Rep. Diamond Garcia

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the City and County of Honolulu to finalize and prioritize the Makakilo Drive Extension Project to address growing traffic congestion in the Makakilo and Kapolei areas. It requests that city officials complete planning updates, secure funding, and move the project into the design and construction phases. The resolution asks the city to submit a progress report with a timeline to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure does not allocate funds or mandate action but serves as a formal request for the city to advance the project.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to evaluate which emergency shelters can safely withstand hurricane-force winds and create a plan to strengthen the state's shelter capacity. The agency will identify all designated shelters, assess their structural ability to resist storms, and publish a public list showing each shelter's location and resilience level. Additionally, the resolution directs the agency to recommend improvements such as building upgrades and submit a final report to the Legislature by early 2027. This action is intended to help residents make informed decisions during evacuations and improve overall disaster preparedness.

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 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 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.

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the contracting of services for start-up business financing and support. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

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)

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)

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally commends comedian Tumua Tuinei for his contributions to Hawaii's entertainment industry and community. It recognizes his work as a cultural ambassador who promotes local humor and values through his social media presence and live performances. The resolution also highlights his partnership with the Hawaii Department of Health to support youth wellness and mental health initiatives. This measure serves as an official acknowledgment of his achievements rather than a law that changes policy or mandates action.