Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryHCR 103 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's counties to adopt local zoning rules requiring agricultural landowners to sign and record declarations acknowledging state and county land use rules and penalties for noncompliance. It directly affects owners of land zoned for agriculture (which covers nearly 2 million acres statewide but has only about 24% actively used for crops or grazing). The resolution recommends counties require these declarations - similar to Maui’s existing practice - and provide landowners with information about farm mentoring programs to encourage active farming. It does not create new laws but seeks to increase agricultural land use by making landowners formally aware of requirements. The resolution cites data showing significant underuse of agricultural-zoned land as its key justification.

Maddy summaryHR 93 is a non-binding House Resolution urging the University of Hawaii (UH) to create a "Homeless Student Stability and Housing Resource Program" to address housing insecurity among students. It cites a 2020 study showing 44% of UH students experienced housing insecurity (including 14% who were homeless), with only 15% receiving emergency aid due to lack of awareness. The resolution requests UH use its ongoing 2025 Basic Needs Committee survey to develop a plan improving housing access, mental health services (noting UH's current 1:4,010 mental health staff-to-student ratio), and resource awareness. This resolution does not create new law but formally asks UH to act based on documented student needs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the University of Hawaii President and Board of Regents to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Hawaii Maui College. It directly affects Maui residents, particularly nursing students who currently face barriers to completing BSN degrees locally - most either cannot complete the statewide consortium due to remaining in Maui's workforce or enroll in out-of-state online programs. The resolution proposes creating a local pathway to advance nursing education without requiring students to relocate, addressing gaps in the current associate-to-bachelor's transition. It does not create binding law but requests the university allocate resources for faculty, curriculum, and facilities to develop the program.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 99) urges Hawaii’s counties to adopt local zoning ordinances requiring owners of agricultural-zoned land to sign and record declarations acknowledging state and county agricultural land use rules and penalties for noncompliance. It directly affects agricultural landowners statewide, particularly those on land designated for farming but not actively used for crops or grazing (only ~8% of such land is currently used for crops). The key mechanism is mandating these declarations - similar to Maui County’s existing requirement for building permits - to ensure future owners understand regulations and to encourage active agricultural use. The resolution also encourages counties to share information about farm mentorship programs (like GoFarm Hawaii) to help landowners transition to production. As a resolution, it does not create new law but seeks to align county policies with state goals of increasing farmland productivity and food security.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests Honolulu officials to create a dedicated animal education and training complex within Kalaeloa parklands. It aims to address the lack of pet-friendly recreational spaces on Oahu, particularly for dog shows, 4H animal groups, and off-leash activities, by proposing facilities like secure indoor exhibition rooms, bathrooms, food prep areas, and storage for equipment (e.g., agility courses and pet show cages). The resolution is non-binding and specifically targets the City and County of Honolulu's Mayor, City Council, and Parks Department. It follows the city's recent acquisition of 400 acres of parkland from the Navy.

Maddy summaryHR 137 is a House Resolution urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to require all transient accommodations (such as hotels, hostels, short-term rentals, and timeshares) to make the Pono Pledge a mandatory step during guest check-in. The Pono Pledge is an educational commitment teaching visitors to respect Hawaii's environment, cultural sites, and local communities. The resolution requests the Tourism Authority develop procedures for guests to complete and provide proof of the pledge before check-in, using methods like online platforms or in-person acknowledgments. This is a non-binding recommendation, not a law, aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices.

Maddy summaryHCR 143 is a concurrent resolution urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to require all hotels, short-term rentals, and other transient accommodations to incorporate the Pono Pledge as a mandatory step during guest check-in. The resolution asks the authority to establish procedures where visitors must acknowledge the pledge - committing to respect Hawaii’s environment, culture, and safety - before checking in. It directly affects tourism businesses and visitors staying in temporary lodging across Hawaii. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to promote responsible tourism through this educational commitment.

Maddy summaryHR 107 is a resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education to submit a detailed report to the legislature on the true cost of school meals. The report must include itemized cost breakdowns for ingredients (noting local sourcing), operational expenses, beverages, supplies, and logistics, plus data on meal types served (full-price, reduced-price, free) and federal reimbursement coverage. It specifically requires cost details for the 2024-2025 school year and projections for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The DOE must submit this report by January 2026, aiming to increase transparency around proposed meal price increases affecting students and families.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 102) requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to study whether the state could establish a green bonds program. The study must evaluate best practices for managing such a program, identify clean energy projects that could benefit from it, and explore partnerships between state agencies and private sector groups. Green bonds would be a funding mechanism specifically for environmental projects like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation. The Energy Office must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not create new law but seeks information to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHR 135 is a House Resolution requesting a working group to study the feasibility of creating a Hawaii Cultural Trust. The working group, composed of state officials and cultural representatives, will examine potential funding sources, tax incentives, governance structures, and impacts on cultural institutions. It will specifically evaluate how a trust could support Hawaii's cultural preservation and promotion through sustainable funding models. The group must submit findings and recommendations, including possible legislation, to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not create the trust but initiates a study to determine if one would be viable.