This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of requiring water suppliers to adjust fluoride levels in public water systems to match the optimal levels recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The study would examine how requiring fluoridation could improve oral health for residents, particularly since most Hawaii residents currently lack access to fluoridated water. The Department of Health would submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026, which could inform future policy decisions about water fluoridation in the state.
This Senate Resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu to review and potentially adjust bicycle lanes and on-street parking to better match the direction of vehicle traffic, particularly on one-way streets. The bill aims to improve safety for bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians by reducing conflicts that occur when bikes travel against traffic flow or when parked cars block visibility at driveways. It is a non-binding recommendation sent to city officials to consider these changes as part of their existing safety initiatives.
This Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation to fix and update its rules for the state Driver Education Program based on recommendations from a 2025 auditor report. The bill directs the department to address issues like missing curriculum certifications, inconsistent instructor training processes, and outdated administrative procedures that have caused confusion for students and instructors. It requires the department to submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027 showing what changes have been made and how the program will be improved.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the cost and scope of conducting a statewide survey of Mahu, LGBTQIA+, and QTPI+ communities in Hawaii. The study would explore how to design a culturally respectful data collection effort that estimates population size and examines issues like healthcare access, economic stability, housing, and experiences of discrimination. It also seeks recommendations on methodological approaches, privacy protections, community engagement strategies, and potential funding sources for such a survey. The final report with findings and timelines is to be submitted to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.
This bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that asks the City and County of Honolulu to consider renaming the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant to a name that is not of Native Hawaiian origin. The resolution is based on concerns that the traditional Hawaiian name "Honouliuli" may carry unintended negative associations with a sewage facility, potentially affecting how residents in the area are perceived. It requests that the city explore alternative names while consulting with community stakeholders, including Native Hawaiian organizations and local residents, during the renaming process. The resolution also directs the city to report back to the Legislature within one year on the progress of any renaming efforts, including proposed names and community feedback.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution formally recognizes and expresses appreciation for the United States Armed Forces' contributions to Hawaii's emergency preparedness, response capacity, and community resilience. The bill references specific instances where military support was critical, including the aeromedical evacuation of burn victims after the Aliamanu fireworks explosion and assistance during the 2023 Maui wildfires. It highlights the unique capabilities of the armed forces in providing specialized medical transport, logistical resources, and personnel support when civilian resources are limited. The resolution also notes existing community appreciation events like Military Appreciation Day and the Kaneohe Bay Air Show as demonstrations of ongoing collaboration. Finally, it calls for continued coordination between state, county, federal, and military partners to strengthen emergency response efforts and protect residents' health and safety.
This bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that requests the Hawaii Department of Education to make one year of Hawaiian language instruction a mandatory graduation requirement for all public school students. The resolution is based on the state's constitutional designation of Hawaiian as an official language and aims to support language revitalization efforts that have previously helped increase fluent speakers. It does not change existing law directly but formally asks the Department of Education to implement this new requirement as part of its graduation standards. The measure would affect all public high school students in Hawaii by making Hawaiian language study compulsory for graduation.
This Senate Resolution encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to introduce a basic swimming course at either the primary or secondary education level. The measure aims to address high drowning rates and water safety disparities by promoting access to swimming skills for students. It does not mandate funding or curriculum changes but serves as a formal recommendation to state education officials. The resolution is directed to the Superintendent of Education and the Chairperson of the Board of Education for their consideration.
This Senate resolution expresses the Hawaii Legislature's support for implementing recommendations from all cycles of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review that apply to the state. The bill does not create new laws or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal statement of commitment to human rights principles outlined in UN reviews. It encourages greater participation in UN human rights and sustainable development processes and directs copies of the resolution to relevant UN officials and Hawaii's congressional delegation.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution expresses the Hawaii Legislature's support for implementing recommendations from all cycles of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review where applicable to the state. The document formally endorses the promotion of human rights principles based on United Nations Charter standards and encourages greater participation in international human rights and sustainable development processes. Certified copies of the resolution will be sent to the United Nations Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and members of Hawaii's congressional delegation. This resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of legislative intent and commitment to international human rights standards.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General to study whether current self-defense laws need updating for agricultural lands. The bill directly affects farmers and ranchers who may face unique challenges due to the isolated nature of their work and limited access to law enforcement. The study will examine how existing self-defense standards apply to agricultural settings, consult with law enforcement and agricultural stakeholders, and compare Hawaii's laws with those of other states. The Attorney General must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027, potentially including proposed legislation. This is a procedural resolution that initiates a review rather than changing any laws immediately.
This Senate Resolution urges the U.S. Department of Defense to reevaluate past environmental cleanup decisions at military installations in Hawaii regarding PFAS contamination. The bill calls for expanded investigations beyond just areas where firefighting foam was used, to include all potential sources of PFAS chemicals across various facilities and operational areas. It requests that the Defense Department use comprehensive testing methods capable of detecting all 40 known PFAS compounds rather than just a limited subset, and reassess sites previously closed due to limited sampling. This resolution directly affects federal military operations in Hawaii and seeks to ensure more thorough environmental assessments in light of new scientific data and federal hazardous substance designations.
