Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 145) requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to submit a detailed report on its lease enforcement procedures. The report must include DLNR's policies for monitoring lease compliance, how it assesses lessee violations (including for federal agencies), a summary of the 10 most recent lease revocations or non-renewals, and the total number of such cases. DLNR must submit the report to the Legislature by January 2026, including recommendations for improving enforcement transparency. This is a procedural request for information, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHCR 151 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to submit a detailed report on its lease enforcement procedures for public lands. The resolution asks DLNR to document its monitoring processes, how it assesses lessee compliance (including with federal agencies), the reasons for the 10 most recent lease revocations or non-renewals, and the total number of such cases. This report must include specific details about enforcement actions, violation histories, and renewal criteria for all lessees. The request aims to increase transparency around how DLNR enforces lease terms, particularly regarding environmental protection and contractual obligations. DLNR must submit the report to the Legislature by 20 days before the 2026 session.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 193) requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Maui County Department of Transportation to collaborate with the Kihei Community Association (KCA) on planning and implementing the Kihei Mauka Road project. It directly affects Kihei residents and the KCA, a nonprofit representing the community, by requiring regular consultations to incorporate community feedback and address environmental concerns. The resolution mandates that the transportation departments work with the KCA to align the project with the Kihei-Makena Community Plan and improve traffic flow on South Kihei Road. It does not create new funding or policies but establishes a process for community involvement in an existing infrastructure initiative.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 201) requests that Hawaii's State Department of Transportation and Maui County's Department of Transportation collaborate with the Kihei Community Association (KCA) in planning and implementing the Kihei Mauka Road project. It specifically asks for regular consultations to incorporate community feedback, address environmental concerns, and align the project with the Kihei-Makena Community Plan. The resolution does not fund or construct the road but focuses on ensuring community input during the planning phase. It directly affects the KCA, state and county transportation departments, and residents of Kihei who experience current traffic and flooding challenges on South Kihei Road.

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the island of Kahoolawe. Specifies the decal size for all special number organizational plates. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and Hawaii Invasive Species Council to ensure their long-term viability and continue to control and eradicate invasive species in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to study alternative insurance models for condominium associations and unit owners, addressing severe premium increases (300-600% in 2024) that have left many properties underinsured. It specifically directs the study to examine mutual insurance standards and building life insurance models, which would require 60-year contracts, maintenance schedules, escrow accounts for premiums, and predictable premium adjustments. The study must evaluate feasibility and include recommendations for potential legislation, with a report due to the Legislature by early 2026. This affects all Hawaii condo associations and unit owners facing coverage shortages that risk mortgage access and rebuild costs after disasters.

Maddy summaryHCR 189 is a resolution urging Hawaii’s Department of Health and University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to incentivize wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge, reclaimed water, and other residuals for PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as "forever chemicals" that persist in the environment. It does not create new laws but calls for testing to prevent PFAS from entering food chains through agricultural use of contaminated materials, which can cause health risks like cancer and reproductive issues. The resolution specifically targets wastewater plants that supply materials for farming or irrigation, emphasizing testing as a step to protect public health and ecosystems. This is a non-binding request, not a regulatory mandate, focused on encouraging proactive testing and management.

Establishes the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to administer grants to retrofit residential properties to enhance resilience against disaster impacts and reduce potential insurance liabilities. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryThis non-binding House Resolution (HR 202) urges Hawaii's state government to reject energy sources like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other fossil fuels deemed harmful to the climate and environment. It specifically cites methane emissions from LNG - linked to severe climate impacts - as a key reason to avoid new fossil fuel projects. The resolution requests that state agencies refrain from providing financial or regulatory support for such energy sources and instead prioritize transitioning to renewable energy. It directly affects state officials, including the Governor, environmental agencies, and county mayors, by calling for policy alignment with scientific recommendations on climate action. The resolution does not create new laws but serves as a formal request to guide Hawaii's energy decisions.