Rep. Sue Lee Loy

Maddy summaryHB 1278 appropriates state funds to assess and remove hazardous trees on state lands across Hawaii. It directly affects Hawaii's state land management agencies, providing the necessary budget for these safety-related tree removal operations. The bill's key mechanism is the allocation of specific funding for tree assessment and removal, effective July 1, 2030 (note: "3000" in abstract appears to be a typo). This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, focused solely on enabling tree removal work on state property.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to authorize Medicaid coverage through the Children's Health Insurance Program to income-qualified pregnant persons and children regardless of immigration status. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

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 170 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Transportation to form a working group focused on developing subsidies for waterborne cargo transport. The working group would include state agencies, legislators, county officials, and water carriers to recommend federal and local subsidy programs. This action directly addresses Hawaii's unique reliance on ocean shipping (over 98% of imports) for goods, as current subsidies exist for other transport modes but not general cargo. The resolution does not create subsidies itself but initiates a process to study and propose them, with a report due to the legislature by 2026.

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.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 142) requests Hawaii’s Department of Health to create a task force that will develop minimum professional standards for community health worker training programs. The task force must include representatives from the Department of Health, community colleges, county health workers, advocacy groups, and healthcare organizations, with a report due by January 2026. It directly affects community health workers and training programs across Hawaii by aiming to establish consistent quality standards for their education and practice. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to improve workforce readiness and health outcomes through standardized training.

Maddy summaryHR 97 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Taxation to establish a one-time "Tax Amnesty Day." It would allow businesses and individuals with unpaid taxes to settle their liabilities without penalties or fines. The resolution cites Hawaii's 2009 Tax Fresh Start Program, which collected $14.4 million in unpaid taxes, as a model for increasing compliance and revenue. The request asks the Department to develop guidelines, public outreach plans, and submit a report to the Legislature by 2026. (Note: This is a procedural request, not a binding law.)

Maddy summaryHR 166 is a Hawaii House Resolution requesting the Department of Transportation to convene a working group focused on establishing federal and local subsidies for waterborne cargo transport. The resolution directly affects Hawaii's water carriers and residents, as the state relies on water transport for over 98% of imported goods (80% of all consumed goods), with shipping costs adding up to 7.5% to product prices. Key mechanisms include forming a working group with state agency leaders, legislators, county representatives, and water carrier members, and requiring a report to the legislature by 2026 on progress toward creating these subsidy programs. This procedural resolution does not create subsidies itself but sets up a process to develop them, building on recommendations from a 2021 working group report.

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 summaryThis is a non-binding resolution (not a bill) passed by Hawaii's state legislature. It asks the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use existing federal water infrastructure funds - specifically the Clean Water State Revolving Fund - to support Honolulu's $174 million wastewater plant upgrade project at Sand Island. The resolution cites the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $50+ billion water infrastructure investment as the funding source and notes the project aims to improve plant capacity and environmental outcomes by 2028. It directly affects Honolulu's wastewater treatment infrastructure and seeks federal assistance through established EPA programs.