Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 145) requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to submit a detailed report on its lease enforcement procedures. The report must include DLNR's policies for monitoring lease compliance, how it assesses lessee violations (including for federal agencies), a summary of the 10 most recent lease revocations or non-renewals, and the total number of such cases. DLNR must submit the report to the Legislature by January 2026, including recommendations for improving enforcement transparency. This is a procedural request for information, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHCR 141 is a non-binding request asking the Hawaii Legislature to establish a working group to study whether creating a Hawaii Cultural Trust is feasible. The working group, including state agency leaders (like the Business and Tourism Director and State Foundation on Culture and Arts Director) and external partners (such as Native Hawaiian organizations and cultural nonprofits), will examine funding models, tax incentives, and legal structures for such a trust. It will specifically assess how a trust could support cultural preservation, arts programs, and Hawaii’s cultural institutions through sustainable funding. The group must submit recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature by early 2026, but the resolution itself does not create the trust or allocate funds.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 106) requests the State Auditor to audit the Hawaii Department of Education's capital improvement project finances. It directs the audit to examine how funds were spent since 2021, including project prioritization, to address $2 billion in unspent capital funds and ensure efficient repairs for aging school facilities (over 20% of schools are 100+ years old). The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. The resolution does not allocate new funds or change policies, but seeks transparency in existing spending.

Maddy summaryHCR 110 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Auditor to audit the Hawaii Department of Education's capital improvement project finances since 2021. The audit will examine how $1 billion in capital funds was spent (received during 2021-2023), including project prioritization, and address $2 billion in unspent funds as of January 2024. The Auditor must submit a report to the Legislature by February 2026, detailing findings and potential recommendations to improve transparency and efficiency in school facility repairs.

Maddy summaryHCR 151 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to submit a detailed report on its lease enforcement procedures for public lands. The resolution asks DLNR to document its monitoring processes, how it assesses lessee compliance (including with federal agencies), the reasons for the 10 most recent lease revocations or non-renewals, and the total number of such cases. This report must include specific details about enforcement actions, violation histories, and renewal criteria for all lessees. The request aims to increase transparency around how DLNR enforces lease terms, particularly regarding environmental protection and contractual obligations. DLNR must submit the report to the Legislature by 20 days before the 2026 session.

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the island of Kahoolawe. Specifies the decal size for all special number organizational plates. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to house a collection of data on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the State. Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database Advisory Committee. Requires the Agency to create a Parkinson's disease research collection database webpage by 1/1/2026, and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 531 authorizes the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates recognizing the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. This bill directly affects drivers who choose to purchase these specialty plates, which would display the center's name. The key provision is creating a new plate design for public recognition, with no additional fees or requirements beyond standard plate issuance. The bill is procedural and does not change existing laws or impose new obligations. It is scheduled for committee review in February 2025.

Creates a School Psychologists Working Group within the Department of Education to recommend actionable steps or propose legislation for an immediate pathway to licensure for school psychologists that can be acted upon in 2026. Requires a report to the Legislature. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and Hawaii Invasive Species Council to ensure their long-term viability and continue to control and eradicate invasive species in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)