Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to provide students with information on how to preregister to vote before they reach voting age. It specifically requests that schools distribute materials on voter eligibility, registration procedures, and opportunities to volunteer at voter service centers. The resolution also asks the department to designate the last two weeks of September as a dedicated period for voter registration activities and to ensure resources are available for students with disabilities. This measure is non-binding and does not mandate any specific actions, instead serving as a formal recommendation to the education department.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation's East Hawaiʻi Regional Health Care System to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a rural health clinic or similar access point to serve the Volcano community. The study will examine potential locations, operational models such as part-time providers or mobile clinics, staffing needs, costs, and partnership opportunities with local organizations. The bill aims to address the community's lack of direct primary care access and emergency stabilization capacity, which are compounded by geographic isolation and environmental hazards. If the study finds it viable, the resolution directs the health system to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Hawaii Department of Transportation to create a working group that studies fossil fuel subsidies and the financial effects of making public transit fare-free across the state. The group will analyze how much money the federal government currently subsidizes fossil fuels, calculate the true cost of gasoline when accounting for environmental and health impacts, and estimate the costs and savings of eliminating fares on public transportation systems. The working group must include representatives from state agencies, county transit operators, universities, and community organizations to produce a ten-year report with policy recommendations aligned with Hawaii's 2045 zero-emissions goal. This resolution does not implement any changes but instead requests a comprehensive study to inform future transportation and fiscal policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to allow local communities to use outdoor school facilities like playgrounds and sports fields during non-school hours, including weekends. It aims to increase access to safe recreational spaces for residents, particularly in areas where parks are scarce, by encouraging schools to share their grounds with the public. The resolution asks the department to explore ways to facilitate this shared use while ensuring it does not interfere with regular school operations. It also calls for the department to engage with community stakeholders to develop practical plans for expanding access to these public resources.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests that all state agencies in Hawaii use bi-level lighting systems in new buildings starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting adjusts brightness based on motion sensors to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs. The resolution directs copies to various state officials and agencies to implement this change in future construction projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an investigating committee to examine the Kauhale Initiative and related housing projects created under emergency proclamations to address homelessness in Hawaii. The committee will review the management and performance of these projects, including financial records, procurement processes, contractor qualifications, and health and safety concerns. It is designed to follow up on an ongoing state audit that has been delayed due to missing documents and to ensure accountability for the millions of dollars in state funds allocated to these initiatives. The committee may continue operating during the legislative interim if the audit reveals mismanagement or fails to adequately address performance questions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that all state agencies install bi-level lighting systems in new state buildings and facilities starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting uses motion sensors to adjust brightness based on occupancy, reducing energy waste compared to traditional systems that stay at full intensity. The resolution directs the House of Representatives to send copies to various state officials, including the Governor and agency directors, to implement this energy-saving measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, help states clear criminal records for past cannabis offenses, and allow cannabis businesses to access full banking services. It directly affects cannabis dispensaries, related businesses, and individuals with prior cannabis-related arrests in Hawaii and other states. The resolution requests federal policy changes to align with state laws where cannabis is legal, addressing issues like federal seizure risks and employment barriers caused by criminal records. It does not change state laws but seeks federal action to support existing state-level cannabis regulations.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks Hawaii's Board of Education and Department of Education to create a working group that will design a Climate Literacy Seal of Excellence for public school students. The proposed working group would include educators, university experts, industry representatives, and student members to develop a framework for recognizing students who complete advanced coursework and hands-on projects focused on climate science and sustainability. The group is tasked with outlining course requirements, certification criteria, and a timeline for implementation, with final recommendations due to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution is a procedural step that initiates planning rather than immediately changing policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed mandate requiring health insurers to cover generic opioid antagonists and related devices. The resolution directs the Auditor to prepare a report analyzing costs, benefits, and potential effects on individuals with opioid use disorders, as required by state law before such coverage mandates are enacted. The report must be completed and submitted to the Legislature by late February 2027. This procedural measure does not change insurance coverage itself but ensures a formal assessment is conducted before any related legislation takes effect.