Rep. Nicole Lowen

Appropriates funds to support educational training programs to expand the State's health care workforce, including funding to support health care certification programs offered in public high schools and education programs that support certified nurse assistants in becoming licensed practical nurses. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to alleviate food shortages in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature before the Regular Sessions of 2026 and 2027. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 191 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to create a Kailua Bay Advisory Working Group. This group would include state, county, and community stakeholders to address challenges at Kailua Pier in West Hawai'i, such as vandalism, homelessness, and infrastructure damage, while supporting tourism, cultural activities (like the Queen Lili'uokalani Canoe Race), and Native Hawaiian traditions. The working group would meet monthly to coordinate solutions for safety, maintenance, water quality, and community engagement. It does not create new laws but aims to improve collaboration among agencies managing the pier.

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Appropriates funds for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 40 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state agencies to collaborate with community groups in jointly managing community forests on public lands. It does not create new legal requirements but recommends partnership to enhance forest health and community benefits. The resolution highlights how such collaboration supports health, environmental, and economic advantages linked to community forests, without specifying new policies or mandates.

Maddy summaryHCR 180 is a concurrent resolution requesting coordination among Hawaii's Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, law enforcement agencies, county homeless coordinators, and social service providers to address homelessness. It specifically asks these groups to collaborate on five key actions: preventing encampments near waterways to protect health and environment, reducing trash and abandoned shopping carts causing pollution, improving safety at bus stops and business entrances, connecting homeless individuals with support services, and advancing the Kauhale Initiative for shelter and housing. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but urges existing agencies to work together more effectively. It directly affects county-level homelessness response systems, law enforcement, and social service providers across Hawaii.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding concurrent resolution (not a legislative bill) urging Hawaii's state and county governments to prioritize freshwater protection for coastal waters. It recognizes that freshwater flows from rivers, streams, and groundwater are vital for maintaining healthy coral reefs, native marine species (like 'o'opu fish), and traditional Hawaiian practices, citing the Hawaii Constitution's water protection clauses. The resolution requests agencies develop water management plans and public education efforts to balance human needs with environmental sustainability but does not create new laws or funding requirements. It serves as a symbolic reaffirmation of existing constitutional obligations under Hawaii law.

Maddy summaryHCR 42 is a resolution encouraging Hawaii's counties to develop their own biosecurity plans. It does not require counties to create these plans but urges them to tailor strategies to local challenges like climate, agriculture, and invasive species threats. The resolution emphasizes that plans should prioritize each county's specific needs for preventing harmful plant and animal invasions. It also recommends counties collaborate with each other and state agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, to improve invasive species response efforts.

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for reentry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a non-binding resolution encouraging the City and County of Honolulu to launch a temporary "Summer Streets" pilot program. It proposes closing certain urban streets to motor vehicles during summer months to create safe, shared spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and community activities. The resolution aims to support local businesses, promote sustainable transportation, and align with Hawaii’s environmental goals, though it does not require the city to implement the program or allocate funding. (2 sentences)