Rep. Garner Shimizu

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Hawaii State Building Code Council, a state agency responsible for adopting and maintaining statewide building codes. The audit will examine the Council's efficiency, its impact on regulatory consistency across counties, and whether its current structure and funding model serve the public interest. Key areas of review include the effectiveness of the three-year code update cycle, the Council's role in housing production and construction costs, and whether counties should manage and fund the code adoption process instead of the state. The resolution directs the auditor to consult with relevant state and county agencies and construction industry stakeholders before submitting findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

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 summaryThis House Resolution urges the U.S. Navy to attend in-person community meetings regarding the cleanup of the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Oahu, where fuel leaks have contaminated local drinking water. The bill specifically addresses the removal of the Navy's obligation to attend Community Representation Initiative meetings under a 2026 engagement plan, requesting their consistent presence to maintain transparency with affected residents. It also asks the Navy to provide regular public updates on water quality testing, remediation timelines, and environmental safeguards to affected communities. The resolution is directed at the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and focuses on restoring open dialogue between the Navy and local stakeholders impacted by the environmental contamination.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the U.S. Navy to attend Community Representation Initiative meetings in person regarding the Red Hill fuel storage facility cleanup on Oahu. The resolution addresses a history of fuel leaks from the Navy's storage tanks that contaminated drinking water used by hundreds of thousands of residents and caused health concerns for thousands of people. While the Navy previously attended these meetings, a 2026 plan removed that requirement, prompting this request for consistent participation to improve transparency and community engagement. The bill also asks the Navy to provide regular updates on water testing and remediation progress to affected residents. This measure is non-binding and serves as a formal request rather than a law that imposes penalties or mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 28th as Hawaii Good Neighbor Day, encouraging residents to participate in community-building events that foster connection and strengthen neighborhood ties. The resolution recognizes the importance of social organization and community bonds in reducing crime and promoting asset-based development, where existing community strengths are utilized to mobilize people. It follows the national model established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, which was later adjusted to September 28th in 2003, and mirrors similar initiatives in cities like San Francisco, Boston, and Phoenix. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition to promote civic engagement and neighborly interaction across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill nominates former Governor John D. Waihe'e III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor recognizing individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution highlights Waihe'e's historic role as the first Native Hawaiian governor, his leadership in advancing education, health care, and economic development, and his ongoing civic engagement. By passing this resolution, the House formally recommends Waihe'e for the award, with copies sent to the Governor and the Aloha Order of Merit Committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Comptroller of Hawaii to create a working group to plan a Global War on Terror memorial on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol. The memorial would honor the service and sacrifices of Hawaii's military personnel who participated in post-9/11 conflicts, including the National Guard and veterans. The working group will include representatives from military agencies, veterans' organizations, architects, and family members to discuss design, location, and potential funding. The group is tasked with developing a plan and timeline for the memorial and submitting final recommendations to the Legislature and Governor.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii Comptroller to form a working group to plan a Global War on Terror memorial on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol. The working group would include representatives from state agencies, military branches, veterans' organizations, architects, and families of service members. Its task is to discuss memorial design, gather community input, develop a timeline and budget, and submit final recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. The resolution acknowledges Hawaii's significant military contributions since 2001 and aims to create a dedicated space to honor those who served.

Authorizes the Rental Housing Revolving Fund (RURF) to be used to provide any and all forms of financing for the development, pre-development, construction, acquisition, preservation, and substantial rehabilitation of rental housing units. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to give preference to certain projects with perpetual affordability commitments and to applicants with a demonstrated history of early repayment to the RHRF. Authorizes HHFDC, with the approval of the Director of Finance, to transfer moneys between the RHRF and its subaccounts without further legislative authorization. Requires certain RHRF loans applied for or awarded after 12/31/2026 to be subject to review and renegotiation when any mortgage debt to which the loan is subordinate is refinanced or retired. Authorizes HHFDC to use reserved but unencumbered funds for short‑term projects with certain conditions. Authorizes HHFDC to secure lines of credit, standby bond purchase agreements, or other credit enhancement facilities to provide liquidity for the RHRF in certain circumstances. Authorizes the Director of Finance to transfer moneys from the RHRF to its Mixed-Income Subaccount for FY 2026‑2027. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)