Rep. Gene Ward

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 77) disapproves the 2025 Salary Commission's recommendations for increasing salaries of certain state officials, including the governor, judges, and department heads. The legislature rejected these proposed increases, stating they were excessive given Hawaii's current economic conditions. The resolution requires the Salary Commission to reconvene by November 2025 to review the legislature's disapproval and submit revised salary recommendations for the 2026 legislative session. This action directly affects the salary schedules for the officials covered by the Commission's original proposal.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a non-binding resolution urging Honolulu to revise property tax assessments for kupuna (Hawaiian elders aged 60+ on fixed incomes). It proposes two specific changes: (1) basing property assessments on original purchase price plus 2% annual increase instead of current market value for unchanged homes, and (2) capping annual property taxes at 3% of the owner’s income. These measures aim to reduce tax burdens for fixed-income seniors facing rising costs. The resolution directs Honolulu officials to consider these adjustments but does not require them to take action.

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (not a bill), urging the City and County of Honolulu and developers to coordinate infrastructure planning with stakeholders before approving new housing developments. It highlights Hawaii’s infrastructure challenges, including a D+ rating and $1.1 billion in unfunded needs, and notes that premature construction without adequate infrastructure has delayed housing solutions. The resolution does not create new laws but formally requests coordination to address these issues. It directs the resolution to specific officials and housing developers for awareness.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 31) requests the University of Hawaii to study whether nuclear energy development is viable in the state. It directly affects Hawaii residents by addressing the state's high electricity rates (over 100% above the national average) and heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels for 80% of energy. The study must examine nuclear energy's cost, safety, and utility, including potential impacts on Hawaii's environment and communities. The University must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature and relevant officials by 2027. This resolution does not approve nuclear power plants or waste disposal - it only asks for a study.

Maddy summaryHCR 135 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement, City and County of Honolulu, and Honolulu Police Department to collaborate with local businesses and organizations to establish safe disposal programs for illegal fireworks. It proposes creating designated drop-off locations where residents can safely discard unused fireworks year-round, reducing the risk of improper storage or disposal. The resolution references a prior successful disposal event that collected over 1,300 pounds of fireworks from 121 residents. This initiative aims to address community safety concerns related to illegal fireworks use, following incidents like the tragic New Year’s Eve explosion in Salt Lake. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but encourages agency action.)

Maddy summaryHCR 169 is a resolution urging Hawaii's legislature to establish a State Department of Government Efficiency. It cites voter sentiment (77% supporting spending reviews, 83% favoring cuts over tax hikes) and a projected $5.6 billion revenue loss from tax cuts by 2031. The resolution emphasizes addressing past inefficiencies in state spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively. It does not create the department but formally requests the legislature take this action.

Maddy summaryHCR 162 is a non-binding concurrent resolution urging the University of Hawaii to extend reduced tuition rates to students from Pacific Island nations without public bachelor's degree programs. Currently, students from the Freely Associated States (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau) pay 100% of resident tuition, while others like American Samoa pay 150%. The resolution requests expanding this 100% rate to include additional Pacific Island nations on the university's updated list. This directly affects students from qualifying Pacific Island countries seeking undergraduate education at the University of Hawaii.

Maddy summaryHCR 89 is an advisory resolution urging the State of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu to collaborate on developing a large sports complex in West Oahu. It proposes a 200-400 acre facility with a 65,000-seat stadium, multiple sports fields, training arenas, and a Pacific Culture Center, targeting partnerships with Asia-Pacific entities to minimize taxpayer costs. The resolution requires a feasibility study and report by the Governor and Mayor by late 2025, including site options in Kunia or Kapolei and land acquisition steps, but does not allocate funds or mandate construction. As a non-binding resolution, it seeks to initiate planning and partnerships rather than enact policy changes.

Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a program to award high school diplomas to persons who did not receive a diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services and persons whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)