Rep. Nicole Lowen

Maddy summaryHCR 66 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Building Code Council to update Hawaii's building code to allow "point access block" construction for residential buildings up to six stories. This design places units around a central stairway/elevator core (instead of traditional double-loaded corridors with hallways on both sides), enabling better natural lighting, ventilation, and flexible floor plans (including larger 2-4 bedroom units). The resolution highlights that this approach can reduce construction costs (by eliminating extra stairways/hallways), improve energy efficiency, and align with modern fire safety standards using sprinklers. It specifically asks the Council to adopt this change to increase housing supply on limited land.

Maddy summaryHCR 69 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's State Fire Marshal to convene a working group focused on wildfire risk reduction. The group will study regulations defining property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private land and establish minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for tree trimmers near electric utility lines. This follows the 2023 Maui wildfires, which highlighted risks from vegetation near power lines and high fatality rates in tree trimming work. The working group will make recommendations to inform future regulations, but the resolution itself does not create new laws.

Authorizes the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a 4-year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program under certain conditions. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD2)

Establishes labeling requirements for certain premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes. Requires certain manufacturers of covered products to submit for approval, their "DO NOT FLUSH" label notices and symbols to the United States Environmental Protection Agency by 1/1 2026. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 58 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii State Energy Office to form a working group focused on geothermal energy. The working group, including state agency leaders, county planners, industry representatives, and community stakeholders, will evaluate regulatory barriers, permitting challenges, and policy gaps affecting geothermal development. It will assess geothermal’s potential to support Hawaii’s renewable energy goals and provide recommendations for policy reforms by early 2026. This resolution does not create new laws but directs an evaluation to address existing hurdles in developing geothermal energy.

Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses, including those related to the tourism sector, with technology enablement. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 429 appropriates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants, and to purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to expand staffing and facilities. The bill's key provision is the allocation of dedicated funding, which will become available starting July 1, 2050. This legislation focuses on increasing early learning capacity through financial support, without changing existing program rules.

Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to submit an annual report on public charter schools before the opening day of each Regular Session of the Legislature. Requires the Board of Education to review and approve the annual report before the report is issued to the Governor, Legislature, and the public. Takes effect 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 190 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Health to convene a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group. It aims to address Hawaii's landfill capacity crisis by reducing construction and demolition waste, which makes up 21-40% of landfill mass, and aligning with the state's 2045 carbon neutrality goals. The working group would include health department leadership, industry representatives (construction, demolition, reuse, waste management), and community groups to develop strategies for scaling material reuse, removing barriers, and creating policy incentives. The group must submit annual reports with recommendations to the legislature, focusing on environmental justice and reducing landfill reliance. This resolution directly affects the construction sector, waste management industries, and communities near landfills disproportionately exposed to waste-related health risks.

Provides that violent felons that are in violation of the prohibition against owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm or ammunition are subject to a mandatory prison term. (HD1)