Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 199) urges Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources to analyze the economic impact of military leases on publicly owned lands. It requests a study assessing lost revenue from current $1 annual leases (instead of fair market value), cleanup costs for environmental damage, and economic opportunities foregone from lands unavailable for agriculture, housing, or community use. The resolution also requires the department to establish public input processes for lease negotiations and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2026. It directly affects Native Hawaiian beneficiaries of the public land trust and Hawaii’s state budget, which loses potential tax revenue and lease income.

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for reentry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a non-binding resolution encouraging the City and County of Honolulu to launch a temporary "Summer Streets" pilot program. It proposes closing certain urban streets to motor vehicles during summer months to create safe, shared spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and community activities. The resolution aims to support local businesses, promote sustainable transportation, and align with Hawaii’s environmental goals, though it does not require the city to implement the program or allocate funding. (2 sentences)

Maddy summaryHCR 153 is a non-binding resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to gradually reduce the number of inmates held in private, out-of-state prisons. It directs the department to submit annual progress reports by 2027-2030, detailing steps taken to phase out these interstate transfers. The resolution addresses concerns that such placements separate inmates from family and support networks in Hawaii, aligning with past legislative intent under Act 208 (1994). This is a procedural request, not a new law, urging policy adjustment without mandating immediate changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 37 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to partner with county emergency management offices (including Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai) to create outreach programs. It specifically aims to inform kupuna (elderly Hawaiians, who make up 19% of the state population and face higher risks during disasters due to health or communication barriers) about emergency preparedness. The resolution does not create new laws but asks agencies to develop educational initiatives to improve safety for this vulnerable group during natural disasters like hurricanes or tsunamis.

Establishes the Health Information Technology Infrastructure Grant Program within the Department of Health, to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to support health information technology infrastructure and the implementation of interoperable health information technologies in federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program centers, and Native Hawaiian health centers. Appropriates funds for the grant program. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 596 clarifies the specific types of events that qualify as disasters or emergencies under the state's emergency management system. It directly affects emergency management agencies and local governments by defining the scope of events triggering emergency protocols. The bill establishes clear criteria for what constitutes a disaster or emergency, replacing vague terms with specific examples. It takes effect on July 1, 2050.

Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to establish a five-year Community Land Trust Equity Pilot Program to provide community land trusts with a line of credit to fund the acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of housing for certain households. Requires reports to the Legislature regarding the pilot program. Appropriates funds from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for establishment of the pilot program. Sunsets the pilot program on 6/30/2030. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 429 appropriates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants, and to purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to expand staffing and facilities. The bill's key provision is the allocation of dedicated funding, which will become available starting July 1, 2050. This legislation focuses on increasing early learning capacity through financial support, without changing existing program rules.

Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to submit an annual report on public charter schools before the opening day of each Regular Session of the Legislature. Requires the Board of Education to review and approve the annual report before the report is issued to the Governor, Legislature, and the public. Takes effect 7/1/3000. (SD1)