Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryHCR 175 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Attorney General to investigate whether property management software using algorithms is enabling price-fixing or anti-competitive practices in the state's rental housing market. It specifically directs the Attorney General to examine how such software collects pricing data, recommends rent levels, and potentially facilitates collusion among landlords. The resolution requires a report detailing whether these practices contribute to rising rents and recommendations for addressing them, due to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not change laws but seeks factual findings to inform future policy on Hawaii's severe housing affordability crisis.

Maddy summaryHCR 105 is a non-binding Hawaii House resolution urging the U.S. government to create a national biodiversity strategy. It calls for a comprehensive plan to conserve ecosystems, protect species, and address the biodiversity crisis - impacting all U.S. citizens and natural resources. The resolution emphasizes the need for coordinated federal action, equity in conservation efforts, and alignment with international goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Hawaii highlights its own biodiversity challenges (e.g., 550+ endangered species and minimal federal funding) as a reason for federal action. This resolution does not create new laws but advocates for a strategic approach to biodiversity conservation.

Maddy summaryHCR 48 is a non-binding House Concurrent Resolution urging future Hawaii legislatures to propose and the public to ratify a constitutional amendment guaranteeing all residents the right to a clean environment and stable climate. It cites environmental concerns in Hawaii, including water pollution from the Red Hill facility and climate impacts like rising sea levels, and references similar amendments adopted in Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania. The resolution does not create new legal rights itself but formally encourages future action toward this constitutional change. It is a procedural step, not a law affecting current policies or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 44) encourages future Hawaii legislatures to propose a constitutional amendment and urges voters to ratify it, which would guarantee all residents the right to a clean, healthy environment and stable climate. It does not create new legal requirements or change current law - it is a symbolic resolution referencing environmental concerns like water pollution and climate impacts in Hawaii. The resolution cites examples from Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania where similar constitutional amendments were adopted. It directly addresses future Hawaii lawmakers and voters, not current policy or affected individuals.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 101) urges the U.S. federal government to create a national biodiversity strategy. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but asks the federal government to develop a coordinated plan to conserve biodiversity, set conservation targets, and collaborate with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders. Hawaii’s context drives this request, citing its 550+ endangered species (25% of the national total) receiving only 3% of federal conservation funding, alongside global biodiversity loss data. The resolution emphasizes the strategy should address ecosystem services, climate resilience, and equity, aligning with international conservation goals. As a non-binding resolution, it directly addresses the U.S. government’s policy approach, not specific affected groups.

Maddy summaryHCR 101 is a request to Hawaii's Department of Taxation to create a one-time "Tax Amnesty Day" allowing businesses and individuals with unpaid taxes to settle their liabilities without penalties or fines. It directly affects taxpayers who owe back taxes due to financial hardship, errors, or unintentional noncompliance. The resolution cites Hawaii's 2009 Tax Fresh Start Program, which collected $14.4 million in unpaid taxes, as a successful model. The Department would need to develop implementation guidelines and report on feasibility to the Legislature by 2026. This is a procedural request, not a binding law.

Maddy summaryHCR 181 is a non-binding resolution 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 to an opt-out model. The working group would include election officials, Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and advocacy groups like Common Cause Hawaii and the League of Women Voters. The resolution aims to address low voter turnout (32.1% in 2024) by exploring how an opt-out system could streamline registration and increase participation, with the group required to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2025. This resolution does not change election law but seeks to evaluate potential improvements to voter registration processes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Auditor to conduct biennial management and financial audits of Medicaid managed care organizations (contractors) that provide health insurance under the state's Medicaid program. It directly affects these contractors by requiring them to cooperate with audits assessing financial integrity, compliance with laws, and service quality. The audits aim to ensure public funds are used properly, beneficiaries receive quality care, and issues like overpayments or fraud are identified, with the first audit due within six months of July 2025 and reports submitted to the Governor and Legislature by 2027.

Establishes factors under which officers may, without warrant, arrest and detain persons for petty misdemeanors and violations. Requires officers to record the factors that justified the warrantless arrest. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 754 allocates state funds to the Department of Education to support community schools and creates a dedicated program manager position. This bill directly affects community schools by providing dedicated funding for their operations and a staff role to oversee the program. Key provisions include the appropriation of resources for school-based community services (like health or after-school programs) and establishing a program manager to coordinate implementation. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2030 (correcting the abstract's "3000" to a plausible year). It passed committee with strong support on February 6, 2025, with no opposing votes.