Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Maddy summaryHR 132 is a House resolution requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to study adopting fiscal notes - financial impact summaries for bills - into Hawaii's legislative process. Currently, Hawaii lawmakers vote on bills without knowing their financial costs, unlike 44 states that require such summaries. The study must examine implementation methods (statute vs. rules), associated costs, public accessibility, barriers like staffing, and lessons from states like Colorado and Texas, with a report due before Hawaii's 2026 legislative session. This resolution does not change current law but seeks to inform potential future policy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Honolulu to revise property tax rules for kupuna (Hawaiian elders aged 60+ on fixed incomes). It proposes two key changes: basing property assessments on original purchase price (not current market value) with a 2% annual increase, and capping annual property taxes at 3% of the owner’s income. The resolution does not create new law but asks Honolulu to consider these adjustments to reduce tax burdens for elderly residents facing rising costs. It is a non-binding request directed to the city and county government.

Maddy summaryHCR 138 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to study adopting fiscal notes into Hawaii’s legislative process. Fiscal notes would disclose the potential financial impact of bills on state/local government, a practice used in 44 states. The study must examine implementation methods (statute vs. rules), associated costs, public accessibility, barriers like staffing, and lessons from states like Colorado and Texas. It aims to inform whether Hawaii should require such disclosures before lawmakers vote. The Bureau must submit findings by early 2026.

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a legislative resolution disapproving the 2025 Commission on Salaries' recommendation to increase salaries for Hawaii's governor, lieutenant governor, department heads, legislators, and judges. The legislature rejected these proposed increases, citing current economic conditions as "excessive," and directed the Commission to reconvene by November 2025 to review the disapproval reasons and submit a revised proposal for the 2026 legislative session. This resolution does not set new salaries but mandates the Commission to adjust its recommendations based on legislative feedback. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it affects the Commission's process rather than directly changing pay.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 77) disapproves the 2025 Salary Commission's recommendations for increasing salaries of certain state officials, including the governor, judges, and department heads. The legislature rejected these proposed increases, stating they were excessive given Hawaii's current economic conditions. The resolution requires the Salary Commission to reconvene by November 2025 to review the legislature's disapproval and submit revised salary recommendations for the 2026 legislative session. This action directly affects the salary schedules for the officials covered by the Commission's original proposal.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a non-binding resolution urging Honolulu to revise property tax assessments for kupuna (Hawaiian elders aged 60+ on fixed incomes). It proposes two specific changes: (1) basing property assessments on original purchase price plus 2% annual increase instead of current market value for unchanged homes, and (2) capping annual property taxes at 3% of the owner’s income. These measures aim to reduce tax burdens for fixed-income seniors facing rising costs. The resolution directs Honolulu officials to consider these adjustments but does not require them to take action.

Maddy summaryHCR 135 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement, City and County of Honolulu, and Honolulu Police Department to collaborate with local businesses and organizations to establish safe disposal programs for illegal fireworks. It proposes creating designated drop-off locations where residents can safely discard unused fireworks year-round, reducing the risk of improper storage or disposal. The resolution references a prior successful disposal event that collected over 1,300 pounds of fireworks from 121 residents. This initiative aims to address community safety concerns related to illegal fireworks use, following incidents like the tragic New Year’s Eve explosion in Salt Lake. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but encourages agency action.)

Establishes specific deadlines within the facilitated application process to obtain a permit and requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish certain resources and processes to help streamline permit applications. Establishes and appropriates funds for positions within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Raises the minimum age to enter into marriage from sixteen to eighteen years of age. Repeals the authority of parents and the family court to consent to a minor's marriage. Repeals spousal cohabitation after the parties attain legal age as an exception for an annulment based on nonage. Repeals exemptions for sexual assault of a minor if the perpetrator is married to the minor. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes a school capital improvement project modernization initiative in the School Facilities Authority to create a planning database for school facilities. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)