Rep. Shirley Templo

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 141) urges Hawaii's Department of Health, Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to create a coordinated enforcement plan addressing illegal dispensaries selling cannabis labeled as hemp. It directly affects state agencies responsible for public health and safety, noting over 84 such operations are selling unregulated cannabis near schools, airports, and residential areas without age checks or medical requirements. The resolution highlights that hemp (≤0.3% THC) and cannabis (over 0.3% THC) are chemically distinct, but illegal operators falsely label high-THC products as hemp, risking contaminated products. It references existing Hawaii laws (HRS Chapter 328G, HRS Chapter 11-37) but states no specific statutes currently cover these illegal operations. The resolution is non-binding and focuses on closing enforcement gaps, not creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryHCR 76 establishes the "Task Force for SPEED" (Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development) to study and streamline Hawaii's state and local permitting processes. The task force, composed of state agency representatives (including the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and the Land Use Commission) and county planning departments, will identify ways to speed up approvals for housing, commercial, and industrial projects delayed by current permitting systems. It must submit findings and recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature by October 2025, with the task force dissolving by June 2027. This resolution does not change existing laws but creates a formal process to coordinate agencies and address permitting bottlenecks.

Establishes a grant program for drainage system maintenance and flood mitigation measures in residential areas, to be administered by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding resolution (not a bill) passed by Hawaii's state legislature. It asks the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use existing federal water infrastructure funds - specifically the Clean Water State Revolving Fund - to support Honolulu's $174 million wastewater plant upgrade project at Sand Island. The resolution cites the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $50+ billion water infrastructure investment as the funding source and notes the project aims to improve plant capacity and environmental outcomes by 2028. It directly affects Honolulu's wastewater treatment infrastructure and seeks federal assistance through established EPA programs.

Maddy summaryHCR 12 is a resolution urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide federal funding for Honolulu's wastewater infrastructure upgrades. It specifically requests assistance through the EPA's Clean Water State Revolving Funds - part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $50+ billion water infrastructure investments - to support a $174 million project at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project, scheduled for completion by October 2028, aims to improve the plant's efficiency, capacity, and waste management capabilities, directly benefiting Honolulu residents and supporting the city's growth. The resolution does not allocate funds but formally requests federal action to advance this local infrastructure initiative.

Maddy summaryHR 68 establishes the "Task Force for SPEED" (Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development) to address delays in state and local permitting for housing, commercial, and industrial projects. The task force, composed of state agency representatives (including Business Development, Public Utilities, and Land Management) and county planning departments, will coordinate to identify ways to expedite and streamline permitting processes. It must submit findings and recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature by September 2025. The task force will dissolve on June 30, 2027.

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)

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)

Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to facilitate the hiring of necessary staff and the purchase of equipment and professional services on behalf of the public land trust working group. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)