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.
Rep. Chris Muraoka
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHCR 103 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's counties to adopt local zoning rules requiring agricultural landowners to sign and record declarations acknowledging state and county land use rules and penalties for noncompliance. It directly affects owners of land zoned for agriculture (which covers nearly 2 million acres statewide but has only about 24% actively used for crops or grazing). The resolution recommends counties require these declarations - similar to Maui’s existing practice - and provide landowners with information about farm mentoring programs to encourage active farming. It does not create new laws but seeks to increase agricultural land use by making landowners formally aware of requirements. The resolution cites data showing significant underuse of agricultural-zoned land as its key justification.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 99) urges Hawaii’s counties to adopt local zoning ordinances requiring owners of agricultural-zoned land to sign and record declarations acknowledging state and county agricultural land use rules and penalties for noncompliance. It directly affects agricultural landowners statewide, particularly those on land designated for farming but not actively used for crops or grazing (only ~8% of such land is currently used for crops). The key mechanism is mandating these declarations - similar to Maui County’s existing requirement for building permits - to ensure future owners understand regulations and to encourage active agricultural use. The resolution also encourages counties to share information about farm mentorship programs (like GoFarm Hawaii) to help landowners transition to production. As a resolution, it does not create new law but seeks to align county policies with state goals of increasing farmland productivity and food security.
Maddy summaryHR 156 is a non-binding House Resolution urging the City and County of Honolulu, County of Maui, County of Hawaii, and County of Kauai to establish new sister city relationships with Pacific Island municipalities. It cites the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts as inspiration, noting existing sister city ties (30 in the Pacific region) and emphasizing cultural, educational, and business exchanges. The resolution has no legal force but recommends these counties expand partnerships to strengthen regional ties and mutual cultural appreciation. It does not create new obligations or funding.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 158) urges the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to create an annual festival celebrating Pacific Island cultures and arts. It directly addresses the Foundation, referencing the success of Hawaii's 2024 FestPAC event (which drew 500,000 visitors) as a model. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests the Foundation, in consultation with other agencies, to establish this recurring event to promote Pacific cultural heritage and regional connections.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 36) encourages all counties in Hawaii to develop their own biosecurity plans focused on local invasive species threats. It does not create new laws but urges counties to prioritize their unique needs - such as climate, agriculture, or transportation risks - in creating these plans. The resolution also recommends counties collaborate with each other, the state Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It is a non-binding recommendation, not a mandate.
Maddy summaryHCR 161 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's four counties (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai) to establish new sister city partnerships with Pacific Island municipalities. It does not create new laws but formally encourages these counties to expand existing relationships, building on Hawaii's current 30 Pacific Island sister cities out of 89 worldwide. The resolution highlights shared cultural ties and the value of exchanges in areas like arts, education, and community development, referencing the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts as a catalyst. It specifically directs county mayors and the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to pursue these partnerships.
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 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.
Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to study alternative insurance models for condominium associations and unit owners, addressing severe premium increases (300-600% in 2024) that have left many properties underinsured. It specifically directs the study to examine mutual insurance standards and building life insurance models, which would require 60-year contracts, maintenance schedules, escrow accounts for premiums, and predictable premium adjustments. The study must evaluate feasibility and include recommendations for potential legislation, with a report due to the Legislature by early 2026. This affects all Hawaii condo associations and unit owners facing coverage shortages that risk mortgage access and rebuild costs after disasters.