Rep. Gregg Takayama

Maddy summaryHCR 141 is a non-binding request asking the Hawaii Legislature to establish a working group to study whether creating a Hawaii Cultural Trust is feasible. The working group, including state agency leaders (like the Business and Tourism Director and State Foundation on Culture and Arts Director) and external partners (such as Native Hawaiian organizations and cultural nonprofits), will examine funding models, tax incentives, and legal structures for such a trust. It will specifically assess how a trust could support cultural preservation, arts programs, and Hawaii’s cultural institutions through sustainable funding. The group must submit recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature by early 2026, but the resolution itself does not create the trust or allocate funds.

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the island of Kahoolawe. Specifies the decal size for all special number organizational plates. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to house a collection of data on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the State. Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database Advisory Committee. Requires the Agency to create a Parkinson's disease research collection database webpage by 1/1/2026, and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 531 authorizes the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates recognizing the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. This bill directly affects drivers who choose to purchase these specialty plates, which would display the center's name. The key provision is creating a new plate design for public recognition, with no additional fees or requirements beyond standard plate issuance. The bill is procedural and does not change existing laws or impose new obligations. It is scheduled for committee review in February 2025.

Exempts the donation of wild game meat or meat products, including axis deer, to a charitable, religious, or nonprofit organization for the purpose of feeding needy individuals from certain laws regarding the inspection and transportation of meat. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Creates a School Psychologists Working Group within the Department of Education to recommend actionable steps or propose legislation for an immediate pathway to licensure for school psychologists that can be acted upon in 2026. Requires a report to the Legislature. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and Hawaii Invasive Species Council to ensure their long-term viability and continue to control and eradicate invasive species in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 134 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Auditor to assess the financial and social impacts of eliminating patient copays for specific follow-up breast exams. It directs the Auditor to analyze HB 598 (which proposes banning cost-sharing for diagnostic exams for symptomatic patients and supplemental exams for high-risk patients or those diagnosed with breast cancer). The assessment must consider how this change would interact with federal laws like the Affordable Care Act and include projected costs beyond essential health benefits. The Auditor must submit findings to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution does not change policy but prepares for potential future legislative action.

Maddy summaryHCR 46 is a non-binding request urging Hawaii's Department of Education to make school recreational facilities (like pools, gyms, and fields) available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. It aims to improve access for residents, particularly in underserved rural and low-income communities facing barriers to recreational amenities. The resolution references existing rules requiring advance online applications but seeks to expand access beyond current practice. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new law but asks the Department of Education to act on this recommendation.

Maddy summaryHR 39 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Education to make public school recreational facilities (like pools, gyms, and fields) available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. It aims to address inequitable access to recreation, noting that 29% of U.S. residents lack walkable park access and low-income/rural communities in Hawaii face significant barriers. The resolution builds on existing rules requiring school facilities to be publicly accessible but seeks to expand access without the current 10-day online application requirement. It directly affects residents, particularly in underserved communities, by potentially increasing opportunities for physical activity outside of school hours. This is a request, not a binding law, and would require the Department of Education to act on the proposal.