Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryHB 1278 appropriates state funds to assess and remove hazardous trees on state lands across Hawaii. It directly affects Hawaii's state land management agencies, providing the necessary budget for these safety-related tree removal operations. The bill's key mechanism is the allocation of specific funding for tree assessment and removal, effective July 1, 2030 (note: "3000" in abstract appears to be a typo). This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, focused solely on enabling tree removal work on state property.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 150 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Taxation to establish a task force to study implementing a surcharge on vacant residential properties. The task force, including the Taxation Director, Business Development Director, and Housing Finance Executive Director, must research the impacts and implementation of a surcharge similar to provisions in HB 489 (which proposes a tax on homes vacant 180+ days annually). The group must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by September 2025, ahead of the 2026 session. This resolution does not enact the surcharge but seeks research to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryHR 176 is a House Resolution (not a bill) requesting Hawaii's State Office of Elections to form a working group to study changing the state's automatic voter registration system from an opt-in model (where voters must actively register) to an opt-out model (where registration is automatic unless declined). The working group, including election officials and advocacy representatives, must recommend changes and submit a report to the Legislature by 2025. This resolution directly affects Hawaii voters and election administrators by proposing a potential shift in how voter registration is handled. It does not enact new law but seeks to evaluate a policy change aimed at improving registration convenience and participation.

Maddy summaryHCR 147 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Health, Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to coordinate an enforcement plan addressing illegal dispensaries selling cannabis labeled as hemp. It directly affects these state agencies and targets the surge of over 84 illegal operators selling cannabis (with THC over 0.3%) disguised as hemp, often near schools and in high-traffic areas like Waikiki. The resolution calls for interagency coordination to address gaps in enforcement, as current rules lack specific regulations for these illicit operations, which offer unregulated products without age checks or medical requirements. It does not create new laws but requests existing agencies use their authority under Hawaii Revised Statutes and administrative rules to combat this issue.

Maddy summaryHR 97 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Taxation to establish a one-time "Tax Amnesty Day." It would allow businesses and individuals with unpaid taxes to settle their liabilities without penalties or fines. The resolution cites Hawaii's 2009 Tax Fresh Start Program, which collected $14.4 million in unpaid taxes, as a model for increasing compliance and revenue. The request asks the Department to develop guidelines, public outreach plans, and submit a report to the Legislature by 2026. (Note: This is a procedural request, not a binding law.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 141) urges Hawaii's Department of Health, Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to create a coordinated enforcement plan addressing illegal dispensaries selling cannabis labeled as hemp. It directly affects state agencies responsible for public health and safety, noting over 84 such operations are selling unregulated cannabis near schools, airports, and residential areas without age checks or medical requirements. The resolution highlights that hemp (≤0.3% THC) and cannabis (over 0.3% THC) are chemically distinct, but illegal operators falsely label high-THC products as hemp, risking contaminated products. It references existing Hawaii laws (HRS Chapter 328G, HRS Chapter 11-37) but states no specific statutes currently cover these illegal operations. The resolution is non-binding and focuses on closing enforcement gaps, not creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 104) requests the State Auditor to conduct biennial management and financial audits of Hawaii's Medicaid health care insurance contractors (managed care organizations). It directly affects these contractors, requiring them to cooperate with the Auditor by providing necessary records. The resolution mandates audits to assess financial integrity, compliance with laws/regulations, and contractor performance, with the first audit due within six months of July 1, 2025. The Auditor must submit findings to the Governor, Legislature, and Human Services Director by January 2027, and every two years thereafter. This follows past issues including Medicaid overpayments and a 2023 federal review identifying gaps in fraud prevention.

Maddy summaryHR 144 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Taxation to create a task force to study implementing a tax surcharge on vacant residential properties. The task force would examine how a surcharge - modeled after proposed House Bill 489 - could incentivize property owners to occupy or rent out vacant homes, potentially increasing housing availability and generating revenue for affordable housing programs. The resolution specifies the task force must include representatives from tax, business, and housing agencies, and submit findings by late 2025 to inform future legislation. This is a procedural step to research policy options, not an immediate law.

Maddy summaryHR 171 is a House Resolution urging Hawaii's Attorney General to investigate whether property management software with algorithms is being used to set or fix rental prices in the state's housing market. It requests an examination of how such software collects pricing data, recommends rent levels, potentially enables landlord collusion, and affects housing affordability. The resolution does not create new laws but asks the Attorney General to report findings - including whether these practices contribute to rising rents - by early 2026. It directly affects the Attorney General's office and aims to inform future legislative action on Hawaii's housing crisis.