Rep. Shirley Templo

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations that are not covered by federal Fair Housing Act protections. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations, assess the impact of accessibility barriers on aging in place, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset the costs of necessary modifications. The working group will include representatives from disability rights, consumer affairs, aging services, civil rights, and housing associations, and must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Hawaii's county planning and permitting agencies to deny all applications for building, expanding, or using warehouses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detaining individuals facing deportation. It is based on concerns about the potential for mass incarceration in large facilities, the strain on local resources, and the separation of individuals from their families and legal counsel. The resolution directs copies to planning officials in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties to encourage them to reject such permit requests. It reflects Hawaii's stated values of dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications prescribed by healthcare providers for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, such as ramps or grab bars, when deemed essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but recommends a 45-day timeline to reduce delays causing fall risks and hospitalizations. It applies directly to county permitting departments and affected residents seeking urgent home modifications. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it relies on voluntary county action, not enforcement.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation to fix and update its administrative rules for the Driver Education Program based on recommendations from an auditor's report. The bill directly affects driver education instructors, schools, and students by addressing issues like outdated curriculum certification and inconsistent oversight that have existed for over twenty years. The Department must establish task forces to certify required curricula, develop clear policies and procedures, and submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027. This action aims to bring the program into compliance with existing laws and ensure consistent standards across the state.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the City and County of Honolulu to explore using artificial intelligence to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety. The measure is based on concerns about rising traffic fatalities and congestion in Hawaii, noting that other states are already using AI for traffic management. It requests that these agencies submit a report within 20 days assessing the feasibility of integrating AI technologies into existing traffic systems. The resolution does not mandate immediate implementation but asks for a study to evaluate how AI could be applied to current infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Honolulu's transportation departments to explore using artificial intelligence to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety. It highlights concerns about rising traffic fatalities and congestion while noting that other states are already using AI for traffic management. The resolution requests that these agencies submit a report within 20 days assessing existing technologies and the feasibility of integrating AI systems into current infrastructure. This measure does not mandate implementation but asks agencies to evaluate and report on the potential for adopting AI-driven traffic solutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a standardized emergency response plan for immigration enforcement activities occurring within 1,000 feet of public schools or at school-related events. The plan would provide clear guidance to school staff on how to handle encounters with federal immigration officers while prioritizing student safety and minimizing disruption to learning. Key provisions include protocols for enforcement presence, student protection measures, communication with parents, staff training, and coordination with state agencies. The resolution also mandates periodic reviews of the plan to ensure it remains current with changing laws and best practices.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education to develop and implement initiatives aimed at improving teacher retention across the state. It calls for the department to conduct research on factors contributing to teacher attrition, including compensation and housing challenges, and to establish an advisory board with diverse representation from educators, students, and community members. The resolution also encourages expanded recognition and appreciation efforts for teachers throughout the year. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal request for the department to take action on this issue.

Establishes the Green Fee Transparency and Accountability Program and Green Fee Resiliency Impact Dashboard, to be administered by the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that asks county planning departments in Hawaii to create building permit requirements focused on accessibility for older adults, known as kupuna. It would require private businesses and shopping centers to offer special hours for kupuna to enter their premises and increase the number of parking spaces designated for both disabled and non-disabled older adults. The resolution does not mandate these changes directly but formally requests counties to consider them when updating their planning regulations. The measure aims to improve community access for an aging population by addressing parking availability and business operating hours.