Sen. Carol Fukunaga

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests that Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources consider whether private dam owners have liability insurance when assessing dam safety. The bill aims to make insurance coverage a valid mitigation measure that could help relax certain regulatory restrictions on dams. It also asks the department to consider dams safe without requiring specific engineering reports unless there is a probable risk of human life loss, and to avoid classifying dams as high hazard based solely on engineering risk assessments. Additionally, the resolution urges the department to make grant program criteria more transparent and to allow applicants to seek clarification and appeal decisions regarding the Dam Improvement or Removal Grant Program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to evaluate how large private trusts, particularly those formed under Chapter 554G, are currently registered and reported. The bill directs the department to assess existing oversight requirements for trustees and trust companies, determine if current laws allow for asset-based reporting without exposing confidential beneficiary details, and recommend whether new transparency mechanisms are needed. The department must submit a report with findings and potential legislative proposals to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This resolution aims to improve state oversight of trust structures while maintaining privacy protections for individuals who create these financial arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to study how large private trusts, particularly those created under Chapter 554G of the state statutes, are currently registered and reported. The bill directs the department to review existing rules for trustees and trust companies, assess whether current laws allow for tracking the number and size of these trusts, and determine if new reporting requirements are needed for trusts with significant assets. The department must provide a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by late 2026, focusing on creating transparency without exposing confidential beneficiary information. This measure is a procedural request for an administrative evaluation rather than a law that immediately changes how trusts operate.

Maddy summarySB 298 would allocate additional state funds to the Department of Human Services to expand Medicaid in-home care services. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries requiring in-home support, such as elderly or disabled individuals, by increasing access to these services. The bill's key provision is a funding increase for existing in-home care programs under Medicaid, effective July 1, 3000. It is currently pending committee review in the Health and Human Services committee.

Prohibits a procurement officer from disclosing a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score, except the summary of scores, during a debriefing requested by a non-selected offeror. Authorizes the disclosure of a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score after any protest is resolved and the contract is executed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Transportation to institute proceedings to condemn certain lands in Lahaina to build a new access road from Keawe Street to the Kilohana and Kalaiola sites developed in the Villages of Leialii. Appropriates funds out of the Major Disaster Fund for the appraisals and other preparations for the condemnation proceedings. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for places of public accommodation to deny a person with a disability full and equal enjoyment of, or information related to, their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations using information and communication technology intended for use by the general public as applicants, participants, customers, clients, or visitors. Establishes exceptions. Clarifies that a facility is considered a place of public accommodation regardless of whether its presence in the State is physical or digital. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Repeals the prohibition placed on certain employees exempt from Civil Service Law from grieving a suspension or discharge. Allows any employee who is a member of an appropriate bargaining unit to grieve a suspension or discharge. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires an owner or operator of an underground storage tank or tank system with a confirmed release to meet certain standards for the restoration of the environment. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires a digital application store provider to verify the age of users, require parental consent for users under sixteen years of age to download or purchase, or make a purchase on, a social media platform, and distribute that information to social media platforms. Requires social media platforms to obtain the age information from digital application store providers, determine whether parental consent has been provided for young persons, and take reasonable steps to identify young person users through their algorithms. Effective 1/1/2077. (HD2)