Rep. Julie Reyes Oda

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)

Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds to be used by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for mercantile projects, as well as lump sum repair and maintenance, in fiscal year 2025-2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (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)

Maddy summaryHCR 28 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the reconvening of a working group established in 2024 (via House Resolution 18) to address water and air contamination concerns from the Puuloa Range Training Facility. The resolution specifies that the group, co-chaired by a state representative and Honolulu City Councilmember, must include the Director of Health and continue work until June 30, 2027. This effort directly affects the Ewa Beach community, which neighbors the Marine Corps facility and faces risks from lead contamination in soil that could impact marine life and residential areas. The resolution does not create new laws but extends a collaborative process to evaluate remediation strategies.

Maddy summaryHCR 163 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to create an annual festival celebrating Pacific Island cultures and arts. It directly addresses the Foundation (with consultation from other agencies), inspired by the success of the 2024 FestPAC event that drew over 500,000 visitors. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but requests the Foundation establish this recurring event to foster cultural appreciation among Pacific nations. It is procedural in nature, focusing on symbolic recognition rather than policy change.

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Appropriates funds for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 180 is a concurrent resolution requesting coordination among Hawaii's Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, law enforcement agencies, county homeless coordinators, and social service providers to address homelessness. It specifically asks these groups to collaborate on five key actions: preventing encampments near waterways to protect health and environment, reducing trash and abandoned shopping carts causing pollution, improving safety at bus stops and business entrances, connecting homeless individuals with support services, and advancing the Kauhale Initiative for shelter and housing. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but urges existing agencies to work together more effectively. It directly affects county-level homelessness response systems, law enforcement, and social service providers across Hawaii.

Maddy summaryHCR 42 is a resolution encouraging Hawaii's counties to develop their own biosecurity plans. It does not require counties to create these plans but urges them to tailor strategies to local challenges like climate, agriculture, and invasive species threats. The resolution emphasizes that plans should prioritize each county's specific needs for preventing harmful plant and animal invasions. It also recommends counties collaborate with each other and state agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, to improve invasive species response efforts.

Maddy summaryHCR 66 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Building Code Council to update Hawaii's building code to allow "point access block" construction for residential buildings up to six stories. This design places units around a central stairway/elevator core (instead of traditional double-loaded corridors with hallways on both sides), enabling better natural lighting, ventilation, and flexible floor plans (including larger 2-4 bedroom units). The resolution highlights that this approach can reduce construction costs (by eliminating extra stairways/hallways), improve energy efficiency, and align with modern fire safety standards using sprinklers. It specifically asks the Council to adopt this change to increase housing supply on limited land.