Sen. Lorraine Inouye

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 115) requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a Geothermal Energy Working Group. The group would evaluate Hawaii's current rules and policies affecting geothermal energy development, particularly to address regulatory barriers and permit challenges. The working group would include state agency leaders, county representatives, industry stakeholders, and community advocates. This resolution does not create new laws but aims to coordinate a review process to support Hawaii's renewable energy goals. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and geothermal developers by initiating a structured evaluation of the policy environment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 114) urges all Hawaii state departments to establish secure data-sharing agreements with the Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR). It does not create new laws but requests departments partner with OWR to share deidentified, aggregated data - breaking down current silos - to better analyze community needs through OWR’s existing Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard. The resolution emphasizes protecting resident privacy while enabling cross-departmental data integration for evidence-based programs addressing social determinants of health. It directly affects state departments by asking them to collaborate on data-sharing protocols, as mandated by Act 291 (HRS Chapter 27).

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 17) is a symbolic statement from Hawaii's legislature, not a binding law. It endorses Taiwan's participation as an observer in key international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and United Nations climate talks. The resolution also supports negotiations for a U.S.-Taiwan bilateral trade agreement under the existing U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade and commemorates Hawaii's 32-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan. It does not create new policies or affect any specific groups directly but formally expresses Hawaii's support for deeper U.S.-Taiwan economic ties and international cooperation.

Maddy summaryThis is a Hawaii Senate resolution (SR 41), not a legislative bill. It urges the U.S. Congress to establish a national reinsurance program to address insurance market instability caused by frequent, severe natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. The resolution recommends the program operate as a public-private partnership with defined loss thresholds and state opt-in options, aiming to stabilize insurance availability and affordability without replacing private insurers. It does not create new law but calls for Congress to act on this proposal.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 12 requests Hawaii's Department of Health to convene a task force to establish minimum standards for community health worker training programs. The task force must include representatives from each county, community health organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare agencies. It is required to submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2025, without creating new law. This resolution focuses on improving training consistency for community health workers who support underserved populations in navigating healthcare systems.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 53) requests Hawaii's State Health Planning and Development Agency to form a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Working Group. The group, including pharmacy associations, insurers, and state agencies, will evaluate PBM practices to improve transparency, lower drug costs for patients, and increase healthcare access. It will specifically examine issues like fair pharmacy reimbursements, PBM reporting requirements, and practices that restrict patient access. The Working Group must submit recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not change laws but seeks to identify policy reforms for future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (not a bill), expressing Hawaii's legislative support for constructing a floating drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally advocates for the project to the federal government. The resolution highlights the drydock's potential to enhance Navy maintenance capacity, support defense operations, and boost Hawaii's maritime economy. It directs the Senate to send certified copies to the President, Defense Secretary, Navy leadership, and Hawaii's congressional delegation. The resolution serves as a political endorsement of the project's strategic importance, not a binding policy change.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 163 requests the University of Hawaii to study establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. It directs the university to assess its current research capabilities, evaluate benefits for Hawaii residents, and identify requirements to secure federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. The resolution requires the university to develop a phased plan with a timeline and submit a report by December 31, 2025. This resolution directly affects the University of Hawaii and aims to explore potential research opportunities for Alzheimer's disease, particularly considering Hawaii's unique demographic composition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 118) requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to transfer specific active agricultural land leases - identified by Tax Map Keys (3) 4-1-6:7, (3) 2-6-18:1, (3) 4-3-1:2, and (2) 1-8-1:3 - from DLNR to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). The resolution aims to support Hawaii's agricultural sector by placing these lands under DOA's management, as authorized under Act 90 (2003), to ensure continued stewardship of rangelands used for beef cattle production. These parcels are managed by ranchers who provide ecosystem benefits like soil stabilization, weed suppression, and water infiltration while contributing to the state's economy ($48 million annually from cattle industry). The transfer would help maintain active agricultural use of these lands, preventing unmanaged rangelands prone to invasive weeds and fire hazards.

Maddy summarySR 154 is a Senate Resolution requesting the Office of the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the University of Hawaii Foundation. The resolution specifically asks the Auditor to evaluate how the Foundation manages over 7,000 donor gift accounts and $660 million in fundraising funds (from the "For UH For Hawaii" campaign) to ensure effective use of resources supporting University of Hawaii students and faculty. This procedural resolution does not change laws but directs an external review of the Foundation’s fund management practices. The audit would assess transparency and efficiency in handling donations dedicated to specific university programs and projects.