Rep. Darius Kila

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests Honolulu officials to create a dedicated animal education and training complex within Kalaeloa parklands. It aims to address the lack of pet-friendly recreational spaces on Oahu, particularly for dog shows, 4H animal groups, and off-leash activities, by proposing facilities like secure indoor exhibition rooms, bathrooms, food prep areas, and storage for equipment (e.g., agility courses and pet show cages). The resolution is non-binding and specifically targets the City and County of Honolulu's Mayor, City Council, and Parks Department. It follows the city's recent acquisition of 400 acres of parkland from the Navy.

Maddy summaryHR 137 is a House Resolution urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to require all transient accommodations (such as hotels, hostels, short-term rentals, and timeshares) to make the Pono Pledge a mandatory step during guest check-in. The Pono Pledge is an educational commitment teaching visitors to respect Hawaii's environment, cultural sites, and local communities. The resolution requests the Tourism Authority develop procedures for guests to complete and provide proof of the pledge before check-in, using methods like online platforms or in-person acknowledgments. This is a non-binding recommendation, not a law, aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices.

Maddy summaryHCR 143 is a concurrent resolution urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to require all hotels, short-term rentals, and other transient accommodations to incorporate the Pono Pledge as a mandatory step during guest check-in. The resolution asks the authority to establish procedures where visitors must acknowledge the pledge - committing to respect Hawaii’s environment, culture, and safety - before checking in. It directly affects tourism businesses and visitors staying in temporary lodging across Hawaii. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to promote responsible tourism through this educational commitment.

Maddy summaryHR 135 is a House Resolution requesting a working group to study the feasibility of creating a Hawaii Cultural Trust. The working group, composed of state officials and cultural representatives, will examine potential funding sources, tax incentives, governance structures, and impacts on cultural institutions. It will specifically evaluate how a trust could support Hawaii's cultural preservation and promotion through sustainable funding models. The group must submit findings and recommendations, including possible legislation, to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not create the trust but initiates a study to determine if one would be viable.

Maddy summaryHCR 141 is a non-binding request asking the Hawaii Legislature to establish a working group to study whether creating a Hawaii Cultural Trust is feasible. The working group, including state agency leaders (like the Business and Tourism Director and State Foundation on Culture and Arts Director) and external partners (such as Native Hawaiian organizations and cultural nonprofits), will examine funding models, tax incentives, and legal structures for such a trust. It will specifically assess how a trust could support cultural preservation, arts programs, and Hawaii’s cultural institutions through sustainable funding. The group must submit recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature by early 2026, but the resolution itself does not create the trust or allocate funds.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 106) requests the State Auditor to audit the Hawaii Department of Education's capital improvement project finances. It directs the audit to examine how funds were spent since 2021, including project prioritization, to address $2 billion in unspent capital funds and ensure efficient repairs for aging school facilities (over 20% of schools are 100+ years old). The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. The resolution does not allocate new funds or change policies, but seeks transparency in existing spending.

Maddy summaryHCR 110 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Auditor to audit the Hawaii Department of Education's capital improvement project finances since 2021. The audit will examine how $1 billion in capital funds was spent (received during 2021-2023), including project prioritization, and address $2 billion in unspent funds as of January 2024. The Auditor must submit a report to the Legislature by February 2026, detailing findings and potential recommendations to improve transparency and efficiency in school facility repairs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 37) requests the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) to extend the Skyline rail project to the Westside of Oʻahu, specifically including the communities of Nānākuli, Koʻolina, Maʻili, and Waiʻanae. It does not create new law or allocate funding but formally asks HART to consider this extension to address commuting challenges and improve transit access for residents in these areas. The resolution cites existing traffic congestion, limited transit options, and the need for better emergency mobility as reasons for the request. It directly affects Westside Oʻahu residents who face longer commutes and reduced transportation choices. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect but expresses legislative support for the proposed extension.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Transportation Services to implement a restricted parking zone pilot program in the Ko'olina, Honokai Hale, Nānākuli, and Maili neighborhoods. It proposes using a permit-based system for on-street parking, similar to a successful 2017 pilot in Kalihi Valley that reduced non-resident parking by 86% and increased available spaces by 70%. The resolution cites specific issues in these neighborhoods, including trash, abandoned vehicles, and difficulty finding parking, as justification for the program. This is a procedural request to the city department, not a new law, and does not create binding requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 64 is a House Resolution requesting Ko Olina Golf Club owners and the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop safety measures preventing golf balls from landing on Farrington Highway. It directly affects the golf club and DOT, addressing safety concerns after reports of golf balls striking vehicles and pedestrians along the busy 18.5-mile highway corridor. The resolution asks the golf club to implement perimeter safety measures and requests the DOT submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by 2026. This is a non-binding request, not a law, focusing solely on voluntary safety improvements and a follow-up report.