Rep. Garner Shimizu

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii’s Housing Finance and Development Corporation to create a task force to study whether a state-run equity conversion mortgage program for kupuna (elderly homeowners) is feasible. The task force would examine how such a program - similar to federal reverse mortgages - could help kupuna access home equity to cover living costs without selling their homes or taking on new monthly debt. It would specifically review details like eligibility, consumer protections, and housing transition plans, referencing related legislation (HB 1306). The resolution does not create the program but asks for a feasibility report to be submitted to the 2026 Legislature. This affects kupuna homeowners facing fixed incomes and rising home ownership costs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 22) requests the City and County of Honolulu to promote and expand its Neighborhood Security Watch Program. It specifically asks for a pilot program providing minimal funding for quarterly mailers to households and meeting costs in active communities, with oversight by the Honolulu Police Department. If successful, the pilot would be expanded to other neighborhoods. The resolution does not mandate funding but formally requests the city to support this volunteer-run program, which currently involves about 12,000 residents across Oahu.

Maddy summaryHCR 148 is a Hawaii legislative resolution requesting the Department of Health to create a task force that will develop minimum professional standards for community health worker (CHW) training programs. The task force must include representatives from the Department of Health, community colleges, CHW associations, health organizations, and county-based CHWs. It will identify standards to ensure consistent training quality and report findings to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution directly affects CHW training programs and the professionals who support community health access across Hawaii.

Maddy summaryHCR 138 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to study adopting fiscal notes into Hawaii’s legislative process. Fiscal notes would disclose the potential financial impact of bills on state/local government, a practice used in 44 states. The study must examine implementation methods (statute vs. rules), associated costs, public accessibility, barriers like staffing, and lessons from states like Colorado and Texas. It aims to inform whether Hawaii should require such disclosures before lawmakers vote. The Bureau must submit findings by early 2026.

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 122 directs Hawaii's Legislative Reference Bureau to review all reports required by law to be submitted to the Legislature and recommend which reports should no longer be required. It aims to eliminate redundant or outdated reporting obligations, such as those for discontinued programs or reports gathering minimal new information. The Bureau must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, including any proposed changes to the reporting requirements. This resolution streamlines legislative oversight by focusing on necessary reports without altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (not a bill), urging the Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus to reintroduce and advocate for the "Engage the Pacific Act." It does not create new law but requests action on a previously proposed measure. The resolution cites that the 118th Congress considered this Act (which would require the State Department to establish a civil society engagement committee, develop a Pacific communications strategy, and support education scholarships), but it was not passed. The resolution aims to renew U.S. commitment to Pacific Island nations through this specific legislative proposal.

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a legislative resolution disapproving the 2025 Commission on Salaries' recommendation to increase salaries for Hawaii's governor, lieutenant governor, department heads, legislators, and judges. The legislature rejected these proposed increases, citing current economic conditions as "excessive," and directed the Commission to reconvene by November 2025 to review the disapproval reasons and submit a revised proposal for the 2026 legislative session. This resolution does not set new salaries but mandates the Commission to adjust its recommendations based on legislative feedback. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it affects the Commission's process rather than directly changing pay.

Maddy summaryHR 46 is a House Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement and Department of Health to form a task force by August 1, 2025. The task force must include state agencies, Honolulu officials, legislative leaders, and community representatives to address no-trespassing policies along Oahu streams. Its key goals are developing humane enforcement practices, improving state-county coordination on encampments, connecting unhoused individuals to services, and mitigating environmental pollution from stream encampments. The task force must submit recommendations to the Legislature by August 2025, with a final report due before the 2026 legislative session. This is a procedural resolution that directs collaboration but does not create new laws.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 77) disapproves the 2025 Salary Commission's recommendations for increasing salaries of certain state officials, including the governor, judges, and department heads. The legislature rejected these proposed increases, stating they were excessive given Hawaii's current economic conditions. The resolution requires the Salary Commission to reconvene by November 2025 to review the legislature's disapproval and submit revised salary recommendations for the 2026 legislative session. This action directly affects the salary schedules for the officials covered by the Commission's original proposal.