Sen. Karl Rhoads

Provides an emergency appropriation to the Department of Human Services to replace general fund appropriations redirected to provide emergency food assistance during the 2025 federal government shutdown. Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to help Hawaii residents obtain insurance available through the federal marketplace. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Adds definitions of "identifier" and "specified data element" and amends the definition of "personal information" for the purposes of notifying affected persons of data and security breaches under the State's data breach notification law. Includes telecommunications carriers subject to and in compliance with certain federal provisions among the businesses deemed compliant with this law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes a county to reduce the aggregate zoned residential capacity within the county only if the county offsets that reduction by increasing zoned residential capacity elsewhere in the county, such that there is no net loss in residential capacity in the county. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, in consultation with the Insurance Commissioner, to establish and implement a five-year voluntary Nontraditional Workforce Portable Health Care Benefit Plan Pilot Program that offers high deductible health plans or catastrophic health plans to nontraditional workers who are ineligible for health benefits provided by the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund or prepaid health care plans under the Prepaid Health Care Act. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution from Hawaii urges the U.S. Department of State to restore the previous format and content of its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. The bill directly affects the State Department and international observers who rely on these reports to monitor human rights conditions globally. It calls for the inclusion of previously covered topics such as prison conditions, corruption, restrictions on speech and assembly, and other abuses that were reportedly reduced in recent versions. The resolution emphasizes that comprehensive reporting is essential for accountability and transparency in documenting human rights violations worldwide.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to expand Hawaiian language immersion programs in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Education. It addresses growing demand for these programs by urging the creation of teacher training pathways and the implementation of K-12 instruction across various school districts based on data-driven needs analysis. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law, directing state education officials to consider expansion efforts within available funding constraints.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to develop a plan for removing processed meats from school meals by 2032 or replacing them with healthier alternatives. The bill directly affects students and school food service providers by asking for an inventory of current menus, a timeline for transitioning to whole-foods or plant-based options, nutritional standards for replacements, and an analysis of associated costs. It is a procedural request rather than a law, meaning it asks the state agency to create a plan and report back to the Legislature by 2027 without mandating immediate changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual report on the Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) to the state Legislature, starting with the 2027 session. The HI GPI is a measurement tool that evaluates economic, social, and environmental well-being beyond traditional metrics like GDP. The report must be delivered at least 30 days before each legislative session and include detailed findings on trends, methodology, and policy implications related to the state's overall progress. The bill requires the department to make the report publicly available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal request from the Hawaii Senate asking the U.S. President and Congress to release all federal records related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigations, with redactions only to protect victims' privacy and safety. It directly affects federal agencies holding Epstein-related documents and calls for greater transparency in how these records are handled. The resolution criticizes current Department of Justice actions for allegedly over-redacting names of individuals involved while under-redacting victim information, and urges Congress to investigate all implicated parties. It does not create new laws but serves as an official appeal for federal officials to take specific actions regarding document disclosure and accountability.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution expresses support for the University of Hawaii at Manoa Faculty Senate's request that university leaders commit to defending students, faculty, and staff who exercise their rights to academic freedom and free speech. The bill does not create new laws or change university policies but instead serves as a formal statement of legislative backing for the faculty senate's opposition to proposed "Time, Place, and Manner" restrictions on expressive activities. It calls on University of Hawaii leadership to maintain strong protections for free speech and academic freedom within the institution. The resolution directs copies to the Board of Regents, university president, and faculty senate administrative officer to ensure the commitment is communicated to key university officials.