Rep. Lisa Marten

Amends the definition of "child abuse or neglect" to clarify that the failure to provide certain needs to a child shall not constitute child abuse or neglect if the sole reason the person responsible for the care of the child is unable to adequately provide for the child's care is lack of financial resources; and evidence of parental request for support shall not be deemed as evidence of child abuse and neglect. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 159 urges the City and County of Honolulu, County of Maui, County of Hawaii, and County of Kauai to create and maintain an electronic public list of hurricane refuges and shelters. The resolution specifies that the list must include location details, hurricane category capacity (minimum category one), shelter capacity, pet-friendliness, and accessibility accommodations for people with functional needs. It also encourages counties to collaborate with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to develop a statewide list, though the resolution does not mandate implementation. The bill is non-binding and focuses on improving public access to critical emergency information during storms.

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.

Establishes the Condominium Loan Program to provide condominium associations with low-cost financing, or refinancing for previously obtained loans, for maintenance or repair projects. Establishes the Condominium Loan Loss Reserves Program to incentivize lenders to provide loans at competitive rates and terms to condominium associations for the purpose of allowing condominium associations to make necessary maintenance or repairs. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHR 181 is a House Resolution (not a law) requesting the Governor, state agencies, and utility stakeholders to accelerate Hawaii's clean energy transition. It asks for immediate action to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, aiming to lower electricity costs - currently the highest in the U.S. (42.39¢/kWh vs. national average of 16¢) - and protect consumers, particularly low-income households spending up to 20% of income on energy. The resolution emphasizes equitable access to renewable energy for underserved communities and aligns with Executive Order 25-01’s goals for 100% renewable energy. It does not mandate changes but urges coordinated efforts through existing state frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 124) is a symbolic statement, not a law, affirming Hawaii's constitutional duty to protect freshwater flows that sustain nearshore marine ecosystems. It recognizes that freshwater from rivers, streams, and groundwater is essential for healthy coral reefs, native species like the 'o'opu fish, and traditional Hawaiian practices. The resolution urges state and county agencies to prioritize freshwater protection through management plans and public education, referencing Hawaii's Constitution (Articles XI, Sections 1 and 7) that require water resource conservation. It does not create new legal requirements but emphasizes the connection between freshwater health and marine ecosystem resilience. The resolution directly affects Hawaii's coastal communities, marine habitats, and Native Hawaiian cultural practices reliant on these ecosystems.

Maddy summaryHCR 87 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education to establish an annual Climate Week in all public schools. It directly affects public school students statewide by requiring schools to integrate climate awareness, education, and sustainability initiatives into their curriculum during this dedicated week. Key mechanisms include collaborating with environmental organizations and supporting student-led climate action projects. The resolution does not create new laws but requests the Department of Education to develop this program, citing gaps in current climate education for students. It is modeled after similar initiatives in New York and the UN, aiming to address youth climate anxiety through structured educational engagement.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 184) requests Hawaii’s Department of Health to establish a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group. It directly affects state agencies, the construction and demolition industries, and community groups focused on environmental justice and circular economy practices. The working group must develop strategies to reduce construction/demolition waste, scale material reuse, align with Hawaii’s carbon neutrality goals (by 2045), and create policy recommendations. The resolution requires the group to include health officials, industry representatives, and community experts, and to submit annual reports to the legislature with findings and proposed actions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Hawaii's Governor to establish a task force focused on improving public-military relations in the state. It directly affects Hawaii residents and the military community, particularly those living near military installations on Oahu. The task force would include the Governor, legislative leaders, Honolulu's mayor, and the military commander, and must consider ways the public can benefit from military resources like water, recreational facilities, housing, and job opportunities. The resolution requires the task force to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2025. It is non-binding and aims to address community concerns following incidents like the Red Hill fuel leaks.

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (not a bill), urging Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state agencies to collaborate with community groups on managing community forests located on public lands. It calls for shared stewardship of these forests - such as those in state parks, school grounds, and neighborhoods - to improve forest health and community well-being. The resolution highlights benefits like cleaner air, economic support for local businesses, and alignment with traditional Hawaiian practices, but does not create new legal requirements.