Rep. Scot Matayoshi

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that asks county planning departments in Hawaii to create building permit requirements focused on accessibility for older adults, known as kupuna. It would require private businesses and shopping centers to offer special hours for kupuna to enter their premises and increase the number of parking spaces designated for both disabled and non-disabled older adults. The resolution does not mandate these changes directly but formally requests counties to consider them when updating their planning regulations. The measure aims to improve community access for an aging population by addressing parking availability and business operating hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that each county's planning department create building permit requirements to make parking and business hours more accessible for older adults, known as kupuna. It would require private businesses and shopping malls to set aside special hours when kupuna can enter more easily and increase the number of designated parking spaces for both disabled and non-disabled older adults. The resolution is a non-binding request to county officials rather than a law that mandates immediate changes, so it does not directly affect businesses or residents on its own. Its purpose is to encourage local governments to consider the needs of Hawaii's aging population when updating building codes and parking standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to form a working group focused on improving consumer awareness of invasive plant species and reducing their spread through plant sales. The working group would develop a comprehensive labeling system to indicate the invasiveness risk of plants sold in the state, aiming to help buyers make more informed decisions. The group would include representatives from various agricultural, retail, and environmental organizations and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This initiative is designed to address the fact that most invasive plants in Hawaii are imported intentionally through horticulture, with the current list of prohibited species last updated in 1992.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution 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 bill requests that the curriculum be developed using peer-reviewed research, global AI literacy frameworks, and existing local resources while focusing on ethical use, equitable access, and regular assessments. By establishing this educational framework, the resolution aims to prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven workforce without mandating specific curriculum content or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport, which would grant high school cheer athletes the same resources and protections as other varsity sports. The resolution requests that the state education department develop guidelines and safety standards in collaboration with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to meet federal criteria for classifying cheerleading as a sport. By doing so, the bill aims to ensure equitable access to certified coaching, athletic training, facilities, and transportation for female cheerleaders while promoting gender equity in school athletics. This is a non-binding resolution that calls for administrative action rather than creating new laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution urging the Governor and local mayors to reassure visitors that they will be treated safely, legally, and ethically by law enforcement agencies in Hawaii. It is based on concerns about federal immigration policies allowing warrantless searches of electronic devices and social media, which the bill argues could lead to unfair treatment of travelers. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead calls for official statements to maintain Hawaii's reputation as a welcoming destination. It directs copies of the resolution to state and county leaders, including those in Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the State Auditor to conduct a performance and procurement audit of the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) to examine its compliance with Hawaii's public procurement laws and its management of workers' compensation prescription drug claims. The audit will review procurement actions taken by DHRD over the past five years, assess adherence to procurement statutes, and evaluate documentation for non-competitive purchasing methods. It also aims to identify systemic issues contributing to delays or denials in workers' compensation benefits and provide recommendations for improving accountability and efficiency within the department. The Auditor is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares that affordable housing credits issued under Hawaii state law are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to fulfill housing obligations, rather than having expiration dates. It directly affects counties and developers by requesting that local administrative agreements and policies do not impose time limits or restrictions on these credits beyond what state statutes authorize. The resolution aims to clarify that memoranda of agreement between counties and housing agencies are meant to facilitate credit management, not to diminish their value or transferability. By seeking alignment with existing state law, the bill intends to protect the financial incentives for developers and ensure a stable pipeline for affordable housing construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares that affordable housing credits issued in Hawaii are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to meet housing obligations, rather than expiring after a set period. It directly affects local county governments and developers who rely on these credits to fulfill affordable housing requirements under state law. The resolution clarifies that administrative agreements between counties and housing agencies should not impose expiration dates or other restrictions that are not authorized by existing statutes. By ensuring these credits maintain their full value and transferability, the bill aims to protect the financial incentives for developers and support the state's long-term housing goals.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally recognizes open water lifeguards in Hawaii as first responders, acknowledging their specialized training and critical role in emergency response. The bill highlights that these professionals are among the first to arrive at beach emergencies, providing medical aid, rescue services, and scene security similar to police and firefighters. While the resolution does not create new legal requirements, it urges state and county agencies to grant lifeguards the same rights, resources, and professional respect afforded to other first responders. The measure also encourages collaboration among public safety agencies to improve emergency response capabilities across Hawaii's ocean and shoreline environments.