Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Establishes the Accessory Dwelling Unit Financing and Deed Restriction Program to allocate funds to the counties for the purchase of equity in an accessory dwelling unit by the State. Specifies eligible homeowners or homebuyers for the Program to finance construction costs, development costs, and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit and purchase deed restrictions on the property. Appropriates moneys for infrastructure projects. Sunsets 1/1/2031. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD2)

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 braille literacy as a policy of the State. Requires literacy assessments for eligible low vision and blind students to include braille instruction and the use of braille. Authorizes the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules. Establishes the Braille Literacy Resource Center. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Appropriates funds for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state agencies to collaborate with community groups in jointly managing community forests on public lands. It does not create new legal requirements but recommends partnership to enhance forest health and community benefits. The resolution highlights how such collaboration supports health, environmental, and economic advantages linked to community forests, without specifying new policies or mandates.

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a non-binding resolution encouraging the City and County of Honolulu to launch a temporary "Summer Streets" pilot program. It proposes closing certain urban streets to motor vehicles during summer months to create safe, shared spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and community activities. The resolution aims to support local businesses, promote sustainable transportation, and align with Hawaii’s environmental goals, though it does not require the city to implement the program or allocate funding. (2 sentences)

Maddy summaryHCR 66 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Building Code Council to update Hawaii's building code to allow "point access block" construction for residential buildings up to six stories. This design places units around a central stairway/elevator core (instead of traditional double-loaded corridors with hallways on both sides), enabling better natural lighting, ventilation, and flexible floor plans (including larger 2-4 bedroom units). The resolution highlights that this approach can reduce construction costs (by eliminating extra stairways/hallways), improve energy efficiency, and align with modern fire safety standards using sprinklers. It specifically asks the Council to adopt this change to increase housing supply on limited land.

Maddy summaryHCR 104 is a concurrent resolution urging the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) to strengthen farm-to-school programs. It directly affects Hawaii public schools, farmers, and the DOE by requesting specific actions to meet Act 175’s goal of sourcing 30% of school meal ingredients locally by 2030. Key provisions include streamlining procurement for small farms, creating a statewide farm database, offering financial incentives for local food purchases, and ensuring culturally significant foods like kalo are included. The resolution requires the DOE to submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2026. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but formally requests the DOE take these steps.

Maddy summaryHCR 65 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Land Use Commission to coordinate with county planning commissions and county councils to review general plan amendments, district boundary changes, and zoning amendments at the same time (concurrently) instead of sequentially. This would directly affect the Land Use Commission, county planning bodies, and county councils across Hawaii, particularly for projects involving land reclassification. The key mechanism is requiring these entities to schedule reviews closer together, share public hearings, and develop protocols to reduce redundant processes. The goal is to speed up the land use amendment process, which currently takes months or years due to separate reviews, helping landowners, businesses, and government agencies address housing, development, and environmental needs more efficiently. This resolution does not change laws but asks state and county agencies to improve coordination.

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.