This Senate Resolution clarifies that affordable housing credits issued in Hawaii are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to fulfill housing obligations, rather than having expiration dates. It directs county governments to align their administrative policies with state law to ensure these credits retain their full value and transferability without time-based restrictions. The resolution also requests that future agreements between counties and housing agencies avoid adding conditions that could limit the credits' utility or lifespan. This measure aims to provide long-term stability for developers participating in affordable housing programs while ensuring counties recognize these credits as permanent financial tools.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to create an advisory committee focused on developing recommendations for alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oʻahu. The bill builds on existing research from the Breaking Cycles Study, which examined trauma-informed design, cultural integration, and community-based approaches to incarceration reform. The proposed advisory committee would explore how to implement these alternative models, particularly considering the unique cultural and environmental context of the Halawa site for a new correctional facility. This resolution does not mandate specific actions but asks the oversight commission to form a committee to study and propose ways to incorporate restorative justice principles into the state's correctional system.
This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to form an advisory committee to develop recommendations for implementing alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models at a new jail on Oʻahu. The proposed committee would include representatives from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, community organizations, Native Hawaiian health providers, and local stakeholders to guide the planning of the new facility. The resolution directs the committee to incorporate findings from a 2022-2024 study that emphasizes culturally grounded, trauma-informed approaches rooted in Native Hawaiian practices. The advisory committee is specifically asked to consider how the new jail can integrate traditional cultural elements, community engagement, and restorative justice principles in its design and operations.
This bill establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and Yamagata Prefecture in Japan to strengthen existing cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties. The resolution encourages collaboration in specific areas including sustainable tourism, agriculture and food security, education and workforce development, clean energy, and cultural exchange. It authorizes the Governor to work with Yamagata officials to create memoranda of understanding and implement pilot programs focused on culinary exchanges, joint cultural events, student and professional exchanges, and sustainable development initiatives. The bill directs that copies be sent to relevant state and federal officials to facilitate the partnership.
This Senate Resolution asks the Workforce Development Council to create a long-term statewide workforce strategy by 2045 that aims to help all residents find careers enabling them to learn, work, and thrive in Hawaii. The proposed strategy would be included in the State Unified Plan and would focus on improving work-based learning opportunities, expanding living-wage jobs, reducing underemployment, and strengthening partnerships between industries and education providers. It seeks to address concerns about high living costs and limited employment opportunities that have led many residents to consider leaving the state. The resolution directs the council to develop specific plans and measurable goals to guide state and county efforts toward these shared workforce objectives.
This Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws cover decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The Commission would examine if existing rules can properly handle complaints about bias in areas like hiring, housing, and credit checks, and identify any legal or practical challenges in enforcing protections against algorithmic discrimination. The study will also consider whether new guidance or complaint processes are needed to help people understand their rights when facing automated decision-making. The Commission must submit its findings and any recommended laws to the state legislature by early 2027.
This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to conduct a study compiling recommended safe patient staffing ratios for various hospital units and healthcare settings. The study will use existing state bills as a framework and incorporate standards from major professional nursing organizations such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the Society of Pediatric Nurses. The Center is asked to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature and Department of Health by late 2026, with results published on an online dashboard. The resolution also urges healthcare facilities to consider implementing the compiled staffing standards to improve patient safety and nurse retention.
This Senate Resolution establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and Yamagata Prefecture in Japan to strengthen collaboration in trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. The resolution outlines specific pilot programs for culinary and agricultural exchanges, culinary tourism showcases, education and workforce development, and sustainable development initiatives. It directs the Governor to work with Japanese officials to create memoranda of understanding that will guide future cooperation in areas like food security, climate resilience, and rural revitalization.
This Senate Resolution from Hawaii requests that the U.S. President and Congress provide Ukraine with additional weapons to defend against Russian attacks and reclaim territories recognized under international law. The bill does not have the power to authorize funding or change federal policy, as it is a non-binding resolution that serves only to express the state's position. It highlights the ongoing conflict's humanitarian impact and calls for continued U.S. support to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and security. The resolution also urges President Trump to negotiate the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.
This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development to conduct a comprehensive review of state civil service job descriptions and classifications to modernize the workforce and improve recruitment and retention. The review will assess whether current job descriptions accurately reflect today's duties and skills, evaluate classification structures for outdated or fragmented categories, and analyze salary competitiveness against private and public sector markets. Additionally, the resolution explores the potential use of artificial intelligence tools to assist in analyzing job data, with strict safeguards ensuring human oversight and compliance with civil service protections. The department is asked to consult with employees and unions, develop implementation recommendations, and submit a final report to the Legislature by early 2027.
This Senate Resolution urges the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to create a clearer system for handling parking violations at its small boat harbors, which are located across Hawaii. The bill specifically asks the agency to improve signage that explains parking rules, fees, and penalties so drivers understand the regulations before arriving. It also recommends that the agency use warnings before towing vehicles for minor violations, reserving enforcement officers for their primary conservation duties rather than routine parking tickets. This measure applies to all sixteen small boat harbors under the division's jurisdiction and aims to ensure parking spaces are used by their intended users.
This Senate Resolution urges four state housing agencies in Hawaii to develop a housing ladder program designed to help individuals and families move from subsidized housing into non-subsidized, market-rate housing. The proposed program would include services such as financial counseling, workforce training, transitional rental assistance, and partnerships with private housing providers to support upward mobility. As a Senate Resolution, this bill does not create new laws or funding but instead requests that the agencies collaborate to create a plan and report their findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.
