Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryHCR 149 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to form a working group focused on transitioning Volcano, Hawaii, into a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The working group, chaired by the State Representative from House District 5 and including a Volcano Community Association representative, must assess environmental initiatives needed to address local challenges like invasive species and forest degradation. Key tasks include developing native forest stewardship practices, creating community education strategies, establishing monitoring systems, and identifying conservation buffer zones. The group must submit a final report with recommendations to the Legislature and Hawaii County Council by early 2026. This resolution does not create new laws but initiates an assessment process to align Volcano with the existing Hawaiian Islands Biosphere Reserve.

Maddy summaryHCR 188 is a concurrent resolution declaring climate change a public health emergency in Hawaii. It requires all state agencies - including Health, Transportation, Agriculture, and Land - to coordinate cross-departmental efforts to address climate-related health risks like extreme heat, disease spread, food insecurity, and mental health impacts. The resolution directs agencies to examine how their work affects public health and develop joint solutions, building on Hawaii’s 2021 climate emergency declaration. It does not create new laws or funding but mandates agency collaboration and reporting to the Governor and relevant department heads.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 179) requests the Hawaii Department of Education, working with the Department of Health and State Public Charter School Commission, to study how schools manage heat exposure during outdoor activities to protect student health. The study must examine current practices, assess using wet-bulb globe temperature as a heat stress measurement standard, and determine if existing protocols are sufficient. If gaps are found, the study would develop guidelines for all public and charter schools covering activities like sports, recess, and band practice, including hydration protocols, staff training for heat illness, and special considerations for students with medical conditions. The resolution requires the study and any proposed guidelines to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2026. This is a procedural request for research, not an immediate policy change.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 126) urges Hawaii's state government, counties, and relevant agencies to increase and sustain funding for the Invasive Species Committees (ISCs) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. The ISCs - regional groups like the Big Island and Maui committees - manage invasive species threats through early detection, control, and eradication efforts to protect Hawaii's unique ecosystems, agriculture, and tourism. The resolution specifically requests funding to expand control programs, enhance monitoring, improve public outreach, and support community collaboration. It does not create new laws but formally recommends increased financial support for existing ISC operations.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 125) requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Department of Education, and Maui County Department of Public Works to collaborate on addressing traffic safety and congestion around Haiku Elementary School. It directs these agencies to assess current traffic patterns, propose infrastructure improvements (like safer crosswalks and signage), and develop plans for managing school drop-off/pick-up times. The resolution requires them to consult with parents and community members and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution directly affects students, families, and staff at Haiku Elementary School and the surrounding community. It is a procedural request for study and reporting, not a law imposing new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Hawaii House Resolution (HR 182) declares a public health emergency due to climate change impacts and requests all state departments to coordinate cross-sector solutions. It directs agencies like Health, Transportation, and Agriculture to identify and plan for climate-related health risks - including heat, disease, food insecurity, and mental health impacts - directly affecting Hawaii residents. The resolution does not create new laws but mandates statewide collaboration to strengthen public health responses.

Maddy summaryThis resolution encourages the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to continue its existing I Hoa na Moolelo Project, which publishes a Hawaiian-language children's magazine for Kaiapuni (Hawaiian immersion) students and families. It directly supports Kaiapuni students and their families by promoting Hawaiian language use at home through accessible resources. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect but formally recognizes the importance of Hawaiian language preservation and urges the Center to expand its current efforts.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 63) requests the Hawai'i Department of Transportation to accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in the state's aviation sector to reduce carbon emissions. It directs the DOT to collaborate with the Hawai'i State Energy Office, airlines, and fuel producers to develop policies, incentives, and infrastructure for SAF production and use. The resolution also requires the DOT to integrate SAF adoption into the state's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and submit a progress report to the Legislature by 2026.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 191) is a non-binding request urging Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to prioritize restoring and protecting wetlands and anchialine pools - unique Hawaiian ecosystems. It specifically asks DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources to extend wetland protections to anchialine pools and requests Maui County to prioritize wetland conservation (notably in Kihei) over development where possible. The resolution highlights that wetlands and anchialine pools support biodiversity, improve water quality, protect coral reefs, and reduce flood/fire risks, but does not create new legal requirements or funding. It serves as a policy recommendation for existing state and county environmental responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 136) urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation to expand the existing Kāhea Airport Greetings Program to display student artwork at all neighbor island airports (including Kahului, Lihu’e, Kona, Hilo, Moloka’i, and Lāna’i). The program currently features free, year-round cultural displays of student art at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on O’ahu, and this resolution seeks to extend it island-wide. It does not create new law but encourages the agencies to secure funding and collaborate with schools to showcase children’s art, aiming to promote Hawaiian culture and provide equitable recognition for student artists across all islands.