Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

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 summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to study alternative insurance models for condominium associations and unit owners, addressing severe premium increases (300-600% in 2024) that have left many properties underinsured. It specifically directs the study to examine mutual insurance standards and building life insurance models, which would require 60-year contracts, maintenance schedules, escrow accounts for premiums, and predictable premium adjustments. The study must evaluate feasibility and include recommendations for potential legislation, with a report due to the Legislature by early 2026. This affects all Hawaii condo associations and unit owners facing coverage shortages that risk mortgage access and rebuild costs after disasters.

Maddy summaryHCR 85 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to study alternative insurance models for condominium associations and unit owners. It specifically directs the study to examine mutual insurance models and building life insurance, which would require developers to secure long-term coverage (60+ years), establish maintenance schedules, and manage premiums in escrow accounts. The study must develop standards for mutual insurance and evaluate building life insurance's feasibility, including how premiums would be calculated based on building materials and maintenance. The resulting report, due by early 2026, will inform potential future legislation to address soaring insurance costs affecting hundreds of condominium associations.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 34 is a Hawaii state resolution urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, reduce federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution explicitly states the convention must not consider changes to the Bill of Rights and includes detailed procedural requirements for how Congress should handle such a request. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new law but formally expresses Hawaii’s position to Congress. This is a procedural request, not a legislative action affecting residents or federal policy directly.

Maddy summaryHCR 81 is a concurrent resolution requesting U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy to initiate a performance review of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project under the 2024 Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA). It directly affects the rail project, which has faced significant cost overruns (increasing from $5.5 billion to $12.45 billion) and delays (pushing completion to 2030), relying on federal funding. The resolution cites the FFGA's requirement for federal oversight to assess whether HART (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit) is making satisfactory progress toward completion. This is a procedural request, not a legislative change, urging federal review based on existing agreement terms.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 74) requests the U.S. Transportation Secretary to initiate a performance review of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project under an existing federal funding agreement. It directly affects the project's management and federal funding, citing $12.45 billion in estimated costs (up from $5.5 billion) and a delayed completion timeline (now 2030) due to cost overruns and delays. The resolution references the Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement, which requires such reviews to assess whether satisfactory progress is being made. Hawaii has already provided $3.9 billion in state funding through tax surcharges to support the project. The resolution is procedural and does not alter project funding or timelines.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 76) urges the University of Hawaii to conduct a geological survey and geotechnical study of the Ewa Plain in Honouliuli. It addresses concerns about land instability caused by limestone dissolution, which has led to sinkholes, cracked sidewalks (like along Kualakai Parkway), sinking road sections, and recurring holes in parks and neighborhoods. The study aims to provide data for safely planning future infrastructure and construction in the area. As a non-binding resolution, it does not require the university to act but requests the study to inform local officials, planners, and residents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement, City and County of Honolulu, and Honolulu Police Department to partner with local businesses to create safe disposal programs for illegal fireworks. It aims to help residents safely discard unused fireworks (avoiding home storage or trash disposal) following a deadly 2024 explosion and a prior disposal event that collected over 1,300 pounds from 121 residents. The resolution does not create new laws but encourages regular disposal events and interagency collaboration. It directly affects Honolulu residents handling fireworks and the targeted city/state agencies.

Maddy summaryHR 164 is a House Resolution (not a bill) urging the Hawaii State House of Representatives to amend its internal rules. It specifically proposes removing committee chairs' unilateral power to defer bills without a full committee vote, clarifying when "recommit" can be used to prevent legislative stalling, and prohibiting members from calling points of order during others' speeches. These changes aim to strengthen democratic processes by reducing power concentration and ensuring members can vote on substantive issues. The resolution directly affects how House members conduct committee and floor proceedings.