Maddy summaryHR 88 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness and Honolulu to establish a two-year pilot program creating safe public land sites for unsheltered homeless individuals and families on Oahu. The program would provide designated locations with essential facilities including central shelters, vehicle parking, restrooms, showers, laundry, and daily meals, while connecting residents to services like mental health support and job training opportunities. It requires agencies to select a site by November 2025, open the program by January 2026, and partner with nonprofits to operate the sites. The resolution mandates a report by 2026 detailing program progress, participants served, and recommendations for potential permanent implementation.
Rep. Garner Shimizu
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHR 137 is a House Resolution urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to require all transient accommodations (such as hotels, hostels, short-term rentals, and timeshares) to make the Pono Pledge a mandatory step during guest check-in. The Pono Pledge is an educational commitment teaching visitors to respect Hawaii's environment, cultural sites, and local communities. The resolution requests the Tourism Authority develop procedures for guests to complete and provide proof of the pledge before check-in, using methods like online platforms or in-person acknowledgments. This is a non-binding recommendation, not a law, aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices.
Maddy summaryHCR 143 is a concurrent resolution urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to require all hotels, short-term rentals, and other transient accommodations to incorporate the Pono Pledge as a mandatory step during guest check-in. The resolution asks the authority to establish procedures where visitors must acknowledge the pledge - committing to respect Hawaii’s environment, culture, and safety - before checking in. It directly affects tourism businesses and visitors staying in temporary lodging across Hawaii. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to promote responsible tourism through this educational commitment.
Maddy summaryHR 107 is a resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education to submit a detailed report to the legislature on the true cost of school meals. The report must include itemized cost breakdowns for ingredients (noting local sourcing), operational expenses, beverages, supplies, and logistics, plus data on meal types served (full-price, reduced-price, free) and federal reimbursement coverage. It specifically requires cost details for the 2024-2025 school year and projections for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The DOE must submit this report by January 2026, aiming to increase transparency around proposed meal price increases affecting students and families.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 158) urges 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, referencing the success of Hawaii's 2024 FestPAC event (which drew 500,000 visitors) as a model. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests the Foundation, in consultation with other agencies, to establish this recurring event to promote Pacific cultural heritage and regional connections.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 36) encourages all counties in Hawaii to develop their own biosecurity plans focused on local invasive species threats. It does not create new laws but urges counties to prioritize their unique needs - such as climate, agriculture, or transportation risks - in creating these plans. The resolution also recommends counties collaborate with each other, the state Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It is a non-binding recommendation, not a mandate.
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 summaryThis House Resolution (HR 106) requests the State Auditor to audit the Hawaii Department of Education's capital improvement project finances. It directs the audit to examine how funds were spent since 2021, including project prioritization, to address $2 billion in unspent capital funds and ensure efficient repairs for aging school facilities (over 20% of schools are 100+ years old). The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. The resolution does not allocate new funds or change policies, but seeks transparency in existing spending.
Maddy summaryHCR 110 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Auditor to audit the Hawaii Department of Education's capital improvement project finances since 2021. The audit will examine how $1 billion in capital funds was spent (received during 2021-2023), including project prioritization, and address $2 billion in unspent funds as of January 2024. The Auditor must submit a report to the Legislature by February 2026, detailing findings and potential recommendations to improve transparency and efficiency in school facility repairs.
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.