Sen. Carol Fukunaga

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 18) requests the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to collaborate with the Department of Transportation to use existing inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. It directly affects inmates participating in furlough programs (who gain work experience for reentry), the Corrections Department (which must coordinate the effort), and Transportation (which would gain additional maintenance staff). The resolution proposes using eligible inmates - already in furlough programs for reentry preparation - to perform routine road maintenance tasks like pothole repair and vegetation control. This is a procedural request, not a new law, aiming to support inmate rehabilitation while addressing workforce needs for highway upkeep.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 25) encourages all Hawaii counties to develop their own localized biosecurity plans to address invasive species threats. It specifically urges counties to prioritize their unique needs - based on local climate, agriculture, and infrastructure - while collaborating with state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. The resolution does not create new legal requirements but promotes coordinated, county-driven strategies to protect ecosystems, agriculture, and public health from invasive species. It applies directly to all 5 Hawaii counties (Honolulu, Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Molokai).

Maddy summarySCR 43 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution supporting the implementation of Hawaii's Revised 2025 Patient Bill of Rights. It directly affects patients, health insurers, and healthcare providers by requiring clear, plain-language explanations of coverage, updated provider directories, and streamlined specialist referrals. Key provisions include mandating AI accountability for coverage decisions, prohibiting retrospective denial of emergency care, and establishing stronger appeal processes with online resources and toll-free support. The resolution also emphasizes network adequacy in rural areas and Health Professional Shortage Areas, requiring insurers to report regional access metrics quarterly. This resolution recommends adopting these modernized patient protections to address current challenges like AI-driven denials and provider shortages.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 26) is a procedural measure that strongly supports and recommends implementing the *Revised 2025 Hawaii Patient Bill of Rights*. It does not create new law but advocates for modernizing Hawaii’s existing Patient Bill of Rights - over 25 years old - to address current challenges like AI-driven insurance denials, provider shortages, and data security gaps. The resolution specifically highlights the need for clearer insurance explanations, updated provider directories, streamlined appeals processes, and stronger enforcement for patients in rural/shortage areas. It directly affects all Hawaii health insurance enrollees, providers, and insurers by urging adoption of these revised patient protections.

Clarifies that the importation of any pest or material infested or infected with an insect or other animal, disease, or pest is prohibited. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to administratively inspect any article imported or moved into the State from the continental United States or between the Hawaiian Islands. Prohibits the sale, barter, or donation of items or material that is a pest, is infested or infected with a pest, or prohibited from being sold. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to compel the quarantine, treatment, or destruction of certain materials. Clarifies penalties for various quarantine and import law violations, based in part on whether violations were knowingly committed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025, temporarily reinstates the Technology Infrastructure Renovation Tax Credit and expands the definition of "technology-enabled infrastructure" to include data servers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Proposes to amend article XVII, section 3 of the Hawaii State Constitution regarding the standard for ratification of a constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, to require that a majority of all the votes tallied upon the question be a "yes" vote, and not include blank, spoiled, and over votes in determining whether a majority was reached. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes that if a state legislative vacancy occurs due to the death or permanent incapacitation of the prior incumbent before a primary election, but after the close of filing for that election, and the prior incumbent was the only person whose name appeared on any ballot for that seat for that election, the Governor's appointment of a replacement shall be valid for both the unexpired term and the next succeeding term. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)

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)

Maddy summarySB 391 establishes a new End-of-Life Lithium-ion Battery Management Working Group to study how to responsibly handle used batteries from electric vehicles and electronics. The group must produce a report for the Legislature by 2026, focusing on recycling infrastructure and safety. This bill directly affects battery manufacturers, recyclers, and future state policy on managing these batteries. It does not change current laws but sets up a process for developing future regulations, effective January 1, 2026. The bill is currently under review by the AEN committee.