Rep. Gene Ward

Maddy summaryHR 30 is a House Resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to explore establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and identify requirements for securing federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. The resolution directs the university to assess its current research capabilities, evaluate potential benefits, and outline steps to meet federal grant criteria, with a report due by December 31, 2025. This procedural request does not create a new program but seeks feasibility analysis for potential future research infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHCR 92 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness and the City and County of Honolulu to establish a two-year pilot program creating safe, temporary living spaces for homeless individuals and families on public land in Honolulu. The program would provide designated locations with essential facilities like shelter tents, restrooms, storage, laundry, and access to meals and services - including mental health support and job opportunities - while requiring partnerships with nonprofits. It mandates a specific location by November 2025, full program launch by January 2026, and a legislative report evaluating outcomes before the 2026 session. The resolution directly affects unsheltered homeless residents in Honolulu, aiming to offer dignity and stability through a structured, community-supported pilot.

Maddy summaryHCR 31 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to assess the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. It directs the university to evaluate its current research capabilities, potential benefits for Hawaii, and the specific requirements to secure federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. The resolution requires the university to develop a phased plan, including infrastructure needs and community engagement, and submit a report by December 31, 2025. This resolution does not create the center but asks the university to explore steps toward one, directly affecting the University of Hawaii System and its research planning.

Maddy summaryHCR 168 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii State Fire Marshal and Fire Council to clarify specific terms related to wildfire suppression stages in the Hawaii State Fire Code. It specifically asks for clear definitions of terms like "uncontrolled," "contained," "controlled," "extinguished," and "fully extinguished," with "fully extinguished" requiring 48 hours of monitoring (72 hours during drought or red flag conditions) to prevent reignition. This resolution directly affects fire departments, public safety agencies, and residents by aiming to standardize communication and protocols during wildfire responses. The resolution was offered by the House of Representatives in 2025 and will be transmitted to relevant fire officials for action.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 163) requests the Hawaii State Fire Marshal and Fire Council to clarify specific terms related to wildfire suppression stages in the state fire code. It specifically asks for defined meanings of "uncontrolled," "contained," "controlled," "extinguished," and "fully extinguished," with a key requirement that "fully extinguished" must include 48 hours of hotspot monitoring (96 hours during red flag/drought conditions). The resolution aims to improve public communication, fire operation protocols, and safety regulations by standardizing terminology. It does not create new law but directs the State Fire Code to adopt these definitions.

Maddy summaryHR 88 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness and Honolulu to establish a two-year pilot program creating safe public land sites for unsheltered homeless individuals and families on Oahu. The program would provide designated locations with essential facilities including central shelters, vehicle parking, restrooms, showers, laundry, and daily meals, while connecting residents to services like mental health support and job training opportunities. It requires agencies to select a site by November 2025, open the program by January 2026, and partner with nonprofits to operate the sites. The resolution mandates a report by 2026 detailing program progress, participants served, and recommendations for potential permanent implementation.

Maddy summaryHR 156 is a non-binding House Resolution urging the City and County of Honolulu, County of Maui, County of Hawaii, and County of Kauai to establish new sister city relationships with Pacific Island municipalities. It cites the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts as inspiration, noting existing sister city ties (30 in the Pacific region) and emphasizing cultural, educational, and business exchanges. The resolution has no legal force but recommends these counties expand partnerships to strengthen regional ties and mutual cultural appreciation. It does not create new obligations or funding.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 158) urges the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to create an annual festival celebrating Pacific Island cultures and arts. It directly addresses the Foundation, referencing the success of Hawaii's 2024 FestPAC event (which drew 500,000 visitors) as a model. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests the Foundation, in consultation with other agencies, to establish this recurring event to promote Pacific cultural heritage and regional connections.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 36) encourages all counties in Hawaii to develop their own biosecurity plans focused on local invasive species threats. It does not create new laws but urges counties to prioritize their unique needs - such as climate, agriculture, or transportation risks - in creating these plans. The resolution also recommends counties collaborate with each other, the state Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It is a non-binding recommendation, not a mandate.

Maddy summaryHCR 161 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's four counties (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai) to establish new sister city partnerships with Pacific Island municipalities. It does not create new laws but formally encourages these counties to expand existing relationships, building on Hawaii's current 30 Pacific Island sister cities out of 89 worldwide. The resolution highlights shared cultural ties and the value of exchanges in areas like arts, education, and community development, referencing the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts as a catalyst. It specifically directs county mayors and the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to pursue these partnerships.