Rep. Gene Ward

Maddy summaryHCR 32 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to study whether nuclear energy development would be viable in the state. The study would examine costs, safety, and practicality of nuclear power as a potential solution to Hawaii's high electricity rates (over 100% above national average) and heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels (80%+ of energy). The University must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature, federal officials, and local mayors by 2027. This resolution does not approve any nuclear construction or waste disposal, as explicitly stated in the bill. It is a procedural request for analysis, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHCR 81 is a concurrent resolution requesting U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy to initiate a performance review of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project under the 2024 Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA). It directly affects the rail project, which has faced significant cost overruns (increasing from $5.5 billion to $12.45 billion) and delays (pushing completion to 2030), relying on federal funding. The resolution cites the FFGA's requirement for federal oversight to assess whether HART (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit) is making satisfactory progress toward completion. This is a procedural request, not a legislative change, urging federal review based on existing agreement terms.

Maddy summaryHCR 165 is a concurrent resolution urging Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate (KSBE) to improve communication with the Hawaii Kai community regarding expiring leases on properties they own. It specifically asks KSBE to provide regular updates about future land use plans for assets like Kamilonui Valley farms (where elderly farmers face lease expiration and financial strain) and Hahaione Valley (home to JAIMS and affecting nearby condo views). The resolution also encourages KSBE to maintain current land use practices ("status quo") for these properties to avoid disrupting community life. It does not impose new legal requirements but formally requests transparency and continuity in KSBE’s decisions affecting Hawaii Kai residents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Hawaii's legislature to require mandatory investigations into every child fatality or serious injury occurring while a child is under child welfare services. It cites multiple documented cases where prior safety warnings were ignored, leading to preventable harm - including deaths, abuse, and injuries after unsafe reunifications. The resolution does not create new laws but calls for systemic changes in how the Department of Human Services (DHS) handles safety concerns. It focuses on establishing a standardized inquiry process to prevent future failures, rather than addressing specific cases. (Note: As a concurrent resolution, it is a non-binding legislative request, not a law.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 47) requests the City and County of Honolulu to construct a new swimming pool complex in the Forty-First House District on Oahu's west side. It specifically asks for an Olympic-sized pool, a jetted hot tub, a dedicated children's pool, and funding/approval from the Honolulu City Council and Mayor. The resolution does not mandate construction but formally asks the city to prioritize this project to serve the local community's recreation and public health needs. It directly affects Honolulu's city government and residents in the specified district.

Maddy summaryHCR 49 is a non-binding resolution urging the City and County of Honolulu to adopt new measures to address illegal dumping in Ewa Beach. It recommends increasing disposal site access in high-incident areas, implementing weekly bulk item pickup (instead of appointment-only service), and testing pilot programs with measurable metrics. The resolution cites successful models from cities like Sacramento, Houston, and Milwaukee as examples for Honolulu to consider. It does not create new laws but formally asks the city government to take specific action.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 45) urges the City and County of Honolulu to address illegal dumping in Ewa Beach through specific, non-binding recommendations. It calls for adopting innovative programs like increasing disposal site access in high-dumping areas, offering weekly bulk item pickup (instead of appointment-only services), and testing pilot programs with measurable metrics. The resolution references successful models from cities like Sacramento, Houston, and Milwaukee as potential solutions. It directly affects Honolulu officials, including the Mayor, City Council, and Environmental Services Department, by requesting concrete actions to tackle this community health and environmental issue. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to influence local policy implementation.

Maddy summaryHCR 160 is a formal request from Hawaii's legislature urging the Peace Corps to restart a mission in the Marshall Islands. It directly addresses the Marshall Islands' challenges, including high rates of obesity and diabetes linked to food imports, limited education access, and health issues from historical nuclear testing. The resolution asks the Peace Corps to establish a mission and coordinate with agencies like USAID, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Red Cross to support economic relief and food security. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but seeks to revive a past partnership to address these specific community needs.

Maddy summaryHR 85 is a non-binding House Resolution urging the State of Hawaii and City and County of Honolulu to collaborate on developing a world-class sports complex in West Oahu. It proposes a 200-400 acre facility featuring a 65,000-seat stadium, multiple sports fields (football, soccer, baseball), indoor arenas for various sports, and a Pacific Culture Center for cultural exchange. The resolution requests the Governor and Mayor study feasibility by 2026 and identify specific locations like Kunia or Kapolei, but does not create new laws, funding, or mandate action.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 160) urges Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate (KSBE) to improve communication with the Hawaii Kai community regarding upcoming lease expirations for properties like Kamilonui Valley farms (2025) and Hahaione Valley land (2028). It requests KSBE provide regular updates on future land use plans and maintain the current status quo for these properties to avoid disruptions. The resolution directly affects Hawaii Kai residents, local farmers, and organizations like the Japan-America Institute of Management Science. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but seeks to foster transparency in KSBE’s land management decisions.