Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (not a bill), urging Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state agencies to collaborate with community groups on managing community forests located on public lands. It calls for shared stewardship of these forests - such as those in state parks, school grounds, and neighborhoods - to improve forest health and community well-being. The resolution highlights benefits like cleaner air, economic support for local businesses, and alignment with traditional Hawaiian practices, but does not create new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the City and County of Honolulu to implement regulations requiring pedestrians to wear reflective gear between dusk and dawn. It directly affects pedestrians walking or running in Honolulu during low-visibility hours, citing a 13% increase in 2024 pedestrian cases and federal safety data showing reflective gear improves conspicuity. The resolution recommends collaborating on high-risk area signage, clear regulations, and public education campaigns. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create law but encourages local action based on safety data from Honolulu EMS and federal transportation studies.

Maddy summaryHCR 92 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness and the City and County of Honolulu to establish a two-year pilot program creating safe, temporary living spaces for homeless individuals and families on public land in Honolulu. The program would provide designated locations with essential facilities like shelter tents, restrooms, storage, laundry, and access to meals and services - including mental health support and job opportunities - while requiring partnerships with nonprofits. It mandates a specific location by November 2025, full program launch by January 2026, and a legislative report evaluating outcomes before the 2026 session. The resolution directly affects unsheltered homeless residents in Honolulu, aiming to offer dignity and stability through a structured, community-supported pilot.

Maddy summaryHCR 168 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii State Fire Marshal and Fire Council to clarify specific terms related to wildfire suppression stages in the Hawaii State Fire Code. It specifically asks for clear definitions of terms like "uncontrolled," "contained," "controlled," "extinguished," and "fully extinguished," with "fully extinguished" requiring 48 hours of monitoring (72 hours during drought or red flag conditions) to prevent reignition. This resolution directly affects fire departments, public safety agencies, and residents by aiming to standardize communication and protocols during wildfire responses. The resolution was offered by the House of Representatives in 2025 and will be transmitted to relevant fire officials for action.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 163) requests the Hawaii State Fire Marshal and Fire Council to clarify specific terms related to wildfire suppression stages in the state fire code. It specifically asks for defined meanings of "uncontrolled," "contained," "controlled," "extinguished," and "fully extinguished," with a key requirement that "fully extinguished" must include 48 hours of hotspot monitoring (96 hours during red flag/drought conditions). The resolution aims to improve public communication, fire operation protocols, and safety regulations by standardizing terminology. It does not create new law but directs the State Fire Code to adopt these definitions.

Maddy summaryHR 88 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness and Honolulu to establish a two-year pilot program creating safe public land sites for unsheltered homeless individuals and families on Oahu. The program would provide designated locations with essential facilities including central shelters, vehicle parking, restrooms, showers, laundry, and daily meals, while connecting residents to services like mental health support and job training opportunities. It requires agencies to select a site by November 2025, open the program by January 2026, and partner with nonprofits to operate the sites. The resolution mandates a report by 2026 detailing program progress, participants served, and recommendations for potential permanent implementation.

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.

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.