Maddy summarySCR 203 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to study the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and identify requirements for securing federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. It directs the university to assess its current research capabilities, evaluate potential benefits for Hawaii residents (especially considering the state's large Asian American and Pacific Islander population), and outline steps to meet federal grant criteria. The resolution requires the university to submit a report by December 31, 2025, including a phased plan with timelines for feasibility assessment and potential center development. This is a non-binding request focused on exploration, not policy implementation.
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Maddy summarySCR 150 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Transportation to convene a working group to develop and recommend federal, state, and county subsidy programs for waterborne cargo transport. This follows a report highlighting Hawaii's heavy reliance on waterborne cargo (98% of imported goods) and noting shipping costs increase consumer prices by up to 7.5%, with no existing subsidies for general cargo transport compared to agricultural air cargo. The working group must include state and county officials, water carriers, and relevant departments, and provide a report by 2026. The resolution aims to address economic and food security impacts tied to Hawaii's geographic dependence on maritime shipping.
Maddy summarySCR 149 is a concurrent resolution requesting the State Fire Marshal to form a working group to study vegetation management practices on public and private property to reduce wildfire risks. The group will examine the responsibilities of property owners, renters, and others with land use rights for managing vegetation, and develop recommendations for safety standards and training for workers trimming trees near power lines. This resolution does not create new laws but seeks to inform future regulations through a formal study focused on wildfire prevention and worker safety.
Establishes the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the University of Hawaii Foundation. The foundation manages over 7,000 donor accounts and handles more than $660 million in funds raised for the University of Hawaii System. The audit aims to evaluate how effectively the foundation uses these funds to support students and faculty, ensuring transparency and accountability in its management.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 148) expresses the Hawaii Legislature's strong support for constructing a floating drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. It directly supports the U.S. Navy's maintenance operations by enabling the shipyard to service submarines and surface vessels more effectively. The resolution highlights that the project would strengthen national defense, create high-paying jobs in Hawaii, and boost the state's maritime and defense industries. As a non-binding resolution, it does not fund the project but urges federal officials to advance the initiative, citing prior authorization under Act 45 (2019) that was never implemented due to cost overruns.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 113 (SR 113) urges Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) to submit a detailed report to the legislature on the true costs of producing school meals. The resolution requires the DOE to provide itemized cost breakdowns - including ingredient sourcing, operational expenses, beverage costs, and distribution logistics - for the 2024-2025 and projected 2025-2026/2026-2027 school years. It also mandates data on meal types (full-price, reduced-price, free) and total costs to ensure transparency around proposed price increases (e.g., from $2.50 to $4.75 per meal). The report must be submitted 20 days before Hawaii's 2026 legislative session. This resolution does not change meal prices but seeks factual data to inform future decisions.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 120) requests the Office of the State Fire Marshal to convene a working group to study vegetation management practices on public and private property. The group will examine who is responsible for managing vegetation (property owners, lessees, utility permittees, etc.) to reduce wildfire risk, and develop recommendations for safety standards, training, and qualifications for workers trimming trees near power lines ("line clearance tree trimmers"). It specifically aims to address wildfire risks highlighted by the 2023 Maui fires and the high fatality rate in tree-trimming work. The resolution does not create new laws but seeks recommendations to guide future regulations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's state boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of their Executive Directors (or equivalent roles exempt from civil service law). The reviews would assess how well these leaders meet state goals and statutory mandates, though the resolution itself is non-binding. It applies specifically to boards/commissions with exempt leadership positions, not to all state employees. The measure is procedural and does not create new legal requirements.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests Hawaii's Attorney General to compile and provide a list of state lands currently leased to the U.S. or federal agencies, including details on lease terms such as the $1 annual rent for military sites. It directs the Attorney General to also assess whether current leasing practices comply with state constitutional or legal requirements. The resolution is procedural and does not change existing leases or impose new obligations. It focuses solely on gathering information to inform future decisions about state land management.