Proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution to provide that freedom of speech protected under the Hawaii State Constitution does not include the expenditure of money to influence elections. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to create and annually update a wildfire hazard map. Requires private and public property owners to trim grasses within certain proximities of public rights of way and utility lines, enforced by the State Fire Marshal as to State-owned land and the applicable county fire department as to privately owned land. Authorizes electric utility companies to enter private or public property to trim or remove hazardous vegetation. Appropriates funds. Effective 6/1/2050. (SD2)
Maddy summarySCR 147 is a non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the state to move the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. It does not change laws or create new programs, but requests the administrative handling of the commission be transferred for operational efficiency. The resolution states the Office of Planning is better equipped to manage the commission’s work on climate resilience issues like sea-level rise and wildfires. This transfer would affect how the commission is run day-to-day, not its policy responsibilities. The resolution was passed by the Senate and House in 2025, directing it to be sent to the Governor and relevant agency heads.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 146) requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to form a working group to review the Commission on Water Resource Management. The working group will examine the commission's purpose and determine if its leadership structure and member composition should be changed. The resolution specifically asks the group to evaluate recommendations like clarifying the commission's public trust role, reviewing independent counsel, and considering whether certain leadership positions should be kept or replaced. This is a procedural request for organizational review, not a direct policy change.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 170) requests the State Auditor to audit how the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) spent $600 million appropriated under Act 279 (2022), which aimed to eliminate a waitlist of over 28,000 native Hawaiian beneficiaries for land and housing. It specifically targets DHHL's compliance with reporting requirements under Act 279, following the department's failure to submit its required 2024 Annual Activity Report detailing fund usage and beneficiary assistance. The audit will verify whether funds were properly allocated to projects like land development and housing, as mandated by Act 279 and the 2020 Beneficiaries Study.
Maddy summarySCR 189 is a procedural resolution requesting the State Auditor to audit how the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) used $600 million in funds appropriated under Act 279 (2022). It specifically requires an audit of DHHL's spending to eliminate the waitlist for native Hawaiian beneficiaries, as the department has not submitted its required Annual Activity Report for 2024. The resolution stems from concerns that over 28,700 beneficiaries remain on the waitlist despite the funding, and DHHL reportedly allocated the full $600 million by early 2025 without proper reporting. This is a transparency measure, not a policy change, directly affecting DHHL's accountability for public funds.
Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding Senate Resolution (SR 106) passed by Hawaii's 2025 legislature. It urges the U.S. President not to defund federal law enforcement programs that support Hawaii's agencies, including county police departments and the Attorney General's office. The resolution cites Hawaii's reliance on approximately $3.8 billion in federal grants (2023) for programs like anti-drug initiatives and victim assistance. It does not change funding laws but formally expresses the legislature's position on federal funding priorities.
Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a bill) passed by the Hawaii Legislature urging the U.S. President not to defund federal law enforcement programs in Hawaii. It cites that Hawaii received $3.8 billion in federal grants in 2023 for law enforcement programs like anti-drug initiatives and victim assistance, and warns that defunding would hinder responses to threats like human trafficking and gun violence. The resolution formally requests the President maintain this funding but has no legal effect.
Maddy summarySCR 214 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting collaboration between Hawaii's Department of Education and Department of Law Enforcement to enhance safety at public elementary schools and state prekindergarten campuses. It specifically encourages these departments to create a memorandum of understanding for sheriffs to be stationed at campuses within the Campbell-Kapolei complex area. The resolution also requires the Department of Education to submit a report with findings and recommendations - including potential legislation - to the Legislature by 2027. This is a procedural request, not a new law, focusing on interdepartmental coordination and reporting. It directly affects school safety planning for young children in these specific educational settings.
Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 189), not a bill, requesting collaboration between Hawaii's Department of Education and Department of Law Enforcement. It encourages these agencies to create a memorandum of understanding for sheriffs to serve at public elementary schools and state prekindergarten campuses in the Campbell-Kapolei complex area. The resolution also requires the Department of Education to submit a report with findings and recommendations - including any proposed legislation - to the Legislature by January 2027 and 2028. It does not create new laws or security requirements but seeks to improve safety coordination through interagency collaboration.
