Rep. Lisa Marten

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Departments of Land and Natural Resources and Education to create a permanent, statewide program for planting and maintaining trees on public school campuses. The initiative aims to address rising campus temperatures and improve equity by ensuring schools in lower-income areas receive adequate shade and cooling. Key provisions include establishing long-term funding, planning for tree maintenance, and selecting species that provide durable climate and health benefits. The resolution also supports creating dedicated staff positions to manage and sustain the collaborative effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations that are not covered by federal Fair Housing Act protections. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations, assess the impact of accessibility barriers on aging in place, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset the costs of necessary modifications. The working group will include representatives from disability rights, consumer affairs, aging services, civil rights, and housing associations, and must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with utility companies to create a statewide plan for fixing or removing old and unsafe utility poles and power lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk road areas. The plan would involve assessing the condition of aging infrastructure, prioritizing repairs based on safety risks like wildfire potential and traffic volume, and establishing clear rules for who is responsible for maintenance and funding. The Department of Transportation must submit a detailed report to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session outlining the proposed schedule, responsible parties, and any legal barriers to implementation. This resolution does not mandate immediate action but sets up a framework for coordinated planning between state agencies and private utility providers to improve public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges state and city transportation agencies to collaborate with local community groups to develop and improve a network of coastal trails on Oahu's North Shore. The resolution encourages these agencies to actively involve community organizations in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of these trails to promote safe walking and biking options. It highlights existing trail infrastructure and current transportation plans as a foundation for expanding non-vehicular travel routes in the area. The measure does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal request for agencies to prioritize community input on trail development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book aims to speed up permit approvals and lower regulatory barriers for building safe, affordable homes on Oahu. It includes designs for various housing types like accessory dwelling units and mid-rise buildings, incorporates climate-responsive features suited to Hawaii, and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. The bill also calls for a public design competition to generate innovative options and mandates that the final pattern book be made publicly available to streamline construction processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Hawaii's county planning and permitting agencies to deny all applications for building, expanding, or using warehouses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detaining individuals facing deportation. It is based on concerns about the potential for mass incarceration in large facilities, the strain on local resources, and the separation of individuals from their families and legal counsel. The resolution directs copies to planning officials in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties to encourage them to reject such permit requests. It reflects Hawaii's stated values of dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Establishes a Uniform Towing Practices for Public Parking Facilities Working Group within the Department of Transportation to examine existing state and county laws, ordinances, rules, and administrative practices relating to towing from public parking facilities and develop recommendations for uniform standards applicable to towing from state and county parking facilities. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications prescribed by healthcare providers for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, such as ramps or grab bars, when deemed essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but recommends a 45-day timeline to reduce delays causing fall risks and hospitalizations. It applies directly to county permitting departments and affected residents seeking urgent home modifications. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it relies on voluntary county action, not enforcement.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation to fix and update its administrative rules for the Driver Education Program based on recommendations from an auditor's report. The bill directly affects driver education instructors, schools, and students by addressing issues like outdated curriculum certification and inconsistent oversight that have existed for over twenty years. The Department must establish task forces to certify required curricula, develop clear policies and procedures, and submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027. This action aims to bring the program into compliance with existing laws and ensure consistent standards across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2114 creates the Hawaii Benefits Hub within the state's Office of Enterprise Technology Services to centralize access to human services. It requires the Chief Information Officer to develop and implement a single statewide portal for residents to apply for government benefits, replacing current fragmented systems. The bill appropriates funding for this portal's development and operation, effective July 1, 2030. This directly affects Hawaii residents seeking services like food assistance, healthcare, or housing support by simplifying their application process.