Rep. Garner Shimizu

Requires the Department of Health to conduct a statewide needs assessment to determine what will be needed to reduce waste generation, increase reuse, improve recycling collection services, and expand local processing of materials through an extended producer responsibility program for packaging materials and paper products. Establishes an advisory council to review the draft needs assessment and propose recommendations throughout the assessment process. Requires the Department of Health to hold a public hearing on the draft needs assessment and complete and submit the needs assessment to the Legislature by 12/31/2027. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 146 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Human Services to apply for and implement the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) for SNAP benefits. It would streamline SNAP enrollment for low-income seniors aged 60+ by waiving recertification interviews, extending benefit periods to 36 months, and simplifying application processes. Currently, Hawaii does not participate in ESAP, which directly affects over 130,000 SNAP recipients, primarily seniors with no earned income. The resolution asks the Department to seek federal approvals and adjust state rules to enable this program. This is a procedural request, not a binding law, aimed at reducing barriers to food assistance for vulnerable older adults.

For taxable years, beginning 1/1/2026, increases the maximum annual deduction for contributions to, and maximum account levels for, individual housing accounts. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Executive Office on Aging. The tax credit applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summaryHCR 163 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to create an annual festival celebrating Pacific Island cultures and arts. It directly addresses the Foundation (with consultation from other agencies), inspired by the success of the 2024 FestPAC event that drew over 500,000 visitors. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but requests the Foundation establish this recurring event to foster cultural appreciation among Pacific nations. It is procedural in nature, focusing on symbolic recognition rather than policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 164) is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's four major counties (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai) to create and maintain a publicly accessible online list of hurricane shelters and refuges. It requires counties to include specific details for each location, such as address, hurricane rating capability (category 1+), capacity, pet policies, and accessibility accommodations. The resolution also recommends counties collaborate with Hawaii's emergency management agency to develop a statewide list and include disclaimers that shelter availability depends on emergency declarations. The goal is to improve public access to critical, up-to-date shelter information during storm events.

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state agencies to collaborate with community groups in jointly managing community forests on public lands. It does not create new legal requirements but recommends partnership to enhance forest health and community benefits. The resolution highlights how such collaboration supports health, environmental, and economic advantages linked to community forests, without specifying new policies or mandates.

Maddy summaryHCR 180 is a concurrent resolution requesting coordination among Hawaii's Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, law enforcement agencies, county homeless coordinators, and social service providers to address homelessness. It specifically asks these groups to collaborate on five key actions: preventing encampments near waterways to protect health and environment, reducing trash and abandoned shopping carts causing pollution, improving safety at bus stops and business entrances, connecting homeless individuals with support services, and advancing the Kauhale Initiative for shelter and housing. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but urges existing agencies to work together more effectively. It directly affects county-level homelessness response systems, law enforcement, and social service providers across Hawaii.

Maddy summaryHCR 42 is a resolution encouraging Hawaii's counties to develop their own biosecurity plans. It does not require counties to create these plans but urges them to tailor strategies to local challenges like climate, agriculture, and invasive species threats. The resolution emphasizes that plans should prioritize each county's specific needs for preventing harmful plant and animal invasions. It also recommends counties collaborate with each other and state agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, to improve invasive species response efforts.

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.