Rep. Julie Reyes Oda

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 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 summaryHR 122 directs Hawaii's Legislative Reference Bureau to review all reports required by law to be submitted to the Legislature and recommend which reports should no longer be required. It aims to eliminate redundant or outdated reporting obligations, such as those for discontinued programs or reports gathering minimal new information. The Bureau must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, including any proposed changes to the reporting requirements. This resolution streamlines legislative oversight by focusing on necessary reports without altering existing laws.

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 summaryHR 46 is a House Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement and Department of Health to form a task force by August 1, 2025. The task force must include state agencies, Honolulu officials, legislative leaders, and community representatives to address no-trespassing policies along Oahu streams. Its key goals are developing humane enforcement practices, improving state-county coordination on encampments, connecting unhoused individuals to services, and mitigating environmental pollution from stream encampments. The task force must submit recommendations to the Legislature by August 2025, with a final report due before the 2026 legislative session. This is a procedural resolution that directs collaboration but does not create new laws.

Maddy summaryHCR 51 is a non-binding request urging Honolulu to build a new public swimming pool complex in the Forty-First House District on Oahu. It specifies the facility must include an Olympic-sized pool for exercise, a jetted hot tub, and a dedicated children’s pool to serve community recreation and health needs. The resolution formally asks the Honolulu City Council to fund and approve construction and the Mayor to endorse the project. It does not create new law but seeks to influence city planning priorities. This request directly affects residents in the Forty-First District who would gain access to new recreational facilities.

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.