Rep. Andrew Garrett

Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish geographically based capital improvement project districts for the localized management of capital improvement projects. Transfers all capital improvement project functions, funds, and vacant Facilities Development Branch positions from the Department of Education to the School Facilities Authority. Clarifies that general funds shall not be used for operations or management of the Authority. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD2)

PART I: Requires motor vehicles to have front number plate mounting brackets or devices and for sellers, licensed dealers, or owners to securely affix number plates to the vehicles. PART II: Amends the Traffic Code relating to street racing. PART III: Expands the Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program to high-risk locations of state or county highways as determined by the Department of Transportation, under certain conditions. Appropriates moneys. PART IV: Authorizes the installation of a school bus infraction detection system on the exterior of a school bus. Establishes strict liability and the process for issuing summons or citations for drivers shown by the system to be in violation of certain school bus laws. Clarifies the liability of drivers near a school bus that is actively monitored by a school bus infraction detection system. Appropriates moneys. PART V: Specifies that the Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Safety Office shall administer the Photo Red Light Imaging Detector Systems Program Special Fund and Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program Special Fund. PART VI: Clarifies language relating to photo red light enforcement, automated speed enforcement, and penalty provisions. PART VII: Requires the Director of Transportation to adopt rules allowing for mobile vehicle safety inspections of passenger cars. Effective 7/1/3000; provided that part IV, except the rule-making directive and appropriation, effective 7/1/2028. (SD2)

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents to consider renaming Leeward Community College to Puʻuloa Community College. The proposal is based on Puʻuloa's deep cultural and historical significance to the local area, including its connection to traditional food production and Hawaiian stories. The resolution requests that the Board of Regents evaluate this name change to better reflect the campus's location and strengthen its cultural identity. If approved, the change would affect the institution's official name but does not alter its operations or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to start initiatives aimed at reducing teacher turnover in the state. It directly affects the state's education system by calling for research into why teachers leave, particularly focusing on issues like low salaries, housing costs, and challenges in rural areas. The resolution requests the department to create an advisory board with educators, students, and community members to recommend retention strategies and encourages ongoing recognition efforts for teachers. This is a non-binding concurrent resolution that serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law with mandatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education to work together on a permanent program to increase tree coverage at public schools across the state. The initiative aims to address heat exposure and improve outdoor learning opportunities, with special attention to ensuring equitable tree distribution in lower-income and Title I schools that currently have less shade. The program would include long-term tree maintenance, strategic species selection, and the creation of dedicated staff positions to sustain the effort. It builds on existing pilot programs like Shade Trees for Schools and Fruit Trees for Schools, which have shown positive results but have been limited by short-term funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally establishes a sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Yamagata Prefecture in Japan to strengthen existing cultural, economic, and educational ties. It encourages collaboration in areas such as agriculture, culinary arts, sustainable tourism, clean energy, and workforce development through pilot programs and memoranda of understanding. The resolution directs state officials to work with Japanese counterparts to expand trade opportunities, promote cultural exchange, and support community initiatives benefiting residents and businesses in both regions.

Maddy summaryHCR 8 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaiian counties to approve building permits for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications (like ramps or grab bars) recommended by a healthcare provider for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, when the county deems them essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to reduce delays that contribute to fall risks and hospitalizations, emphasizing counties must act on complete applications within the 45-day timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to review and update the specific roles and missions of the system's four-year campuses. The request aims to ensure each campus has a clear, non-overlapping purpose that better serves students and the state's needs. The resolution directs the Board to consider workforce demands, student access, geographic coverage, and resource efficiency during this review. The Board must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session begins. This document is a formal request rather than a law, as it relies on the Board of Regents' existing authority to manage university operations.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to review and clarify how the university system and individual campuses define their roles and responsibilities. The request stems from a need for better coordination among campuses and follows a recommendation from an external study on higher education management. The Board of Regents is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This is a procedural request rather than a law that changes existing rules, as the Board already has authority over the university's internal structure under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding request asking the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents to consider renaming Leeward Community College to Puʻuloa Community College. The proposal aims to reflect the cultural and historical significance of the Puʻuloa area on Oʻahu, which is known for its traditional fishponds and deep Hawaiian heritage. If adopted, the change would require official approval from the Board of Regents, which has authority over university operations, and would involve consulting with campus stakeholders and the broader community. The resolution does not mandate the name change but formally encourages the Board to evaluate the request as part of its decision-making process.