Rep. Gregg Takayama

Maddy summaryHCR 199 is a non-binding concurrent resolution urging the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize restoring and protecting wetlands and anchialine pools. It specifically requests the department apply wetland protection policies to anchialine pools (unique Hawaiian coastal ecosystems) and asks Maui County to prioritize wetland conservation in Kihei over development where possible. The resolution emphasizes these natural areas' roles in filtering water, protecting coral reefs, supporting endangered species, and reducing flood risks. It does not create new laws or funding but expresses legislative support for existing environmental protections.

Maddy summaryHCR 173 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Health to partner with community health centers and healthcare providers to launch education, outreach, and vaccination drives at schools with vaccination rates below 30% starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects schools in Hawaii with low immunization rates, as highlighted by data showing 17% of students lack complete vaccination records. The resolution requires the Department of Health to develop a long-term plan to address vaccine hesitancy in collaboration with the Department of Education and submit a report to the Legislature by 2026. It does not create new laws but recommends specific actions based on successful models from other states. The resolution emphasizes community engagement and culturally competent approaches to improve vaccination rates.

Maddy summaryHCR 186 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Education, with the Department of Health and State Public Charter School Commission, to study how public and charter schools manage heat exposure during outdoor student activities. It directs the study to assess current practices, evaluate using wet-bulb globe temperature measurements (a standard for measuring heat stress), and develop guidelines if current methods are insufficient. The guidelines would cover hydration protocols, staff training for heat illness symptoms, accommodations for students with medical conditions, and acclimatization plans for outdoor activities like sports, recess, and marching band. The study must be completed and submitted to the Legislature by January 2026, with any proposed plan due by January 2027.

Maddy summaryHCR 185 is a resolution requesting the state Auditor to conduct a social and financial assessment of a proposed mandate requiring health insurers to cover Native Hawaiian healing practices (like lomilomi massage and ho'oponopono) offered at federally qualified health centers. This follows Hawaii law (HRS §23-51) that requires such an assessment before mandating insurance coverage for specific health services. The resolution specifically references House Bill 641, which proposes expanding existing insurance mandates to include these cultural practices. The Auditor’s report must evaluate the impacts and be submitted to the Legislature before the 2026 session.

Maddy summaryHCR 35 requests Hawaii's Auditor to reassess the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for biomarker testing, following reports that insurers still deny or delay coverage despite existing requirements. It directly affects patients needing biomarker tests (used for diagnosing conditions like cancer or Alzheimer's) and insurers who determine coverage. The resolution stems from concerns that insurers' medical director approvals create access barriers, forcing patients to pay out-of-pocket or appeal denials even when doctors deem tests medically necessary. The Auditor will evaluate whether mandatory coverage - already required by prior law (HB2223) - effectively improves access without financial or social impacts. This procedural resolution seeks updated analysis to address persistent coverage gaps.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 179) requests the Hawaii Department of Education, working with the Department of Health and State Public Charter School Commission, to study how schools manage heat exposure during outdoor activities to protect student health. The study must examine current practices, assess using wet-bulb globe temperature as a heat stress measurement standard, and determine if existing protocols are sufficient. If gaps are found, the study would develop guidelines for all public and charter schools covering activities like sports, recess, and band practice, including hydration protocols, staff training for heat illness, and special considerations for students with medical conditions. The resolution requires the study and any proposed guidelines to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2026. This is a procedural request for research, not an immediate policy change.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 23) requests the Hawaii Auditor to conduct a "sunrise analysis" evaluating whether condominium association managers should be regulated. It specifically asks the Auditor to assess the proposal in H.B. 1312 (2025), which would require managers to be certified by the Real Estate Commission. The resolution cites concerns that current managers - licensed brokers with fidelity bonds ($20,000-$500,000) - may lack knowledge of condominium laws and have ignored board members’ requests. The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by February 2026. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not change current rules but seeks analysis before potential future regulation.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 34) directs Hawaii state agencies to gather specific data and analyze costs related to children's health insurance coverage. It requests the Health Data Advisory Council to confirm statewide and county-level counts of uninsured children in 2025, and the Med-QUEST Division to estimate costs for extending continuous coverage for children aged 6-18 from 2 years to 12 years, plus costs for children ineligible under current rules. The agencies must collaborate on policy recommendations to achieve universal child health insurance coverage and submit a report to the Legislature by 2026. The resolution does not create new law but mandates data collection and cost analysis to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Health to launch education, outreach, and vaccination drives at schools with vaccination rates below 30% starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It requires partnering with community health centers and local healthcare providers to increase access and address vaccine hesitancy through culturally appropriate engagement. The resolution also directs the Department of Health to collaborate with the Department of Education to develop a long-term plan and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2026 detailing funding and administrative needs. It directly affects schools with low vaccination rates, particularly those in underserved communities, and references successful models from other states to inform Hawaii's approach. The resolution is non-binding but sets a clear timeline and partnership framework for improving school vaccination rates.

Maddy summaryHR 192 is a House Resolution (not a bill) urging Hawaii's State Department of Agriculture and Maui County Agriculture to address axis deer overpopulation. It specifically requests policies to make USDA-certified meat inspections more accessible and affordable for local hunters, enabling them to process and distribute venison. The resolution also directs the creation of a joint task force to develop a program for affordable venison processing and community distribution, with a report due by November 30, 2025. This affects Maui hunters, agricultural agencies, and residents seeking access to locally sourced venison.