Sen. Sharon Moriwaki

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the State Auditor to review no-bid contracts issued by state and county agencies during declared states of emergency between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025. The audit will examine how agencies justified these contracts, selected vendors, determined pricing, and maintained accountability for public funds during emergency periods. The Auditor will submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session. This measure aims to identify potential reforms to emergency procurement laws based on past practices.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the State Auditor to examine no-bid contracts awarded by state and county agencies during declared states of emergency between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025. The audit will review how agencies justified these contracts, selected vendors, determined pricing, and maintained accountability for public funds during emergency periods when normal procurement rules may be suspended. The Auditor will submit findings and recommendations, including potential legislative changes, to the Legislature before the 2027 session. This measure directly affects state and county agencies that have issued emergency contracts and aims to ensure transparency in how public money is spent during crises.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to create a clearer system for handling parking violations at its small boat harbors, which are located across Hawaii. The bill specifically asks the agency to improve signage that explains parking rules, fees, and penalties so drivers understand the regulations before arriving. It also recommends that the agency use warnings before towing vehicles for minor violations, reserving enforcement officers for their primary conservation duties rather than routine parking tickets. This measure applies to all sixteen small boat harbors under the division's jurisdiction and aims to ensure parking spaces are used by their intended users.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the adoption of shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki beaches, which are vital to Hawaii's economy, culture, and public access. The bill proposes a collaborative approach involving the state, county, federal agencies, and private property owners to plan and fund beach improvements from Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor to Kaimana Beach. Key provisions include prioritizing public access to the ocean, conserving natural resources, coordinating regional planning for sand movement, and clarifying that property owners must maintain seawalls and infrastructure above the shoreline.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to create a more balanced enforcement system for parking violations at its small boat harbors. The bill asks the agency to issue clear warnings before towing vehicles for minor parking infractions, ensuring proper use of parking areas by intended users, and improving signage that explains parking rules, fees, and penalties. It aims to protect specialized enforcement officers from routine parking duties and reduce unnecessary towing impacts on vehicle owners while maintaining order at the state's sixteen small boat harbors.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges state and local leaders to adopt shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki beaches, which are vital to Hawaii's economy, culture, and public access. The bill outlines five key strategies including prioritizing public access to the ocean, conserving natural resources, coordinating regional planning across ownership boundaries, leading beach improvement efforts through state coordination with cost-sharing among multiple entities, and confirming property owners' responsibility for maintaining seawalls. While this resolution does not create new laws or funding, it establishes a framework for future planning and management of Waikiki's shoreline from Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor to Kaimana Beach.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to take the lead role in coordinating state services and support for people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The bill requests the department to create a plan that brings together multiple state agencies, including health, human services, education, and the judiciary, to provide better care and support. It also asks for efforts to increase public awareness and reduce stigma, while training healthcare and education professionals to better identify and manage these conditions. The resolution requires the Department of Health to share its coordination plan with the Legislature by early 2027, including any recommendations for new laws or funding needed to implement the changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 11) urges Hawaii counties to implement a property tax freeze on primary residences for homeowners aged 75 and older. It directly affects senior homeowners in Hawaii, aiming to improve their financial stability amid the state's high cost of living (179 index) and fixed incomes failing to keep pace with inflation. The freeze would apply only to the primary residence and end if the homeowner sells, transfers the property, or no longer owns it. The resolution is non-binding and directs counties to consider this measure, not mandate it.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 10) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. The modifications must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and deemed essential for the safety or health of an older adult (62+) or person with a disability. Key provisions require counties to prioritize these applications - such as installing ramps, grab bars, or widened doorways - to enable aging in place and prevent fall-related injuries. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests counties streamline this process to reduce delays.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 8) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications - like ramps, grab bars, or widened doorways - prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and deemed essential for the safety or health of older adults (62+) or people with disabilities. The resolution does not create new law but encourages counties to act faster to reduce delays that contribute to fall-related injuries and hospitalizations, citing 2023 data showing over 200 preventable fall deaths among seniors.