Rep. Adrian Tam

Maddy summaryHCR 198 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Hawaii State House of Representatives expressing support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and strengthening Hawaii-Taiwan ties. It urges the U.S. government to support Taiwan's observer status in the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and other bodies, while endorsing Hawaii's longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan. The resolution highlights Hawaii's agricultural exports to Taiwan, educational exchanges, and Taiwan's role as a key semiconductor supplier to the U.S. economy. As a concurrent resolution (not a binding law), it does not create new policy but formally states Hawaii's position in favor of democratic partnerships.

Maddy summaryHCR 101 is a request to Hawaii's Department of Taxation to create a one-time "Tax Amnesty Day" allowing businesses and individuals with unpaid taxes to settle their liabilities without penalties or fines. It directly affects taxpayers who owe back taxes due to financial hardship, errors, or unintentional noncompliance. The resolution cites Hawaii's 2009 Tax Fresh Start Program, which collected $14.4 million in unpaid taxes, as a successful model. The Department would need to develop implementation guidelines and report on feasibility to the Legislature by 2026. This is a procedural request, not a binding law.

Maddy summaryThis Hawaii House Resolution (HR 190) is a symbolic expression of support for Taiwan's democratic values and security, not a binding law. It urges the U.S. government to endorse Taiwan's observer status in international organizations like the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Criminal Police Organization. The resolution highlights Hawaii's longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan (since 1993), Taiwan's role as a semiconductor leader critical to global supply chains, and Hawaii's agricultural trade with Taiwan. It specifically calls for advancing U.S.-Taiwan trade initiatives, including a Bilateral Trade Agreement. The resolution has no legal effect but formally expresses Hawaii's position to federal officials and Taiwan.

Maddy summaryHCR 181 is a non-binding resolution requesting Hawaii's State Office of Elections to form a working group to study changing the state's automatic voter registration system from an opt-in to an opt-out model. The working group would include election officials, Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and advocacy groups like Common Cause Hawaii and the League of Women Voters. The resolution aims to address low voter turnout (32.1% in 2024) by exploring how an opt-out system could streamline registration and increase participation, with the group required to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2025. This resolution does not change election law but seeks to evaluate potential improvements to voter registration processes.

Maddy summaryHCR 38 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Tax Review Commission to study how to implement the state's existing Hawaii Long-Term Care Financing Program (established by Act 245 in 2002). It directs the Commission to identify possible financing methods, including reconsidering a 2003 proposal for a Long-Term Care Income Tax Credit, and to report findings to the Legislature by early 2026. The resolution does not create new law but asks the Commission to analyze implementation options and costs for the program, which aims to provide affordable long-term care for eligible residents regardless of income. This is a procedural step to advance a program framework that lacks operational details.

Maddy summaryHR 33 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Tax Review Commission to study how to fund the existing Hawaii Long-Term Care Financing Program (established under Act 245, 2002). The resolution asks the Commission to identify specific funding mechanisms, including a revised version of a previously proposed Long-Term Care Income Tax Credit, and to report findings to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution does not create new law but directs the Commission to analyze implementation options for a program designed to provide universal, affordable long-term care coverage. The Commission must evaluate possible financing methods, associated costs, and administrative requirements for the program.

Establishes specific deadlines within the facilitated application process to obtain a permit and requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish certain resources and processes to help streamline permit applications. Establishes and appropriates funds for positions within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 893 bans assault rifles, assault shotguns, and .50 caliber rifles. It also expands the existing restriction on high-capacity detachable magazines. These provisions would directly affect firearm owners who possess or purchase these specific weapons and magazines. The bill aims to limit access to certain firearms and ammunition devices through these new restrictions.

Raises the minimum age to enter into marriage from sixteen to eighteen years of age. Repeals the authority of parents and the family court to consent to a minor's marriage. Repeals spousal cohabitation after the parties attain legal age as an exception for an annulment based on nonage. Repeals exemptions for sexual assault of a minor if the perpetrator is married to the minor. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires the Department of Education to provide free breakfast and lunch to students enrolled in a public school who meet certain requirements. Reduces the amount the Department of Education is authorized to charge for school meals to all students enrolled in department schools to no more than an unspecified portion of the cost of preparing the meals. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)