Rep. Nicole Lowen

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 124) is a symbolic statement, not a law, affirming Hawaii's constitutional duty to protect freshwater flows that sustain nearshore marine ecosystems. It recognizes that freshwater from rivers, streams, and groundwater is essential for healthy coral reefs, native species like the 'o'opu fish, and traditional Hawaiian practices. The resolution urges state and county agencies to prioritize freshwater protection through management plans and public education, referencing Hawaii's Constitution (Articles XI, Sections 1 and 7) that require water resource conservation. It does not create new legal requirements but emphasizes the connection between freshwater health and marine ecosystem resilience. The resolution directly affects Hawaii's coastal communities, marine habitats, and Native Hawaiian cultural practices reliant on these ecosystems.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a House Resolution (not a binding bill) encouraging Honolulu to create a temporary "Summer Streets" pilot program. It urges the City and County of Honolulu to temporarily close certain streets to cars during summer months, allowing safe space for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and community activities in urban areas and neighborhoods. The resolution cites benefits including promoting physical activity, supporting local businesses, reducing emissions, and aligning with Hawaii's sustainability goals. It does not fund or mandate the program, but formally asks Honolulu officials to consider implementing it. (H.R. 173, 2025 Hawaii Legislature)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 184) requests Hawaii’s Department of Health to establish a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group. It directly affects state agencies, the construction and demolition industries, and community groups focused on environmental justice and circular economy practices. The working group must develop strategies to reduce construction/demolition waste, scale material reuse, align with Hawaii’s carbon neutrality goals (by 2045), and create policy recommendations. The resolution requires the group to include health officials, industry representatives, and community experts, and to submit annual reports to the legislature with findings and proposed actions.

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (not a bill), urging Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state agencies to collaborate with community groups on managing community forests located on public lands. It calls for shared stewardship of these forests - such as those in state parks, school grounds, and neighborhoods - to improve forest health and community well-being. The resolution highlights benefits like cleaner air, economic support for local businesses, and alignment with traditional Hawaiian practices, but does not create new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHCR 106 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii State Energy Office to study whether establishing a green bonds program is feasible for the state. It directs the office to evaluate best practices for managing such a program, identify clean energy projects that could benefit from it, and explore public-private partnerships. The study must also examine how green bonds align with existing climate goals, including Hawaii’s 2035 renewable energy target. The office must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution does not create new law or funding - it only asks for a feasibility assessment.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 102) requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to study whether the state could establish a green bonds program. The study must evaluate best practices for managing such a program, identify clean energy projects that could benefit from it, and explore partnerships between state agencies and private sector groups. Green bonds would be a funding mechanism specifically for environmental projects like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation. The Energy Office must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not create new law but seeks information to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the State Building Code Council to update Hawaii's building code to allow "point access block" construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Point access blocks are compact designs where units center around a single stairway/core (instead of requiring double-loaded corridors), aiming to improve natural lighting, ventilation, and floor plan flexibility while reducing construction costs. The resolution cites Honolulu's existing allowance for this design and argues it supports efficient land use and housing supply without compromising fire safety, as modern sprinkler systems reduce historical fire risks.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 36) encourages all counties in Hawaii to develop their own biosecurity plans focused on local invasive species threats. It does not create new laws but urges counties to prioritize their unique needs - such as climate, agriculture, or transportation risks - in creating these plans. The resolution also recommends counties collaborate with each other, the state Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It is a non-binding recommendation, not a mandate.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 106) requests the State Auditor to audit the Hawaii Department of Education's capital improvement project finances. It directs the audit to examine how funds were spent since 2021, including project prioritization, to address $2 billion in unspent capital funds and ensure efficient repairs for aging school facilities (over 20% of schools are 100+ years old). The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. The resolution does not allocate new funds or change policies, but seeks transparency in existing spending.

Maddy summaryHCR 110 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Auditor to audit the Hawaii Department of Education's capital improvement project finances since 2021. The audit will examine how $1 billion in capital funds was spent (received during 2021-2023), including project prioritization, and address $2 billion in unspent funds as of January 2024. The Auditor must submit a report to the Legislature by February 2026, detailing findings and potential recommendations to improve transparency and efficiency in school facility repairs.