Rep. Julie Reyes Oda

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally recognizes open water lifeguards in Hawaii as first responders, acknowledging their specialized training and critical role in emergency response. The bill highlights that these professionals are among the first to arrive at beach emergencies, providing medical aid, rescue services, and scene security similar to police and firefighters. While the resolution does not create new legal requirements, it urges state and county agencies to grant lifeguards the same rights, resources, and professional respect afforded to other first responders. The measure also encourages collaboration among public safety agencies to improve emergency response capabilities across Hawaii's ocean and shoreline environments.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses support for the Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition's Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan, which aims to address the state's high drowning rates through a comprehensive strategy. The plan recommends establishing the coalition as a central authority for water safety, expanding funding for drowning prevention efforts, and requiring safety measures like warning signs and fencing at pools and flood control structures. It also calls for free swimming lessons for all children, improved public pool access in underserved communities, and compliance with national pool safety standards. While the resolution itself does not create new laws, it urges state agencies and local governments to collaborate with the coalition to implement these recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution expresses legislative support for the Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition's Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan, which aims to address the state's high drowning rates and related public health concerns. The resolution urges state agencies and local governments to collaborate on implementing the plan's recommendations, which include establishing the coalition as a central water safety authority, expanding funding for drowning prevention programs, and improving safety measures at pools and flood control structures. The plan also calls for free swim lessons for all children, culturally competent water safety education, and better infrastructure in underserved communities. While the resolution itself does not create new laws, it encourages agencies to work together to adopt the plan's evidence-based strategies for preventing drowning incidents.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution formally recognizes open water lifeguards in Hawaii as first responders, acknowledging their critical role in public safety and emergency response. The resolution highlights that these professionals are among the first to arrive at beach and water emergencies, providing life-saving assistance, medical care, and scene management similar to police and firefighters. While the bill does not change laws or grant new legal powers, it serves as an official statement of recognition that encourages state and county agencies to provide lifeguards with the same rights, resources, and professional respect afforded to other first responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that asks the City and County of Honolulu to move forward with the Makakilo Drive Extension Project to address traffic congestion in the growing Makakilo and Kapolei areas. The resolution requests that local officials finalize planning, prioritize funding, and begin construction on the road extension, which was previously studied in 2009 as environmentally safe. It also asks the city to create a clear timeline for the project and submit a progress report to the state Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a state-level resolution from Hawaii urging the U.S. Department of Defense to extend the renewal period for medical authorizations related to the Red Hill water contamination crisis. It directly affects military personnel, their families, and civilian residents who were exposed to contaminated water at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu. The resolution requests a two-year renewal cycle for Secretarial Designee health care authorizations to improve continuity of care and asks the Defense Health Agency to expand access to civilian medical providers, implement coordinated referral practices, ensure long-term medical monitoring, and explore reimbursement programs for out-of-pocket medical costs.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to create a temporary working group to evaluate the state's utility infrastructure capacity and lifespan, particularly for the City and County of Honolulu. The working group will include representatives from government agencies, utility companies, and labor unions to assess current service levels, identify aging infrastructure, and analyze the costs of expanding systems to meet growing community demands. The study aims to provide data on potential funding gaps, projected rate increases, and whether existing permits are straining utility capacity, ultimately supporting more informed community planning and infrastructure investment decisions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses support for expanding programs that increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas to reduce the effects of urban heat islands across Hawaii. It requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, canopy disparities, and opportunities to integrate tree planting into infrastructure and development projects. The resolution also asks agencies to evaluate best practices for tree selection and maintenance, and to establish statewide standards for urban tree canopy coverage. While it does not create new funding or mandates, it encourages coordinated efforts to improve public health, reduce energy costs, and address climate resilience through urban forestry initiatives.

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 a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Executive Office on Aging. The tax credit applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)