Rep. Scot Matayoshi

Requires certain applicants for driver's license renewal to complete an educational course that includes a road safety video developed by the Department of Transportation and a written examination. Authorizes the Department to develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms by rules that include specified criteria. Grants Governor veto-authority over the rules. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to waive or exempt any water carrier from any requirement under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Repeals 7/1/2032. (SD2)

Establishes penalties, including fines and liens, for an owner of residential real property's failure to remediate zoning violations. Requires, under certain conditions, county planning or permitting agencies to record the notice of violation as a lien on the property with the Bureau of Conveyances. Requires referral to the applicable county corporation counsel for foreclosure, subject to certain conditions, if the owner fails to satisfy certain conditions. Requires the applicable district or circuit court to hold a de novo review of penalties assessed for unaddressed residential real property zoning violations, including foreclosure, upon appeal by the affected residential real property owner. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Hawaii's Department of Education to work with teachers to create an artificial intelligence literacy curriculum for students in grades six through twelve. The resolution recommends that the curriculum be developed using peer-reviewed research, global AI literacy frameworks, and existing Hawaii-based programs, with a focus on ethical AI use, equitable access for all students, and regular assessments of student progress. It also requests that the curriculum be updated regularly to keep pace with evolving technology and social norms. As a concurrent resolution, this measure does not change law directly but serves as a formal recommendation to state education officials.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address youth loneliness and social disconnection. The program would involve trained student peer counselors who receive standardized instruction in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices to foster peer connections and early identification of emotional distress. The Department of Education would lead implementation in collaboration with the Department of Health, Office of Wellness and Resilience, and Hawaii State Youth Commission, starting with pilot programs in select schools before statewide rollout. The resolution emphasizes face-to-face interaction, trust-building activities, and clear referral pathways to licensed mental health professionals while prioritizing culturally appropriate approaches for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education to work together on a permanent program to increase tree coverage at public schools across the state. The initiative aims to address heat exposure and improve outdoor learning opportunities, with special attention to ensuring equitable tree distribution in lower-income and Title I schools that currently have less shade. The program would include long-term tree maintenance, strategic species selection, and the creation of dedicated staff positions to sustain the effort. It builds on existing pilot programs like Shade Trees for Schools and Fruit Trees for Schools, which have shown positive results but have been limited by short-term funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Department of Transportation to work with utility companies to create a statewide plan for addressing aging or abandoned utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk road corridors. The key provisions ask the department to organize assessments of infrastructure, develop repair or removal schedules, prioritize areas with high traffic or wildfire risks, and clarify who is responsible for funding and maintenance. The bill also directs the department to review existing laws regarding utility maintenance obligations and submit a detailed report to the Legislature by early 2027 outlining findings and recommendations.

Maddy summaryHCR 8 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaiian counties to approve building permits for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications (like ramps or grab bars) recommended by a healthcare provider for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, when the county deems them essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to reduce delays that contribute to fall risks and hospitalizations, emphasizing counties must act on complete applications within the 45-day timeframe.

Maddy summaryHCR 6 is a Hawaii legislative resolution affirming that hospitals must provide life-saving emergency care - including abortion services when medically necessary - to stabilize pregnant patients under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). It addresses confusion caused by recent shifts in federal guidance about EMTALA's requirements, particularly following the 2025 rescission of federal affirmations supporting emergency abortion care. The resolution urges all Hawaii hospitals, including religiously affiliated ones, to uphold EMTALA's standards without delay or denial of care. It does not create new law but reinforces Hawaii's commitment to ensuring pregnant patients receive timely emergency treatment as required by federal statute.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally endorses Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve, recognizing the area's historical significance as the birthplace of surfing and its cultural importance to Native Hawaiian heritage. The resolution highlights Waikiki's unique combination of world-class surf breaks, ecological value, and economic impact as a major tourist destination, while noting threats like climate change and pollution. It directs copies of the resolution to local government officials and community leaders to encourage further protection efforts for the area's surfing ecosystem and natural resources.