Rep. Darius Kila

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 184) requests Hawaii’s Department of Health to establish a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group. It directly affects state agencies, the construction and demolition industries, and community groups focused on environmental justice and circular economy practices. The working group must develop strategies to reduce construction/demolition waste, scale material reuse, align with Hawaii’s carbon neutrality goals (by 2045), and create policy recommendations. The resolution requires the group to include health officials, industry representatives, and community experts, and to submit annual reports to the legislature with findings and proposed actions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the City and County of Honolulu to implement regulations requiring pedestrians to wear reflective gear between dusk and dawn. It directly affects pedestrians walking or running in Honolulu during low-visibility hours, citing a 13% increase in 2024 pedestrian cases and federal safety data showing reflective gear improves conspicuity. The resolution recommends collaborating on high-risk area signage, clear regulations, and public education campaigns. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create law but encourages local action based on safety data from Honolulu EMS and federal transportation studies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 133) requests Hawaii's Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report addressing developmental needs of children born during the 2019-2023 pandemic (specifically those born 2020-2023). The report must cover trauma-informed care strategies, current services from state agencies (like Education, Health, and Human Services), support for families affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires, and resources for educators facing pandemic-related stress. It does not create new laws but mandates a comprehensive analysis to inform future support for children aged birth to 5 who experienced pandemic disruptions. The Office must submit the report to the legislature by December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 134) urges Hawaii's Sister-State Committee to evaluate and develop recommendations for establishing a formal sister-state relationship between Hawaii and New Zealand. It focuses on strengthening cooperation in economic development, arts/cultural exchange, education, and environmental sustainability, building on shared Polynesian heritage and mutual commitments to indigenous cultures and sustainability. The resolution does not create new laws but requests the committee assess potential collaboration areas and advises the Governor to implement the relationship if recommended. It directly affects Hawaii's state agencies and the Sister-State Committee, encouraging future partnerships with New Zealand.

Maddy summaryHR 30 is a House Resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to explore establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and identify requirements for securing federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. The resolution directs the university to assess its current research capabilities, evaluate potential benefits, and outline steps to meet federal grant criteria, with a report due by December 31, 2025. This procedural request does not create a new program but seeks feasibility analysis for potential future research infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 140) requests Hawaii's Department of Human Services (DHS) to apply for and implement the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) for SNAP benefits. It directly affects low-income seniors aged 60+ without earned income, aiming to simplify their access to food assistance by waiving in-person interviews, extending benefit certification to 36 months, and allowing flexible verification. The resolution asks DHS to seek federal approvals and update its rules to adopt ESAP, which is designed to reduce barriers to SNAP enrollment for seniors. Hawaii currently does not participate in ESAP despite SNAP supporting over 130,000 residents and contributing $630 million annually to the state economy.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution urges the University of Hawaii (UH) to create a program specifically addressing housing instability among students, directly affecting UH students facing homelessness or housing insecurity (as noted in a 2020 Hope Center study showing 14% experienced homelessness). It requests UH use findings from its current 2025 survey on student basic needs insecurity to develop this program, strengthen mental health services, and improve awareness of available resources. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal request to UH leadership, not a legislative mandate.

Maddy summaryHCR 31 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to assess the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. It directs the university to evaluate its current research capabilities, potential benefits for Hawaii, and the specific requirements to secure federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. The resolution requires the university to develop a phased plan, including infrastructure needs and community engagement, and submit a report by December 31, 2025. This resolution does not create the center but asks the university to explore steps toward one, directly affecting the University of Hawaii System and its research planning.

Maddy summaryHR 93 is a non-binding House Resolution urging the University of Hawaii (UH) to create a "Homeless Student Stability and Housing Resource Program" to address housing insecurity among students. It cites a 2020 study showing 44% of UH students experienced housing insecurity (including 14% who were homeless), with only 15% receiving emergency aid due to lack of awareness. The resolution requests UH use its ongoing 2025 Basic Needs Committee survey to develop a plan improving housing access, mental health services (noting UH's current 1:4,010 mental health staff-to-student ratio), and resource awareness. This resolution does not create new law but formally asks UH to act based on documented student needs.

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.