Rep. Andrew Garrett

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Departments of Land and Natural Resources and Education to create a permanent, statewide program for planting and maintaining trees on public school campuses. The initiative aims to address rising campus temperatures and improve equity by ensuring schools in lower-income areas receive adequate shade and cooling. Key provisions include establishing long-term funding, planning for tree maintenance, and selecting species that provide durable climate and health benefits. The resolution also supports creating dedicated staff positions to manage and sustain the collaborative effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book aims to speed up permit approvals and lower regulatory barriers for building safe, affordable homes on Oahu. It includes designs for various housing types like accessory dwelling units and mid-rise buildings, incorporates climate-responsive features suited to Hawaii, and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. The bill also calls for a public design competition to generate innovative options and mandates that the final pattern book be made publicly available to streamline construction processes.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications prescribed by healthcare providers for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, such as ramps or grab bars, when deemed essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but recommends a 45-day timeline to reduce delays causing fall risks and hospitalizations. It applies directly to county permitting departments and affected residents seeking urgent home modifications. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it relies on voluntary county action, not enforcement.)

Clarifies that the five‑year statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of campaign finance violations begins upon discovery of the offense by the Campaign Spending Commission. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education to develop and implement initiatives aimed at improving teacher retention across the state. It calls for the department to conduct research on factors contributing to teacher attrition, including compensation and housing challenges, and to establish an advisory board with diverse representation from educators, students, and community members. The resolution also encourages expanded recognition and appreciation efforts for teachers throughout the year. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal request for the department to take action on this issue.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii's four counties to incorporate the Safe System Approach into road and transportation design, particularly when reducing or eliminating off-street parking requirements to improve pedestrian safety. The resolution highlights that removing parking mandates has increased on-street parking, which blocks visibility and forces pedestrians, including children and vulnerable residents, to walk on roadways without sidewalks. It calls for infrastructure improvements such as enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and better road markings to protect people walking and biking. The measure is non-binding and directs copies to county mayors, council chairs, and transportation directors to encourage policy consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares that affordable housing credits issued under Hawaii state law are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to fulfill housing obligations, rather than having expiration dates. It directly affects counties and developers by requesting that local administrative agreements and policies do not impose time limits or restrictions on these credits beyond what state statutes authorize. The resolution aims to clarify that memoranda of agreement between counties and housing agencies are meant to facilitate credit management, not to diminish their value or transferability. By seeking alignment with existing state law, the bill intends to protect the financial incentives for developers and ensure a stable pipeline for affordable housing construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares that affordable housing credits issued in Hawaii are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to meet housing obligations, rather than expiring after a set period. It directly affects local county governments and developers who rely on these credits to fulfill affordable housing requirements under state law. The resolution clarifies that administrative agreements between counties and housing agencies should not impose expiration dates or other restrictions that are not authorized by existing statutes. By ensuring these credits maintain their full value and transferability, the bill aims to protect the financial incentives for developers and support the state's long-term housing goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that urges Hawaii's county governments to apply the Safe System Approach to road and transportation design, particularly when reducing or eliminating off-street parking requirements. The resolution highlights that removing off-street parking has increased demand for on-street parking, which often blocks sidewalks and forces pedestrians, including children and vulnerable residents, to walk in traffic. It calls for counties to incorporate safety measures like improved crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and better visibility enhancements to protect people walking and biking. The document also notes existing federal funding available through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to support these safety improvements. This resolution is non-binding and serves to encourage counties to prioritize pedestrian safety in their planning decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 429 allocates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants and purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to improve staffing levels and facility capabilities. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2050, after legislative approval. The measure passed committee with amendments in February 2025.