Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. Department of Defense to review and potentially reopen its environmental cleanup decisions at military sites in Hawaii, specifically regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It calls for expanded investigations beyond areas previously linked to firefighting foam to include all historical uses of PFAS-containing materials, equipment, and waste streams at military facilities. The measure requests that the Department of Defense apply updated scientific knowledge and recent federal hazardous substance designations to assess groundwater, soil, and water contamination more thoroughly before closing sites.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to create a committee to plan a new K-12 Hawaiian language immersion school in Kapolei. The committee would include education officials, teachers, community members, and parents to develop an action plan that addresses facility needs, teacher recruitment, and curriculum development. The resolution outlines a phased timeline to open kindergarten through second grade by the 2027-2028 school year, with additional grades added in subsequent years. It also requests that the Department of Education allocate initial faculty and administrative positions to support the program's launch.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer land parcels for the East Kapolei Transit-Oriented Development Project to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. It also urges the Housing Corporation to partner with the Hawaii Community Development Authority to help develop non-housing parts of the project, such as commercial and retail spaces. The resolution is based on the Housing Corporation's existing expertise in housing development and its established partnerships with other agencies for similar projects. This bill does not mandate any action but expresses the legislature's preference for how state agencies should organize their responsibilities for this development.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution directs the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on the state's food manufacturing strengths and strategic export markets. The study will assess competitive advantages, define high-value products, analyze production costs, and identify logistical barriers to international trade. It also requests collaboration with the University of Hawaii and other agencies to update educational programs and align funding with identified export opportunities. The resolution aims to support small businesses in scaling production for premium markets while accounting for Hawaii's high operational costs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses support for using the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to provide interim loans for predevelopment costs on government affordable housing projects in Hawaii. The measure aims to help cover expenses like site analysis, technical studies, design work, and permit preparation before construction begins. It specifies that developers would repay these loans through the project's permanent financing source to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. This resolution does not change existing laws but formally endorses a funding approach to help expedite affordable housing delivery.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 15) requests collaboration between Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Education, and State Public Charter School Commission to create a student-led coral stewardship program. The program would educate students and the public about reef-safe sunscreen practices (avoiding harmful chemicals like oxybenzone) and promote coral reef protection at state beaches. It requires the departments to develop the program and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027, including student input and recommendations for future action. The initiative directly affects public charter schools and students, focusing on voluntary education rather than enforcement.

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 summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Tourism Authority to create a working group to study agricultural tourism laws and offer suggestions for improving the industry. The group will review current regulations across the state to address inconsistencies in how different counties define and permit agricultural tourism activities. Members will include representatives from tourism, agriculture, local governments, and farming organizations, along with industry experts from key crops like coffee and macadamia nuts. The working group must submit its findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by early 2027, with the group dissolving by June 2027.