Sen. Karl Rhoads

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution encourages the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the Hawaii State Energy Office to increase the state's use of biodiesel and fund programs that help grow the biodiesel industry. The bill highlights that biodiesel, made from plant-based oils and animal fats, can reduce reliance on petroleum and support local agriculture by utilizing crops like pongamia trees and sunflowers. It also notes that the industry could create jobs and generate tax revenue while helping the state meet its renewable energy goals. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal recommendation to state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the United States Congress to pass the Social Security 2100 Act, a federal law designed to address the long-term funding shortfall of the Social Security trust funds. The proposed federal legislation would extend the solvency of these funds by increasing taxes on high-income earners and investment income while simultaneously raising benefits for all recipients and restoring certain student benefits. Additionally, the resolution asks Congress to reject any laws that would privatize Social Security by moving assets into private investment accounts. The bill directly affects current and future retirees, disabled individuals, and their families by seeking to preserve their scheduled benefits and financial security.

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.

Allows the Chief Election Officer to use accurate copies of paper ballots, rather than the originals, when conducting a precinct audit of an electronic voting system's tally. (CD1)

Proposes amendments to the Constitution of the State of Hawaiʻi relating to the appointment of justices and judges. Makes the appointment and senate consent procedure for district court judges the same as the appointment and senate consent procedure for supreme court justices and intermediate court of appeals and circuit court judges. (CD1)

Requires the State to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees from civil actions or proceedings, under certain circumstances. Clarifies that the employee may employ their own attorney at the employee's own expense. Establishes a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the Attorney General declines to defend the employee. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Corrects erroneous references in chapters 520 and 520A, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes.