Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Health to study how recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labels are used in the state to check if they are accurate and not misleading. The study will examine whether products with common symbols like the chasing arrows triangle are actually recyclable in Hawaii, and whether items labeled as biodegradable or compostable will break down under local conditions. It will also compare consumer expectations with what recycling and composting facilities can actually handle, and review existing labeling standards to find ways to reduce contamination and improve waste sorting. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to provide financial relief to Hawaii households affected by higher prices caused by federal tariffs. It specifically targets families struggling with increased costs for food, fuel, and essential goods, with special attention to low-income residents and those on neighbor islands. The resolution urges Congress to create a rebate or refund program to offset these expenses and to address the constitutional concerns surrounding the tariff policies. It does not create any new laws or programs itself but serves as a formal recommendation to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a state-level resolution from Hawaii urging the U.S. Congress to provide taxpayer relief for households affected by tariff-related cost increases. It asks Congress to acknowledge the economic harm caused by federal tariff policies, particularly in Hawaii where residents face higher costs due to reliance on imported goods. The resolution requests that Congress consider enacting legislation to offer rebates or financial benefits to offset these increased expenses, with special attention to low-income families and neighbor island communities. It also calls for Congress to reaffirm its constitutional authority over taxation and trade to prevent similar economic impacts in the future.

Maddy summaryThis Hawaii House Resolution (HR 5) affirms that hospitals must provide life-saving emergency care - including abortion services when medically necessary - to stabilize pregnant patients under the federal EMTALA law. It directly supports Hawaii hospitals and emergency providers, reinforcing their existing practice of offering such care without delay. The resolution urges all hospitals in Hawaii, including religiously affiliated ones, to continue following EMTALA’s requirement to provide necessary emergency treatment regardless of patient circumstances. It does not create new law but clarifies Hawaii’s commitment to upholding federal emergency care standards, addressing confusion from recent shifts in federal guidance. The resolution aims to strengthen public confidence in emergency care access for pregnant people across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill nominates former Governor John D. Waihe'e III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor recognizing individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution highlights Waihe'e's historic role as the first Native Hawaiian governor, his leadership in advancing education, health care, and economic development, and his ongoing civic engagement. By passing this resolution, the House formally recommends Waihe'e for the award, with copies sent to the Governor and the Aloha Order of Merit Committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the President of the United States to return recreational facilities on Hawaii public lands, specifically Fort DeRussy and the Hale Koa Hotel, to the State of Hawaii. The bill relies on the Hawaii Admission Act and Public Law 88-233, which require federal agencies to report whether retained crown and government lands are still needed for defense purposes. If the President determines these lands are no longer required for military defense, they must be conveyed back to the state. The resolution argues that the facilities currently operate as commercial hotels and recreation centers rather than active military installations, making them surplus to federal defense needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that the President of the United States return recreational facilities on Hawaii public lands, specifically Fort DeRussy and the Hale Koa Hotel, to the State of Hawaii under existing federal law. The legislation argues that these properties are no longer needed for military defense purposes and should be transferred back to the state according to the Hawaii Admission Act and Public Law 88-233. The resolution cites historical context about the lands' original purpose and current use as a commercial hotel that does not pay certain taxes, but it does not mandate any specific action beyond the request itself.

Excludes a homeowner-developer from the annual requirement to file a developer's report and pay a fee if the homeowner's development consists of no more than two units, one in which the developer has resided as their principal place of residence for at least ten years and one for which the initial sale of the other unit has been completed, subject to certain conditions. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Allows a party aggrieved by the judgment of a circuit court on a minimum term order to appeal to the Intermediate Appellate Court. Requires prisoners to be represented by counsel in any petition challenging the minimum term proceedings. Requires the Supreme Court to establish rules. Establishes grounds for challenging a minimum term order. Appropriates funds. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1733 increases the maximum bond amount authorized under the state's Hula Mae Multifamily Housing Program, allowing more funds to finance affordable rental housing statewide. This directly affects developers building or maintaining low-income housing projects and residents relying on these affordable units. The bill raises the funding ceiling to prevent the program from hitting current limits, ensuring continued support for housing affordability. It does not change eligibility rules but expands available capital for housing projects across the state.