters, assess their structural ability to resist storms, and publish a public list showing each shelter's location and resilience level. Additionally, the resolution directs the agency to recommend improvements such as building upgrades and submit a final report to the Legislature by early 2027. This action is intended to help residents make informed decisions during evacuations and improve overall disaster preparedness.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses support for the Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition's Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan, which aims to address the state's high drowning rates through a comprehensive strategy. The plan recommends establishing the coalition as a central authority for water safety, expanding funding for drowning prevention efforts, and requiring safety measures like warning signs and fencing at pools and flood control structures. It also calls for free swimming lessons for all children, improved public pool access in underserved communities, and compliance with national pool safety standards. While the resolution itself does not create new laws, it urges state agencies and local governments to collaborate with the coalition to implement these recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution expresses legislative support for the Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition's Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan, which aims to address the state's high drowning rates and related public health concerns. The resolution urges state agencies and local governments to collaborate on implementing the plan's recommendations, which include establishing the coalition as a central water safety authority, expanding funding for drowning prevention programs, and improving safety measures at pools and flood control structures. The plan also calls for free swim lessons for all children, culturally competent water safety education, and better infrastructure in underserved communities. While the resolution itself does not create new laws, it encourages agencies to work together to adopt the plan's evidence-based strategies for preventing drowning incidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a state-level resolution from Hawaii urging the U.S. Department of Defense to extend the renewal period for medical authorizations related to the Red Hill water contamination crisis. It directly affects military personnel, their families, and civilian residents who were exposed to contaminated water at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu. The resolution requests a two-year renewal cycle for Secretarial Designee health care authorizations to improve continuity of care and asks the Defense Health Agency to expand access to civilian medical providers, implement coordinated referral practices, ensure long-term medical monitoring, and explore reimbursement programs for out-of-pocket medical costs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses support for expanding programs that increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas to reduce the effects of urban heat islands across Hawaii. It requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, canopy disparities, and opportunities to integrate tree planting into infrastructure and development projects. The resolution also asks agencies to evaluate best practices for tree selection and maintenance, and to establish statewide standards for urban tree canopy coverage. While it does not create new funding or mandates, it encourages coordinated efforts to improve public health, reduce energy costs, and address climate resilience through urban forestry initiatives.

Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)