Rep. Gene Ward

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 summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to study alternative insurance models for condominium associations and unit owners, addressing severe premium increases (300-600% in 2024) that have left many properties underinsured. It specifically directs the study to examine mutual insurance standards and building life insurance models, which would require 60-year contracts, maintenance schedules, escrow accounts for premiums, and predictable premium adjustments. The study must evaluate feasibility and include recommendations for potential legislation, with a report due to the Legislature by early 2026. This affects all Hawaii condo associations and unit owners facing coverage shortages that risk mortgage access and rebuild costs after disasters.

Maddy summaryHCR 85 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to study alternative insurance models for condominium associations and unit owners. It specifically directs the study to examine mutual insurance models and building life insurance, which would require developers to secure long-term coverage (60+ years), establish maintenance schedules, and manage premiums in escrow accounts. The study must develop standards for mutual insurance and evaluate building life insurance's feasibility, including how premiums would be calculated based on building materials and maintenance. The resulting report, due by early 2026, will inform potential future legislation to address soaring insurance costs affecting hundreds of condominium associations.

Maddy summaryHCR 46 is a non-binding request urging Hawaii's Department of Education to make school recreational facilities (like pools, gyms, and fields) available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. It aims to improve access for residents, particularly in underserved rural and low-income communities facing barriers to recreational amenities. The resolution references existing rules requiring advance online applications but seeks to expand access beyond current practice. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new law but asks the Department of Education to act on this recommendation.

Maddy summaryHR 39 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Education to make public school recreational facilities (like pools, gyms, and fields) available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. It aims to address inequitable access to recreation, noting that 29% of U.S. residents lack walkable park access and low-income/rural communities in Hawaii face significant barriers. The resolution builds on existing rules requiring school facilities to be publicly accessible but seeks to expand access without the current 10-day online application requirement. It directly affects residents, particularly in underserved communities, by potentially increasing opportunities for physical activity outside of school hours. This is a request, not a binding law, and would require the Department of Education to act on the proposal.

Maddy summaryHB 213 appropriates state funds to support the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, which helps healthcare professionals repay educational loans. The program directly assists licensed healthcare workers, such as nurses and physicians, who serve in underserved areas or specific healthcare roles. The bill specifies funding allocation with an effective date of July 1, 3000, though this date appears to be a placeholder error. No additional details about eligibility, funding amounts, or program administration are provided in the available context.

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 34 is a Hawaii state resolution urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, reduce federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution explicitly states the convention must not consider changes to the Bill of Rights and includes detailed procedural requirements for how Congress should handle such a request. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new law but formally expresses Hawaii’s position to Congress. This is a procedural request, not a legislative action affecting residents or federal policy directly.

Maddy summaryHCR 50 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement and Department of Health to form a task force focused on Oahu streams. The task force must develop recommendations for humane no-trespassing policies, improve coordination between state and county agencies regarding stream encampments, connect individuals experiencing homelessness to services, and address environmental pollution. It requires specific members including agency directors, county leadership, and legislative chairs, with a report due by August 2025. This resolution does not create new laws but seeks to coordinate existing resources to address health, safety, and environmental concerns near Oahu's waterways.