Sen. Les Ihara

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the creation of a working group to address staffing shortages and security challenges at Hawaii state courts. The bill focuses on the Department of Law Enforcement's Sheriff Division, which is responsible for securing court facilities but faces persistent vacancies and increased duties without sufficient personnel. The working group will evaluate how to realign staffing levels with expanded responsibilities, improve recruitment and retention, and reduce reliance on private security contractors. Members will include top officials from the judiciary, law enforcement, human resources, and finance to develop structural solutions for long-term fiscal stability and public accountability.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to create curriculum plans and programs teaching artificial intelligence literacy in public schools. The proposed curriculum would cover AI fundamentals, ethical use, best practices for academic and professional settings, and how AI relates to Hawaii's history, environment, and culture. The resolution requires the Department to submit these plans to the Legislature at least 20 days before the 2027 session begins. This measure responds to the growing use of AI tools by students nationwide and aims to prepare students for future workforce demands while addressing concerns about misuse and educational equity.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address loneliness and social disconnection. The bill asks the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience to work together to develop a program that trains students in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices. It emphasizes providing standardized training with clear referral pathways to licensed mental health professionals while prioritizing face-to-face peer relationships and culturally appropriate approaches. The resolution also requests the Hawaii State Youth Commission to help design and evaluate the program to ensure it meets student needs and maintains cultural responsiveness.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the creation of a working group to study staffing shortages and security challenges at Hawaii state courts. The group would examine how the Department of Law Enforcement has expanded duties without matching increases in Deputy Sheriff positions, leading to reliance on private security contractors. The working group would include leaders from the judiciary, law enforcement, human resources, finance, and the attorney general to evaluate solutions for stabilizing public security staffing and reducing long-term costs of private contracts.

Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Department of Land and Natural Resources, in consultation with the Department of Health, to submit to the Legislature a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement prior to the Regular Session of 2027. (SD1)

Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the application of restricted use pesticides within a half-mile radius of elderly health care facilities, with certain exemptions. (SD1)

Requires that whenever there is a difference between the English and Hawaii version of law that is material to its interpretation, priority shall be given to the language that aligns with the intent of the legislature as evidenced by legislative history, context, and purpose. Clarifies that Hawaiian shall not be required for public acts and transactions, but is welcomed. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 2298 requires common interest communities (like homeowner associations) to include specific language on proxy forms about how owners can select representatives for meetings. This directly affects community members who use proxies to vote on behalf of their property. The bill mandates clearer disclosure of proxy selection options in the forms themselves, ensuring owners understand their choices. The bill is currently pending committee review after its January 2026 introduction.

Requires a seller of real property adjacent to the shoreline, and the seller's agent, to disclose and include in all advertisements certain shoreline erosion issues related to the parcel. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Clarifies that cooperative associations organized under chapter 421C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, may include multi-stakeholder cooperatives, producer cooperatives, workers cooperatives, and consumer cooperatives. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)