Rep. Gregg Takayama

Maddy summaryHCR 31 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to assess the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. It directs the university to evaluate its current research capabilities, potential benefits for Hawaii, and the specific requirements to secure federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. The resolution requires the university to develop a phased plan, including infrastructure needs and community engagement, and submit a report by December 31, 2025. This resolution does not create the center but asks the university to explore steps toward one, directly affecting the University of Hawaii System and its research planning.

Maddy summaryHR 93 is a non-binding House Resolution urging the University of Hawaii (UH) to create a "Homeless Student Stability and Housing Resource Program" to address housing insecurity among students. It cites a 2020 study showing 44% of UH students experienced housing insecurity (including 14% who were homeless), with only 15% receiving emergency aid due to lack of awareness. The resolution requests UH use its ongoing 2025 Basic Needs Committee survey to develop a plan improving housing access, mental health services (noting UH's current 1:4,010 mental health staff-to-student ratio), and resource awareness. This resolution does not create new law but formally asks UH to act based on documented student needs.

Maddy summaryHCR 140 is a resolution urging Hawaii's Sister-State Committee to evaluate establishing a formal sister-state relationship with New Zealand. It focuses on strengthening ties in economic development, arts/cultural exchange, education, and environmental sustainability, highlighting shared Polynesian heritage and regional cooperation goals. The resolution does not create new law but recommends the committee develop steps for potential collaboration. It emphasizes mutual interests in areas like renewable energy, marine conservation, and cultural programs between the two regions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 91) requests Hawaii's Department of Education to provide students with information about changes to gun safety and storage laws. It does not create new laws but asks the Department to share existing updates on secure storage requirements, which directly affects students in Hawaii public schools. The resolution cites concerns about unsecured firearms increasing risks to children and notes Hawaii has existing or proposed secure storage laws. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a bill, so the summary is concise as required.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges Hawaii's governor to develop a plan for state Medicaid (Med-QUEST) if federal funding is cut. It highlights that Medicaid covers 1 in 5 Hawaii residents (including 1 in 3 children) and relies on 73% federal funding, with potential cuts risking coverage for 156,000 people - 34% of Hawaii's Medicaid population. The resolution notes maintaining coverage would require significant state funding increases, while dropping expansion could eliminate federal support for 156,000 vulnerable residents. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but requests proactive planning.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the State Building Code Council to update Hawaii's building code to allow "point access block" construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Point access blocks are compact designs where units center around a single stairway/core (instead of requiring double-loaded corridors), aiming to improve natural lighting, ventilation, and floor plan flexibility while reducing construction costs. The resolution cites Honolulu's existing allowance for this design and argues it supports efficient land use and housing supply without compromising fire safety, as modern sprinkler systems reduce historical fire risks.

Maddy summaryHCR 36 is a procedural resolution requesting Hawaii's Auditor to assess the social and financial impacts of a proposed mandate requiring health insurance to cover colorectal cancer screenings. It specifically directs the Auditor to evaluate House Bill 556 (2025), which aims to expand existing insurance mandates to include these screenings. The resolution requires the Auditor to submit a report by January 2026, detailing potential effects on costs, access, and health outcomes as mandated by Hawaii Revised Statutes §23-51. This assessment is a legal prerequisite before the legislature can consider implementing the screening coverage mandate.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 36) encourages all counties in Hawaii to develop their own biosecurity plans focused on local invasive species threats. It does not create new laws but urges counties to prioritize their unique needs - such as climate, agriculture, or transportation risks - in creating these plans. The resolution also recommends counties collaborate with each other, the state Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It is a non-binding recommendation, not a mandate.

Maddy summaryHR 135 is a House Resolution requesting a working group to study the feasibility of creating a Hawaii Cultural Trust. The working group, composed of state officials and cultural representatives, will examine potential funding sources, tax incentives, governance structures, and impacts on cultural institutions. It will specifically evaluate how a trust could support Hawaii's cultural preservation and promotion through sustainable funding models. The group must submit findings and recommendations, including possible legislation, to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not create the trust but initiates a study to determine if one would be viable.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 26) requests Hawaii's congressional delegation to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address unequal export rules for Hawaiian agricultural products. It highlights that Hawaii faces longer delays than other states in getting USDA approval to export items like cut flowers and produce, as its petitions for new exports are treated the same as foreign countries' requests and often deprioritized. This delay severely restricts Hawaiian growers' ability to sell their goods, forcing them to wait years or decades for authorization. The resolution does not change laws but formally asks Congress to advocate for Hawaii's agricultural sector to achieve parity in USDA export processes.