Rep. Kanani Souza

Maddy summaryHCR 140 is a resolution urging Hawaii's Sister-State Committee to evaluate establishing a formal sister-state relationship with New Zealand. It focuses on strengthening ties in economic development, arts/cultural exchange, education, and environmental sustainability, highlighting shared Polynesian heritage and regional cooperation goals. The resolution does not create new law but recommends the committee develop steps for potential collaboration. It emphasizes mutual interests in areas like renewable energy, marine conservation, and cultural programs between the two regions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 145) requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to submit a detailed report on its lease enforcement procedures. The report must include DLNR's policies for monitoring lease compliance, how it assesses lessee violations (including for federal agencies), a summary of the 10 most recent lease revocations or non-renewals, and the total number of such cases. DLNR must submit the report to the Legislature by January 2026, including recommendations for improving enforcement transparency. This is a procedural request for information, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHCR 11 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to continue collaborating with the City and County of Honolulu to transfer roads in Kapolei. The resolution addresses roads built by the state in the 1990s that were never officially dedicated to the city due to infrastructure standards, with HHFDC having completed $15 million in improvements and needing ~$100 million more to meet requirements. It specifically encourages HHFDC and Honolulu to finalize the transfer by December 2025, noting HHFDC can offer $40 million toward the city’s requested $60 million for acceptance.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to continue negotiations with the City and County of Honolulu to transfer maintenance of roads in Kapolei's Villages. The roads, built by the state in the 1990s without city permits, were rejected by Honolulu due to infrastructure standards, and HHFDC has since maintained them. The resolution emphasizes completing the transfer by December 31, 2025, following a prior agreement to upgrade roads (including sidewalks and utilities) and discussing funding. It directly affects HHFDC and Honolulu's government, focusing on resolving the road maintenance responsibility.

Maddy summaryHCR 151 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to submit a detailed report on its lease enforcement procedures for public lands. The resolution asks DLNR to document its monitoring processes, how it assesses lessee compliance (including with federal agencies), the reasons for the 10 most recent lease revocations or non-renewals, and the total number of such cases. This report must include specific details about enforcement actions, violation histories, and renewal criteria for all lessees. The request aims to increase transparency around how DLNR enforces lease terms, particularly regarding environmental protection and contractual obligations. DLNR must submit the report to the Legislature by 20 days before the 2026 session.

Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to house a collection of data on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the State. Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database Advisory Committee. Requires the Agency to create a Parkinson's disease research collection database webpage by 1/1/2026, and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 531 authorizes the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates recognizing the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. This bill directly affects drivers who choose to purchase these specialty plates, which would display the center's name. The key provision is creating a new plate design for public recognition, with no additional fees or requirements beyond standard plate issuance. The bill is procedural and does not change existing laws or impose new obligations. It is scheduled for committee review in February 2025.

Exempts the donation of wild game meat or meat products, including axis deer, to a charitable, religious, or nonprofit organization for the purpose of feeding needy individuals from certain laws regarding the inspection and transportation of meat. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Creates a School Psychologists Working Group within the Department of Education to recommend actionable steps or propose legislation for an immediate pathway to licensure for school psychologists that can be acted upon in 2026. Requires a report to the Legislature. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 213 appropriates state funds to support the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, which helps healthcare professionals repay educational loans. The program directly assists licensed healthcare workers, such as nurses and physicians, who serve in underserved areas or specific healthcare roles. The bill specifies funding allocation with an effective date of July 1, 3000, though this date appears to be a placeholder error. No additional details about eligibility, funding amounts, or program administration are provided in the available context.