Sen. Sharon Moriwaki

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement to create a working group to study how to stop hikers from entering closed trails and to reduce the high costs of search and rescue operations. The proposed group would include officials from law enforcement, the judiciary, and local police and fire departments to examine current fines and compare them with penalty systems used in other states. Their task is to develop recommendations for new policies or fees that hold hikers accountable for ignoring safety warnings, with a final report due to the Legislature before the 2025 session begins.

Expands the counties' authorization to exercise the same powers as the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation for purposes of developing, constructing, financing, refinancing, or providing mixed-use developments. Applies to bond proceeds expended by a county after 12/31/2023. Sunsets 6/30/2028. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests that all high-occupancy public buildings in Hawaii constructed after January 1, 2025, be designed to withstand Category Five hurricanes and serve as emergency shelters. The bill directs the Governor and various county and city planning officials to ensure these new structures meet the specified wind resistance standards and are planned for use during disasters. It is a non-binding request rather than a mandatory law, aiming to improve community safety as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes in the region.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the State Insurance Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive study on wildfire risk and insurance options in Hawaii. The request is driven by the devastating August 2023 wildfires in Maui and Hawaii County, which caused massive destruction and highlighted concerns about future coverage availability. The study will specifically examine market-based approaches to ensure that insurance remains accessible for residents as climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events. The Insurance Commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2025 session.

Amends the deadline related to the repair of conditions that constitute health or safety violations. Increases the amount deducted from a tenant's rent for the tenant's actual expenditures to correct health or safety violations and defective conditions. Takes effect 11/1/2024. (CD1)

Authorizes the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation to issue bonds for housing project infrastructure and finance the development of regional state infrastructure projects. Exempts bonds issued by HHFDC for improvements by assessments, and the interest thereon, from state, county, and municipal taxation, with certain exceptions. Includes proceeds from bonds issued for regional state infrastructure projects as a source of revenue for regional state infrastructure subaccounts. Authorizes the cost of providing regional infrastructure improvements to be assessed against housing and mixed-use transit-oriented development projects specifically benefiting from the improvements when a regional infrastructure improvement project is undertaken by the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Authorizes regional state infrastructure subaccount revenues to be used to repay regional state infrastructure project bond holders. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 15 of every year as Water Safety Day. The primary effect is to establish an annual date for promoting awareness and education regarding water safety. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to encourage public focus on preventing water-related accidents.

Requires the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, to prepare a report on freshwater and saltwater aquatic organisms regarding their agricultural and economic impact on the State's food self-sufficiency. Requires the Governor to submit a report on the impacts of freshwater and saltwater aquatic organisms to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a working group to develop a Homeless Triage and Treatment Center Program within the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions in the Department of Human Services. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Amends the functions and duties of the State Health Planning and Development Agency. Clarifies the definition of "health care". Establishes a task force known as the Hui Hoomana. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)