Rep. Diamond Garcia

Maddy summaryHCR 172 is a Hawaii House concurrent resolution requesting the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to direct Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to repeal or reduce the insurance requirement in Guide Section 4703.2. This provision currently mandates that condominium master insurance policies cover all types of damage for 100% of the replacement cost of a project's improvements. The resolution argues this rule forces Hawaii condominium associations (representing nearly 200,000 units) to pay for expensive secondary insurance to meet the requirement, increasing financial burdens on associations and unit owners. The requested change would lower insurance costs by allowing coverage below 100% of replacement value.

Maddy summaryHCR 81 is a concurrent resolution requesting U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy to initiate a performance review of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project under the 2024 Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA). It directly affects the rail project, which has faced significant cost overruns (increasing from $5.5 billion to $12.45 billion) and delays (pushing completion to 2030), relying on federal funding. The resolution cites the FFGA's requirement for federal oversight to assess whether HART (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit) is making satisfactory progress toward completion. This is a procedural request, not a legislative change, urging federal review based on existing agreement terms.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Hawaii's legislature to require mandatory investigations into every child fatality or serious injury occurring while a child is under child welfare services. It cites multiple documented cases where prior safety warnings were ignored, leading to preventable harm - including deaths, abuse, and injuries after unsafe reunifications. The resolution does not create new laws but calls for systemic changes in how the Department of Human Services (DHS) handles safety concerns. It focuses on establishing a standardized inquiry process to prevent future failures, rather than addressing specific cases. (Note: As a concurrent resolution, it is a non-binding legislative request, not a law.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 78) requests the State Auditor to audit the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' (DHHL) use of $600 million appropriated under Act 279 (2022), which aimed to eliminate a waitlist of over 28,700 Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The audit would specifically examine DHHL's compliance with reporting requirements, including its failure to submit the required 2024 Annual Activity Report detailing fund expenditures and assistance provided. It directly affects DHHL by requiring accountability for how the funds were allocated toward housing, land development, and beneficiary services as mandated by Act 279. The resolution does not alter funding or policy but seeks transparency regarding the use of these public funds.

Maddy summaryHCR 160 is a formal request from Hawaii's legislature urging the Peace Corps to restart a mission in the Marshall Islands. It directly addresses the Marshall Islands' challenges, including high rates of obesity and diabetes linked to food imports, limited education access, and health issues from historical nuclear testing. The resolution asks the Peace Corps to establish a mission and coordinate with agencies like USAID, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Red Cross to support economic relief and food security. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but seeks to revive a past partnership to address these specific community needs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 74) requests the U.S. Transportation Secretary to initiate a performance review of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project under an existing federal funding agreement. It directly affects the project's management and federal funding, citing $12.45 billion in estimated costs (up from $5.5 billion) and a delayed completion timeline (now 2030) due to cost overruns and delays. The resolution references the Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement, which requires such reviews to assess whether satisfactory progress is being made. Hawaii has already provided $3.9 billion in state funding through tax surcharges to support the project. The resolution is procedural and does not alter project funding or timelines.

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (HR 75), not a bill, urging the Hawaii Legislature to require mandatory inquiries into all child fatalities and serious injuries occurring within the state's child welfare system. It references numerous past cases (e.g., Reubyne, Peter Boy Kema, and Geanna Bradley) where systemic failures led to preventable harm, citing lawsuits and settlements. The resolution calls for the Legislature to mandate these reviews, rather than creating new legal requirements or policy changes. It serves as a formal request for oversight, not an enacted law.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 76) urges the University of Hawaii to conduct a geological survey and geotechnical study of the Ewa Plain in Honouliuli. It addresses concerns about land instability caused by limestone dissolution, which has led to sinkholes, cracked sidewalks (like along Kualakai Parkway), sinking road sections, and recurring holes in parks and neighborhoods. The study aims to provide data for safely planning future infrastructure and construction in the area. As a non-binding resolution, it does not require the university to act but requests the study to inform local officials, planners, and residents.

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 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.