Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 121) requests the University of Hawaii to prioritize constructing a new building called "Halau o Kawaihuelani" at UH Manoa. The resolution asks the university to fund this capital project to address space constraints for the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language, which currently shares cramped facilities in Spalding Hall. The proposed building would house the Center’s faculty/staff, Hawaiian language classrooms, and a performing arts space for Hawaiian music, dance, and theater. This is a procedural request to the university, not a binding law, directly affecting UH Manoa’s Hawaiian language programs and campus planning.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding House Resolution encourages the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand its student mental health services. It specifically asks the university to hire additional mental health professionals and support staff, extend counseling hours, improve crisis response, and adopt proactive outreach initiatives. The resolution also requests the university provide periodic updates to the legislature on its progress. It does not mandate changes or allocate funding, serving only as a recommendation to address growing student mental health needs.

Amends the definition of "child abuse or neglect" to clarify that the failure to provide certain needs to a child shall not constitute child abuse or neglect if the sole reason the person responsible for the care of the child is unable to adequately provide for the child's care is lack of financial resources; and evidence of parental request for support shall not be deemed as evidence of child abuse and neglect. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHR 143 is a House Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to form a working group to assess how Volcano, Hawaii, can transition into a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The resolution addresses current environmental challenges in Volcano, including invasive species, Rapid Ohia Death, and forest degradation, aiming to align the area with the neighboring Hawaiian Islands Biosphere Reserve. The working group must develop strategies for native forest stewardship, community engagement, monitoring systems, and conservation planning to promote environmental sustainability and community well-being. This procedural resolution does not create new laws but directs state agencies to study the feasibility of this designation.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 62) requests the Office of the State Fire Marshal to form a working group to study vegetation management practices on public and private property. The group will evaluate property owner responsibilities for reducing wildfire risks, particularly near electric utility lines, and develop recommendations for minimum safety standards for tree trimming near power facilities. It specifically responds to wildfire risks identified after the 2023 Maui fires, including the role of invasive grasses and human-caused ignitions. The working group must include representatives from fire services, utilities, counties, and invasive species councils, but does not create new laws - only seeks recommendations for future policy.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 100) urges the Hawaii Department of Education to strengthen farm-to-school programs. It directly affects Hawaii schools, local farmers (especially small/medium producers), and Native Hawaiian crop growers by requesting four specific actions: streamlining procurement rules for farmers, creating a statewide farm database, offering financial incentives for local food purchases, and ensuring culturally significant foods like kalo are included in meals. The resolution does not create new law but asks the Department to report progress by 2026 on implementing these measures to help meet a 2030 goal of sourcing 30% of school meal ingredients locally. It addresses barriers like complex contracts and logistics that hinder current efforts to reduce Hawaii’s reliance on imported food.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 124) is a symbolic statement, not a law, affirming Hawaii's constitutional duty to protect freshwater flows that sustain nearshore marine ecosystems. It recognizes that freshwater from rivers, streams, and groundwater is essential for healthy coral reefs, native species like the 'o'opu fish, and traditional Hawaiian practices. The resolution urges state and county agencies to prioritize freshwater protection through management plans and public education, referencing Hawaii's Constitution (Articles XI, Sections 1 and 7) that require water resource conservation. It does not create new legal requirements but emphasizes the connection between freshwater health and marine ecosystem resilience. The resolution directly affects Hawaii's coastal communities, marine habitats, and Native Hawaiian cultural practices reliant on these ecosystems.

Maddy summaryHCR 73 is a non-binding resolution urging the University of Hawaii President and Board of Regents to create a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Hawaii Maui College. It addresses a gap where Maui nursing students currently complete associate degrees but often cannot complete BSN degrees locally due to limited enrollment in existing transfer programs or needing to leave Maui. The resolution highlights Maui’s growing healthcare needs and available clinical placements at local facilities as key reasons to establish the program on campus. It directly affects Maui nursing students, healthcare providers needing qualified staff, and the University of Hawaii Maui College, which would develop the program with allocated resources. The resolution does not create new law but requests the university take action to expand local nursing education.

Maddy summaryHR 127 is a Hawaii state resolution urging the Federal Aviation Administration and Hawaii’s Department of Transportation to support airline services using short-runway aircraft (like the DHC-6 Twin Otter) to improve access for rural communities. It specifically addresses reduced service and higher costs in areas like Molokai, Lanai, and Hana, where shorter runways limit current options. The resolution requests the Legislative Reference Bureau conduct a feasibility study on establishing a rural air service program, examining funding mechanisms, regulatory changes, and potential partnerships. This study would identify concrete steps to enhance connectivity for healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in underserved areas. The resolution has no binding effect but aims to guide future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHCR 87 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education to establish an annual Climate Week in all public schools. It directly affects public school students statewide by requiring schools to integrate climate awareness, education, and sustainability initiatives into their curriculum during this dedicated week. Key mechanisms include collaborating with environmental organizations and supporting student-led climate action projects. The resolution does not create new laws but requests the Department of Education to develop this program, citing gaps in current climate education for students. It is modeled after similar initiatives in New York and the UN, aiming to address youth climate anxiety through structured educational engagement.