This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the creation of a working group to address staffing shortages and security challenges at Hawaii state courts. The bill focuses on the Department of Law Enforcement's Sheriff Division, which is responsible for securing court facilities but faces persistent vacancies and increased duties without sufficient personnel. The working group will evaluate how to realign staffing levels with expanded responsibilities, improve recruitment and retention, and reduce reliance on private security contractors. Members will include top officials from the judiciary, law enforcement, human resources, and finance to develop structural solutions for long-term fiscal stability and public accountability.
This Senate resolution urges the U.S. Air Force to stop plans for building the AMOS STAR facility, a proposed telescope and research site on the summit of Haleakalā in Maui. The bill directly affects the Air Force and federal agencies managing the project, while also reflecting the concerns of local Native Hawaiian communities and environmental groups. It highlights that the summit is a sacred cultural site and argues that the cumulative development there has already altered the natural and cultural landscape. The resolution calls for the Air Force to halt the project, which would occupy nearly an acre of land and include up to seven telescopes, and suggests that alternative locations exist for space surveillance needs.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests a study to examine how federal housing allowances, such as the Basic Allowance for Housing, affect rental market conditions in Hawaii. The study will be conducted by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism in collaboration with the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization and other stakeholders. It will analyze whether military housing allowances influence rental prices, landlord behavior, and housing availability for local residents, while also assessing the economic benefits of federal housing spending in the state. The final report is due to the Legislature before the start of the 2027 session and will be shared with state officials and the congressional delegation.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Governor of Hawaii to establish a backup plan for filling the Chief Election Officer position if it becomes vacant. The bill directs the Governor to appoint an acting officer from within the Office of Elections, following a specific order of succession based on current staff roles like election support services or counting center operations. This measure aims to ensure there is always someone authorized to manage and certify election results, preventing disruptions during critical election periods. The resolution applies specifically to state election administration and does not change existing laws but rather requests an executive action to clarify succession procedures.
This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create and regularly update public health guidance and educational materials about radiofrequency energy exposure from cellular towers. The bill directs the department to conduct statewide measurements of 5G millimeter wave energy, summarize relevant scientific studies, and explain how exposure occurs and what potential health and environmental effects might result. The guidance must be published on the department's website and made available to the public, including information on how individuals can locate cellular towers in their neighborhoods. This resolution does not mandate specific actions or regulations but instead asks the health department to gather and disseminate information to help the public understand the technology and its potential impacts.
This Senate resolution asks the Legislative Reference Bureau to study whether Hawaii should replace its current appointed Chief Election Officer with an elected Secretary of State to oversee elections. The study will examine existing laws governing election officials and outline the legal steps needed to make such a change, including any new legislation required. The bureau must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This proposal does not implement the change itself but rather initiates research to determine if and how the current election oversight structure could be altered.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education to work together on a permanent program to increase tree coverage at public schools across the state. The bill aims to address rising temperatures that affect student health and learning, particularly in lower-income communities where tree coverage is currently lower. It requests the creation of staff positions to manage the program, which will focus on planting, maintaining trees, and selecting species that provide long-term benefits for climate, health, and education.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Taxation to study how corporations report income, particularly regarding foreign subsidiaries, to help the state plan its long-term budget. The analysis will examine different reporting methods like separate entity or combined reporting, estimate revenue from companies with foreign structures, and compare Hawaii's approach to other states. The department must deliver its findings to the Legislature by late 2026 without changing any tax laws. This request focuses on gathering data to better understand the state's tax base rather than proposing immediate policy changes.
This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to create curriculum plans and programs teaching artificial intelligence literacy in public schools. The proposed curriculum would cover AI fundamentals, ethical use, best practices for academic and professional settings, and how AI relates to Hawaii's history, environment, and culture. The resolution requires the Department to submit these plans to the Legislature at least 20 days before the 2027 session begins. This measure responds to the growing use of AI tools by students nationwide and aims to prepare students for future workforce demands while addressing concerns about misuse and educational equity.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to work with the Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of hiring mental health professionals in public schools. The study would examine staffing ratios, such as one professional for every 250 students or one per school with fewer students, and analyze guidelines for creating safe telehealth spaces during school hours. The resolution directs the departments to prepare a report with findings and recommendations for the Legislature by late 2026. This measure is a non-binding request for information gathering rather than a law that immediately changes policy.
This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Taxation to study how corporations report income, especially regarding foreign subsidiaries, to help plan future state budgets. The analysis will examine different reporting methods, estimate tax revenue from companies with foreign structures, and compare Hawaii's current system with approaches used by other states. The Department must submit its findings to the Legislature by early 2027 without changing any existing tax laws. This study aims to provide data-driven insights for long-term fiscal planning while respecting taxpayer privacy.
This bill requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to work with state and local agencies to evaluate how much infrastructure capacity exists around transit-oriented development areas in Honolulu. The assessment will focus on sewer and water systems to determine what upgrades are needed to support future growth in these neighborhoods. This study aims to identify necessary improvements before new construction begins, ensuring that infrastructure can handle anticipated population increases. The resolution directs copies to relevant city and state officials to coordinate the evaluation process.
