Rep. Gregg Takayama

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to create a plan for increasing access to the Hawaii State Hospital for mentally ill criminal defendants and individuals recently released from the facility. The request is based on concerns that the hospital is currently at full capacity, with most patients being evaluated for fitness to stand trial, which limits available space for other needed placements. The resolution directs the Senior Advisor to develop a strategy for creating shelter placements for these populations and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This measure focuses on improving coordination among state agencies to address placement shortages rather than changing existing laws or funding levels.

Maddy summaryThis Hawaii House Resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2687, the End Kidney Deaths Act, which would create a federal tax credit system to encourage living kidney donations to strangers. The bill aims to address kidney disease disparities affecting rural and low-income communities by increasing the number of available organ donors through financial incentives for non-directed donations. The resolution highlights that kidney transplantation is more effective than dialysis for saving lives and reducing long-term healthcare costs, while noting that existing donor protections remain in place. This measure is presented as a bipartisan effort to expand access to life-saving transplants and reduce the number of patients waiting for kidneys.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to compile a comprehensive list of recommended safe patient staffing ratios for all nursing specialties across healthcare settings and maintain a public repository of this information. The bill directs the center to make this repository available to the public no later than twenty days before the start of the 2027 legislative session. It also urges healthcare facilities to consider implementing these recommended staffing standards. The resolution is based on findings that safe staffing levels improve patient outcomes and support nurse retention, and it directs copies of the measure to state health officials and hospital executives.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address loneliness and social disconnection. The proposed program would involve collaboration between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience to train students in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices. Student peer counselors would serve as trained points of connection within schools, promoting belonging and helping identify students experiencing isolation while referring them to licensed mental health professionals when needed. The resolution recommends implementing the program in phases starting with pilot programs in select schools and includes the Hawaii State Youth Commission in program development and evaluation.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution directs the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on the state's food manufacturing strengths and strategic export markets. The study will assess competitive advantages, define high-value products, analyze production costs, and identify logistical barriers to international trade. It also requests collaboration with the University of Hawaii and other agencies to update educational programs and align funding with identified export opportunities. The resolution aims to support small businesses in scaling production for premium markets while accounting for Hawaii's high operational costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Departments of Land and Natural Resources and Education to create a permanent, statewide program for planting and maintaining trees on public school campuses. The initiative aims to address rising campus temperatures and improve equity by ensuring schools in lower-income areas receive adequate shade and cooling. Key provisions include establishing long-term funding, planning for tree maintenance, and selecting species that provide durable climate and health benefits. The resolution also supports creating dedicated staff positions to manage and sustain the collaborative effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges state and city transportation agencies to collaborate with local community groups to develop and improve a network of coastal trails on Oahu's North Shore. The resolution encourages these agencies to actively involve community organizations in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of these trails to promote safe walking and biking options. It highlights existing trail infrastructure and current transportation plans as a foundation for expanding non-vehicular travel routes in the area. The measure does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal request for agencies to prioritize community input on trail development.

Maddy summaryHR 19 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Health to form a Hospice Working Group. The group will study national and Hawaii-specific hospice industry trends, regulations, and quality concerns - including fraud risks and outcomes data - to prepare for the state's aging population (projected 1 in 4 residents over 60 by 2035). The resolution specifies the group’s composition (including health agency leaders and existing hospice providers from all major counties) and requires a 2027 report with recommendations for regulatory improvements. It does not create new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions affecting hospice care access and quality.

Establishes a Uniform Towing Practices for Public Parking Facilities Working Group within the Department of Transportation to examine existing state and county laws, ordinances, rules, and administrative practices relating to towing from public parking facilities and develop recommendations for uniform standards applicable to towing from state and county parking facilities. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications prescribed by healthcare providers for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, such as ramps or grab bars, when deemed essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but recommends a 45-day timeline to reduce delays causing fall risks and hospitalizations. It applies directly to county permitting departments and affected residents seeking urgent home modifications. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it relies on voluntary county action, not enforcement.)