Rep. Della Belatti

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.

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.

Maddy summaryHCR 190 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Health to convene a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group. It aims to address Hawaii's landfill capacity crisis by reducing construction and demolition waste, which makes up 21-40% of landfill mass, and aligning with the state's 2045 carbon neutrality goals. The working group would include health department leadership, industry representatives (construction, demolition, reuse, waste management), and community groups to develop strategies for scaling material reuse, removing barriers, and creating policy incentives. The group must submit annual reports with recommendations to the legislature, focusing on environmental justice and reducing landfill reliance. This resolution directly affects the construction sector, waste management industries, and communities near landfills disproportionately exposed to waste-related health risks.

Amends the Department of the Attorney General pilot project for a state-initiated expungement process of arrest records concerning promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree to include the possession of any schedule V substance in any amount. (HD1)

Authorizes the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center to transmit all expungement orders to the Judiciary to effectuate the purposes of Act 159, SLH 2023. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 199 is a non-binding concurrent resolution urging the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize restoring and protecting wetlands and anchialine pools. It specifically requests the department apply wetland protection policies to anchialine pools (unique Hawaiian coastal ecosystems) and asks Maui County to prioritize wetland conservation in Kihei over development where possible. The resolution emphasizes these natural areas' roles in filtering water, protecting coral reefs, supporting endangered species, and reducing flood risks. It does not create new laws or funding but expresses legislative support for existing environmental protections.

Maddy summaryHCR 173 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Health to partner with community health centers and healthcare providers to launch education, outreach, and vaccination drives at schools with vaccination rates below 30% starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects schools in Hawaii with low immunization rates, as highlighted by data showing 17% of students lack complete vaccination records. The resolution requires the Department of Health to develop a long-term plan to address vaccine hesitancy in collaboration with the Department of Education and submit a report to the Legislature by 2026. It does not create new laws but recommends specific actions based on successful models from other states. The resolution emphasizes community engagement and culturally competent approaches to improve vaccination rates.