Rep. Lisa Marten

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Human Services to form a task force to study how to allow two unrelated private-pay individuals to live together in community care foster family homes. Currently, state law generally restricts these homes to one private-pay client at a time, or two only if they are married or in a civil union. The task force will examine ways to simplify application processes for couples and potentially expand housing options for unrelated individuals while considering impacts on Medicaid recipients. The group will include representatives from health services, care home organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure, operations, or fuel. The bill directly affects utility regulators, energy providers, and ratepayers by mandating that LNG investments be fully amortized by 2045, prohibiting take-or-pay fuel contracts, and ensuring no increased costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui. Key provisions require utilities to share fuel price volatility risks with customers, deny LNG costs if cheaper renewable alternatives exist, and consider how LNG approvals might impact renewable energy development. The resolution also asks the commission to evaluate risks of stranded assets and reliance on single fuel suppliers when determining cost reasonableness.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure, operations, or fuel supply. It directly affects utility companies and ratepayers by requiring that all LNG costs be fully recovered by 2045, eliminating obligations for stranded investments, and ensuring fuel supply agreements allow for a complete phase-out by 2045. The resolution also mandates that LNG approvals must not increase costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui counties, must include protections against fuel price volatility through utility sharing mechanisms, and must deny costs if cleaner alternatives are available or if the commitment exceeds renewable energy needs. Additionally, the bill directs the commission to consider how LNG approvals might impact renewable energy development and to evaluate risks from stranded assets and reliance on single fuel suppliers when reviewing utility costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally acknowledges the health risks posed by air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles to communities across Hawaii. It highlights how traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and lower-income communities living near major roadways. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options to improve public health and air quality. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize these issues and direct copies to relevant state officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to conduct a study on the accuracy and clarity of recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labels sold in the state. The study will examine whether these labels match actual recycling and composting capabilities, identify common contaminants caused by misleading claims, and review existing industry standards. It specifically asks the department to assess products with the chasing arrows symbol, evaluate biodegradable and compostable claims, and analyze the differences between home and industrial composting conditions. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027, which may include proposed new labeling guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the U.S. Navy to attend in-person community meetings regarding the cleanup of the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Oahu, where fuel leaks have contaminated local drinking water. The bill specifically addresses the removal of the Navy's obligation to attend Community Representation Initiative meetings under a 2026 engagement plan, requesting their consistent presence to maintain transparency with affected residents. It also asks the Navy to provide regular public updates on water quality testing, remediation timelines, and environmental safeguards to affected communities. The resolution is directed at the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and focuses on restoring open dialogue between the Navy and local stakeholders impacted by the environmental contamination.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution acknowledges the public health risks posed by air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles, particularly in communities near busy roadways and among vulnerable populations like children and older adults. It highlights how traffic-related pollutants can affect both outdoor and indoor air quality, potentially contributing to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options and directs copies of the document to key state officials to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Health to study how recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labels are used in the state to check if they are accurate and not misleading. The study will examine whether products with common symbols like the chasing arrows triangle are actually recyclable in Hawaii, and whether items labeled as biodegradable or compostable will break down under local conditions. It will also compare consumer expectations with what recycling and composting facilities can actually handle, and review existing labeling standards to find ways to reduce contamination and improve waste sorting. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to provide financial relief to Hawaii households affected by higher prices caused by federal tariffs. It specifically targets families struggling with increased costs for food, fuel, and essential goods, with special attention to low-income residents and those on neighbor islands. The resolution urges Congress to create a rebate or refund program to offset these expenses and to address the constitutional concerns surrounding the tariff policies. It does not create any new laws or programs itself but serves as a formal recommendation to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis Hawaii House resolution endorses Taiwan's participation in international organizations, encourages U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement negotiations, and commemorates Hawaii-Taiwan sister-state relations. The bill directs the state to support Taiwan's observer status in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Criminal Police Organization, while urging the U.S. Trade Representative to begin talks on a double taxation avoidance agreement. Additionally, it marks the 33rd anniversary of the sister-state partnership between Hawaii and Taiwan, highlighting existing cooperation in trade, education, culture, and disaster management. The resolution has no legal binding force and serves primarily as a symbolic statement of state support for these diplomatic and economic initiatives.