Rep. Garner Shimizu

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a standardized swimmer classification system for public schools to improve water safety education. The bill directs the department to adopt a framework developed by Leahi Swim School and Na Kama Kai, which defines three proficiency levels: Swimmer, Water Safe Individual, and Water Smart Individual. Each level includes specific criteria such as swimming distances, treading water duration, stroke proficiency, and knowledge of ocean safety and environmental responsibility. The resolution aims to ensure consistent water-safety benchmarks across schools for physical education, athletics, and enrichment programs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education to work with teachers to create an artificial intelligence literacy curriculum for students in grades six through twelve. The bill requests that the curriculum be developed using peer-reviewed research, global AI literacy frameworks, and existing local resources while focusing on ethical use, equitable access, and regular assessments. By establishing this educational framework, the resolution aims to prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven workforce without mandating specific curriculum content or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport, which would grant high school cheer athletes the same resources and protections as other varsity sports. The resolution requests that the state education department develop guidelines and safety standards in collaboration with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to meet federal criteria for classifying cheerleading as a sport. By doing so, the bill aims to ensure equitable access to certified coaching, athletic training, facilities, and transportation for female cheerleaders while promoting gender equity in school athletics. This is a non-binding resolution that calls for administrative action rather than creating new laws.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Land and Natural Resources to work together on returning the state's small boat harbors to the Department of Transportation. The bill directs these two agencies to create a management team that will develop detailed plans for transferring staff, operations, and assets back to the Department of Transportation. The management team must prepare a report with recommendations for any needed legislation by early 2027 to ensure the transition happens smoothly without disrupting harbor services. This resolution serves as a planning step rather than an immediate transfer, as full legal authority changes would require separate legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission to create a temporary working group to study the state's utility infrastructure, particularly in the City and County of Honolulu. The group will examine how well current utility systems can handle demand, how long existing coastal infrastructure is expected to last, and the costs of expanding services to support community growth. The working group includes representatives from government agencies, utility companies, and labor unions, and will produce an assessment of infrastructure capacity, lifespan risks, funding needs, and any permit-related strain on systems. This study aims to provide data for better community planning and ensure utility services can meet current and future demands.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that asks the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to evaluate the state's emergency shelters and create a plan to strengthen their ability to withstand hurricanes. The agency will identify all designated disaster shelters, assess their structural capacity to handle hurricane-force winds, and publish a public list showing each shelter's location and resilience level. Additionally, the resolution requires the agency to develop recommendations for improving shelter capacity through upgrades or retrofits and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure directly affects emergency management officials and aims to provide residents with clearer information about safe shelter options during storm events.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the City and County of Honolulu to finalize and prioritize the Makakilo Drive Extension Project to address growing traffic congestion in the Makakilo and Kapolei areas. It requests that city officials complete planning updates, secure funding, and move the project into the design and construction phases. The resolution asks the city to submit a progress report with a timeline to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure does not allocate funds or mandate action but serves as a formal request for the city to advance the project.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Departments of Transportation and Land and Natural Resources to coordinate the return of small boat harbor management to the Department of Transportation. It directs both agencies to form a joint management team that will create detailed transition plans for transferring staff, operations, and assets. The team must develop organizational structures, update job descriptions, and address administrative needs before submitting a final report to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution initiates planning for the transfer but does not enact the legal changes required to complete the move.

Maddy summaryThis bill encourages the State of Hawaii to consider requiring automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. AEDs are portable devices that can treat cardiac arrest by analyzing heart rhythm and delivering electrical shocks to restore normal function. The resolution highlights that survival chances decrease significantly with each minute a victim remains in cardiac arrest, making access to these devices and training important for public health. It directs the Director of Health and Comptroller to review the state's current AED policies and consider implementing requirements for state facilities.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to evaluate which emergency shelters can safely withstand hurricane-force winds and create a plan to strengthen the state's shelter capacity. The agency will identify all designated shelters, assess their structural ability to resist storms, and publish a public list showing each shelter's location and resilience level. Additionally, the resolution directs the agency to recommend improvements such as building upgrades and submit a final report to the Legislature by early 2027. This action is intended to help residents make informed decisions during evacuations and improve overall disaster preparedness.