Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

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 summaryHCR 137 is a resolution urging the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Department of Education, and City and County of Honolulu to improve safety at the Kipapa Elementary School crosswalk on Kuahelani Avenue. It specifically recommends installing warning signage before the road curve, adding speed bumps with signage, placing "STOP Here for Pedestrians" signs 50 feet prior to the crosswalk, and adding solar-powered flashing signs at the crosswalk itself. These measures aim to address documented risks, including blind spots from parked cars and high traffic speeds, to better protect students crossing the busy thoroughfare. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests these visibility enhancements from relevant agencies.

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 requests Hawaii's Department of Human Services to direct its Youth Services and Juvenile Justice Advisory Council to examine how many culturally rooted "aina-based learning" programs (land/sea-connected cultural education) are available for youth in the juvenile court system. It specifically asks the council to assess current program usage and create a list of approved organizations for courts to assign as community service alternatives. The resolution aims to connect youth, particularly Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Black youth disproportionately affected by fees and fines, with culturally relevant learning opportunities instead of standard community service. This would help address disconnection from cultural roots linked to higher recidivism rates, as noted in the resolution's background.

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (not a bill), urging three agencies to improve pedestrian safety at a specific crosswalk. It requests visibility enhancements - including warning signs before a curve, speed bumps with signage, and a solar-powered flashing crosswalk sign - for students at Kipapa Elementary School on Kuahelani Avenue in Mililani. The resolution cites existing safety risks like blind curves and parked vehicles, noting current crosswalk markings are insufficient. It does not create new law but formally asks the Department of Transportation, Department of Education, and City and County of Honolulu to implement these measures.

Maddy summaryHR 59 is a House Resolution requesting the 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 landowners, developers, and government agencies seeking to change land use for housing, infrastructure, or business purposes. The key mechanism requires state and county bodies to schedule reviews together, share public hearings, and create protocols to reduce redundant processes and lengthy delays. The resolution does not create new laws but asks agencies to streamline existing procedures to expedite land reclassification.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 100) urges the Hawaii Department of Education to strengthen farm-to-school programs. It directly affects Hawaii schools, local farmers (especially small/medium producers), and Native Hawaiian crop growers by requesting four specific actions: streamlining procurement rules for farmers, creating a statewide farm database, offering financial incentives for local food purchases, and ensuring culturally significant foods like kalo are included in meals. The resolution does not create new law but asks the Department to report progress by 2026 on implementing these measures to help meet a 2030 goal of sourcing 30% of school meal ingredients locally. It addresses barriers like complex contracts and logistics that hinder current efforts to reduce Hawaii’s reliance on imported food.

Maddy summaryHCR 136 is a concurrent resolution urging the City and County of Honolulu to implement regulations requiring pedestrians to wear reflective gear between dusk and dawn. It directly affects pedestrians in Honolulu during low-visibility hours, citing rising pedestrian collision statistics and safety research supporting reflective gear. The resolution urges the city to develop regulations, designate high-risk areas with signage, and launch public education campaigns - though it does not create binding law. This is a procedural resolution seeking voluntary action, not a legislative mandate.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) congratulating Mililani High School's athletic teams and marching band. It specifically honors the Boys and Girls Hawaii High School Athletic Association Championship Teams, the State Champion Marching Band (noting individual achievements like Chloe Garcia's swimming titles and Ethan Suyama/Sachi Nacario's band successes), and recognizes their dedication. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply offers formal praise through the House of Representatives. It directly affects Mililani High School students and staff by publicly acknowledging their accomplishments.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a House Resolution (not a binding bill) encouraging Honolulu to create a temporary "Summer Streets" pilot program. It urges the City and County of Honolulu to temporarily close certain streets to cars during summer months, allowing safe space for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and community activities in urban areas and neighborhoods. The resolution cites benefits including promoting physical activity, supporting local businesses, reducing emissions, and aligning with Hawaii's sustainability goals. It does not fund or mandate the program, but formally asks Honolulu officials to consider implementing it. (H.R. 173, 2025 Hawaii Legislature)