Rep. Darius Kila

Amends the definition of "child abuse or neglect" to clarify that the failure to provide certain needs to a child shall not constitute child abuse or neglect if the sole reason the person responsible for the care of the child is unable to adequately provide for the child's care is lack of financial resources; and evidence of parental request for support shall not be deemed as evidence of child abuse and neglect. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 118) requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to create a collaborative working group to address coastal erosion exposing Native Hawaiian burial sites (iwi kūpuna) at culturally sensitive shorelines. The group, including representatives from DLNR, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, county governments, and burial councils, will survey affected areas - such as Lahilahi Beach Park and Kaulahao Beach - and develop plans to protect and reinter remains. The resolution requires the group to identify suitable reinternment sites, recommend funding for protective measures like secure vaults, and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2026.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 38) urges Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to support transferring its regulatory authority over motor carriers (like trucks and buses) and other transportation services from the PUC to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Currently, the PUC regulates about 1,741 motor carrier entities, including safety and financial oversight, while the DOT handles enforcement under a 2024 law. The resolution argues that moving full regulatory authority to the DOT - where it already has enforcement resources - would create more consistent oversight and improve road safety. It does not change current law but requests the PUC's support for future legislative action to complete this transfer.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 62) requests the Office of the State Fire Marshal to form a working group to study vegetation management practices on public and private property. The group will evaluate property owner responsibilities for reducing wildfire risks, particularly near electric utility lines, and develop recommendations for minimum safety standards for tree trimming near power facilities. It specifically responds to wildfire risks identified after the 2023 Maui fires, including the role of invasive grasses and human-caused ignitions. The working group must include representatives from fire services, utilities, counties, and invasive species councils, but does not create new laws - only seeks recommendations for future policy.

Maddy summaryHCR 136 is a concurrent resolution urging the City and County of Honolulu to implement regulations requiring pedestrians to wear reflective gear between dusk and dawn. It directly affects pedestrians in Honolulu during low-visibility hours, citing rising pedestrian collision statistics and safety research supporting reflective gear. The resolution urges the city to develop regulations, designate high-risk areas with signage, and launch public education campaigns - though it does not create binding law. This is a procedural resolution seeking voluntary action, not a legislative mandate.

Maddy summaryHCR 86 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Education to establish an "Aloha Civics Working Group" to enhance civics education in public schools. The group, requiring specific members including the Superintendent of Education, university representatives, legislative staff, community organizations, and public members, must assess current civics programs, identify ways to integrate the Aloha Spirit's principles (kindness, unity, humility), develop teaching strategies, recommend educator training, and propose evaluation metrics. The group must submit its final report to the Legislature and Department of Education by January 2026, ahead of the next legislative session. This resolution directly affects Hawaii's public school curriculum and educator training by seeking to incorporate cultural values into civic learning.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 124) is a symbolic statement, not a law, affirming Hawaii's constitutional duty to protect freshwater flows that sustain nearshore marine ecosystems. It recognizes that freshwater from rivers, streams, and groundwater is essential for healthy coral reefs, native species like the 'o'opu fish, and traditional Hawaiian practices. The resolution urges state and county agencies to prioritize freshwater protection through management plans and public education, referencing Hawaii's Constitution (Articles XI, Sections 1 and 7) that require water resource conservation. It does not create new legal requirements but emphasizes the connection between freshwater health and marine ecosystem resilience. The resolution directly affects Hawaii's coastal communities, marine habitats, and Native Hawaiian cultural practices reliant on these ecosystems.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 80 requests the Hawaii Department of Education to establish an Aloha Civics Working Group focused on enhancing civics education in public schools. The working group will assess current civics programs, develop recommendations for integrating the "Aloha Spirit" (Hawaii's cultural principles of kindness, unity, and empathy) into the curriculum, and propose teacher training and evaluation metrics. The group must submit a report to the Legislature and Department of Education by 2026. This resolution directly affects Hawaii's public school system and educators through its recommendations for curriculum changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 139 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report addressing developmental needs of children born during the 2019-2025 pandemic. The report must examine trauma-informed care, current support services across state agencies (including education and health departments), impacts of the 2023 Maui wildfires, and resources for educators affected by pandemic-related stress. It specifically targets children born between 2018-2025 who experienced pandemic disruptions in early development, with a focus on vulnerable groups like Native Hawaiian and rural communities. The resolution does not create new programs but mandates a December 2025 report with recommendations for future support.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a House Resolution (not a binding bill) encouraging Honolulu to create a temporary "Summer Streets" pilot program. It urges the City and County of Honolulu to temporarily close certain streets to cars during summer months, allowing safe space for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and community activities in urban areas and neighborhoods. The resolution cites benefits including promoting physical activity, supporting local businesses, reducing emissions, and aligning with Hawaii's sustainability goals. It does not fund or mandate the program, but formally asks Honolulu officials to consider implementing it. (H.R. 173, 2025 Hawaii Legislature)