Sen. Sharon Moriwaki

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 116 urges the governor to prepare a plan for Hawaii if federal Medicaid funding is reduced. It highlights that Hawaii’s Med-QUEST program covers 1 in 5 residents and relies on 73% federal funding, with FQHCs serving vulnerable populations like 45,000 children and 25,000 seniors. The resolution cites a federal budget proposal targeting $800 billion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years, noting potential impacts like 156,000 Hawaii residents losing coverage or needing $3.2 billion in new state funding annually. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but calls for proactive planning.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 61) requests the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) to plan a Health Tech Hub on Lot C in Kakaako, Honolulu. The hub would focus on accelerating healthcare technology adoption and growing Hawaii's skilled healthcare workforce, leveraging the existing Hawaii Technology Development Corporation's Entrepreneurs Sandbox site near the University of Hawaii's medical schools. HCDA must consult with key partners (including UH medical centers and tech agencies) and submit a conceptual plan to the Legislature by early 2026. The resolution does not fund or create the hub but initiates its planning process.

Maddy summarySCR 78 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) to plan a Health Tech Hub on Lot C in Kakaako. The resolution directs HCDA to collaborate with the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, University of Hawaii medical schools, and other state agencies to accelerate healthcare technology adoption and grow Hawaii’s skilled healthcare workforce. HCDA must submit a conceptual plan report to the Legislature by early 2026, including any proposed legislation. This is a procedural request, not a law, and does not directly affect voters or taxpayers.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 62 requests the Hawaii Department of Education to study whether teachers and school personnel should receive training in and be equipped with pepper spray for school safety. The study would examine Hawaii school safety data, review policies in other states, assess health and legal risks, gather input from stakeholders, and recommend best practices for training and storage. This resolution does not enact any policy but requires a report to the Legislature by early 2026. It directly affects Hawaii public schools and their safety protocols. The resolution focuses on gathering information, not implementing a new requirement.

Maddy summarySCR 35 is a resolution requesting the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to plan a Health Care Technology Hub in Kakaako. It directs the Corporation to collaborate with the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s medical school, cancer center, and other state agencies to accelerate healthcare technology adoption and grow Hawaii’s skilled healthcare workforce. The hub would be developed at the Entrepreneurs Sandbox site (643 Halo Street), adjacent to medical facilities, and a planning report must be submitted to the Legislature by 2026. This is a procedural request for planning - not a law - focusing on coordination and future development.

Maddy summarySCR 80 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Executive Office on Aging to partner with the University of Hawaii at Manoa Center on Aging to establish a "Kupuna Workforce Innovation Hub." This hub would implement short-term strategies from Hawaii's 2025 Strategic Plan to address challenges in the direct care workforce, including improving recruitment/retention, standardizing training competencies for caregivers, and gathering data on workforce needs. It directly affects direct care workers providing long-term care to older adults and individuals with special needs across Hawaii. The resolution requires the hub to report findings and recommendations to the Executive Office on Aging by early 2026 for inclusion in its annual report to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests Hawaii's Executive Office on Aging to partner with the University of Hawaii at Manoa Center on Aging to establish a Kupuna Workforce Innovation Hub. The hub would implement short-term strategies from the state's 2025 Strategic Plan to improve recruitment, retention, and training for elder care workers. Key actions include standardizing care competencies, expanding training curriculum, and analyzing workforce gaps between workers and employers. The resolution requires the hub to report findings to the legislature by 2026, focusing on concrete steps to strengthen Hawaii's aging care workforce.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 79) requests Hawaii's Department of Education to study whether teachers and school personnel should receive training and be equipped with pepper spray for school safety. The study must examine Hawaii school safety data, policies in other states, potential benefits/risks (including health and legal aspects), and gather input from stakeholders like educators and law enforcement. It requires the Department to submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026, before the next legislative session. This resolution does not enact any policy change but initiates a review of a potential safety measure for Hawaii public schools.

Proposes an amendment to article I of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to protect a person's right to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception. (SD1)

Requires sellers or providers of emotional support animals, as well as those issuing verifications of a disability related need for an emotional support animal, to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Requires persons or businesses that sell or provide certificates, vests, or identification tags that identify an animal as an emotional support animal to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)