Sen. Les Ihara

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian governor of any U.S. state and highlights his long-term service in roles including chairing the Democratic Governors Association and the Education Commission of the States. By formally nominating him, the Legislature initiates the process for his recognition under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 5-7.6, which requires nominees to have achieved national or international recognition and demonstrated extraordinary service to the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Health to coordinate the stockpiling of a three-year supply of mifepristone, a medication commonly used in medical abortions. The resolution is based on concerns about potential disruptions to the medication's supply chain and aims to ensure continued access to abortion care within the state. It directs the Department of Health to determine the appropriate quantities for this stockpile and requires sending a copy of the resolution to the state's health director. The measure does not mandate specific actions but serves as a formal recommendation to the health department regarding medication availability.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and have made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian elected governor of any U.S. state, his leadership roles in national education and health policy, and his ongoing civic engagement as justification for the nomination. The bill directs the Senate to formally nominate him to the Aloha Order of Merit Committee and relevant state officials for consideration of induction.

Amends the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) to require contractors who perform agency functions to retain records following the retention schedule of the agency and to provide the agency access to the records upon request. Establishes that all records retained by an agency function contractor shall be deemed government records for the purposes of the UIPA. Exempts contracts entered into by the Employees' Retirement System. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Prohibits foreign nationals, foreign corporations, and foreign-influenced business entities from making contributions, expenditures, electioneering communications, or donations for election purposes. Requires every for-profit business entity that contributes or expends funds in a state election to certify that the entity was not a foreign corporation or foreign-influenced business entity when the contribution or expenditure was made. Specifies that if the conditions that determine whether a business entity qualifies as a foreign‑influenced business entity are held unconstitutional by a final judgment, including all appeals, the Campaign Spending Commission is required to establish revised conditions that are constitutional. Requires noncandidate committees making only independent expenditures to obtain a statement of certification from each top contributor required to be listed in an advertisement avowing that no funds were derived from foreign nationals, foreign corporations, or foreign-influenced business entities. Exempts entities engaged in transporting cargo and subject to section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Adds definitions of "identifier" and "specified data element" and amends the definition of "personal information" for the purposes of notifying affected persons of data and security breaches under the State's data breach notification law. Includes telecommunications carriers subject to and in compliance with certain federal provisions among the businesses deemed compliant with this law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address youth loneliness and social disconnection. The program would involve trained student peer counselors who receive standardized instruction in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices to help identify and support students experiencing isolation. Key provisions include collaboration between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience, with the Hawaii State Youth Commission providing input on program design and evaluation. The resolution emphasizes face-to-face peer relationships and clear referral pathways to licensed mental health professionals while maintaining centralized oversight across the state's public education system.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Public Utilities Commission to hold at least two public community meetings before approving major energy projects that would be located in affected communities. The bill defines major energy projects as those with a capital cost of $10 million or more, including solar farms, wind facilities, battery storage, and grid modernization. While the resolution does not create new legal requirements, it formally requests the commission to engage with local residents and stakeholders to gather input on these infrastructure developments. The measure aims to ensure communities have a voice in energy decisions that impact their neighborhoods and to address concerns about equitable distribution of energy project benefits.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to hold at least two public community meetings before approving major energy projects that would be built in affected communities. The bill defines major energy projects as those costing $10 million or more, including solar farms, wind facilities, battery storage, and other infrastructure. While the resolution does not change law, it formally requests the commission to gather community input to address concerns about energy equity and ensure local residents have a voice in decisions that impact their neighborhoods. The measure aims to promote transparency and reduce conflicts that could delay construction of clean energy projects.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create artificial intelligence literacy curricula and programs for public schools. The bill aims to address the growing use of AI tools by students while ensuring they receive formal instruction on how to use these technologies responsibly and effectively. Key provisions include defining AI concepts, teaching ethical considerations, and incorporating local context related to Hawaii's history and culture. The Department of Education must submit the developed curriculum plans to the Legislature at least twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session begins.