Rep. Scot Matayoshi

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the State Auditor of Hawaii to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a new law mandating health insurance coverage for biomarker testing. The assessment will focus on House Bill 1971, which requires insurers to cover medically necessary biomarker testing for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases. The Auditor must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins. This procedural measure ensures the state reviews the costs and effects of requiring insurance plans to cover this specific medical testing technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Hawaii's Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport. It urges state officials to develop guidelines and safety standards that align with federal requirements for equal athletic opportunities. The resolution directs the Department of Education to work with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to establish rules for coaching, facilities, and oversight. This measure seeks to ensure high school cheer athletes receive resources comparable to other varsity sports.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Governor of Hawaii to evaluate food insecurity conditions and create a statewide food security response plan. It directly affects state agencies, local communities, and residents concerned with food access and affordability. The resolution asks the Governor to assess whether a food security emergency should be declared, coordinate efforts across relevant departments, identify ways to improve food access in high-need areas, and remove regulatory barriers to local food production. The Governor is also requested to submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses the legislature's support for expanding programs to increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas across Hawaii to combat urban heat islands. It directly affects state and county agencies, which are asked to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, identifying priority areas for tree planting, and integrating shade tree strategies into future development projects. The resolution outlines specific areas for review, including disparities in canopy access, coordination with community partners, and best practices for tree maintenance, while also requesting that copies be sent to key state officials and county mayors.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally endorses Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve, recognizing the area's historical significance to Native Hawaiian surf culture and its status as a globally renowned surf destination. The resolution highlights Waikiki's rich heritage, ecological importance, and economic value while noting threats from climate change and pollution. It directs copies of the resolution to local government officials and community leaders to support ongoing conservation efforts. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of support for Waikiki's designation by the Save the Waves Coalition.

Establishes safeguards, protections, oversight, and penalties for interactions between minors and artificial intelligence companion systems or conversational artificial intelligence services. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD2)

Requires any existing habitat conservation plan that does not include an agreement for emergency medical and rehabilitation services for affected native wildlife to be amended to include the services in the agreement. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)

Formally codifies the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program. Requires a participant in the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program who receives a new award on or after July 1, 2027, to remain and work in the State for a certain number of years based on the amount of financial assistance received. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD2)

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires sellers to provide buyers with a cesspool disclosure form before the execution of a real estate purchase contract. Establishes standards for the cesspool disclosure form by 11/1/2026. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Authorizes the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a 4-year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program under certain conditions. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD2)