Sen. Karl Rhoads

Allows neighborhood boards to discuss and receive information on matters raised by third-party reports from any government official not included in a publicly noticed agenda. Requires neighborhood boards to make decisions on matters raised by third-party reports from any government official at a later meeting where the agenda gives notice of decision-making on the matter. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 21-28, 2025, as International Dark Sky Week in Hawaii. It asks residents to support protecting dark skies and directs the Board of Land and Natural Resources to create a task force to study light pollution. The task force, including state agencies, universities, county mayors, and federal partners, will examine reducing light pollution, conserving energy, protecting wildlife, and developing dark sky parks. The resolution does not create new laws but initiates a study to inform future policies on preserving Hawaii's night skies.

Maddy summarySCR 60 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to create a plan for increasing housing production. It directs HHFDC to develop a specific strategy addressing housing shortages, including density timelines, walkability, sustainable financing, staffing needs, and solutions for land/infrastructure barriers. The plan must include input from a proposed Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force (referencing Senate Bill 26) and be submitted to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution directly affects HHFDC’s planning process but does not mandate new housing construction or funding.

Establishes prohibitions on assault rifles, assault shotguns, and .50 caliber firearms. Expands the ban on high-capacity detachable magazines. Allows possession of an assault rifle, assault shotgun, or detachable magazine with a capacity greater than ten rounds when certain conditions are met. Effective 1/1/2026. (CD2)

Maddy summarySCR 53 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to partner with the Hawaii State Public Library System. It aims to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunication access so residents can participate remotely in state legislative hearings. The resolution directs the Bureau to collaborate with libraries - using their existing broadband and devices - to create an outreach program informing the public about remote participation tools. It also requires a report by January 2026 detailing findings and recommendations for improving public access to the legislative process. This resolution does not create new laws but coordinates existing state resources to enhance civic engagement.

Expands workers' compensation medical benefits for firefighters to include coverage for adenocarcinoma or mesothelioma of the respiratory system; cancer of the buccal cavity, colon, pharynx, and thyroid; and malignant melanoma. Specifies that an employer may prove that the cancer or disease was not associated with the firefighting duties to deny medical benefits under workers' compensation law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySCR 54 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a Desalination Planning Task Force to study whether desalination (converting seawater to fresh water) could feasibly meet the state's large-scale water needs. The task force, composed of state and county water officials, health representatives, and cultural advisors, will assess water demand, environmental impacts of desalination plants, cultural site protections, and how it might support water resilience after events like the Red Hill contamination. It must report findings and recommendations to the legislature by 2026, including potential policy changes. This resolution does not enact new law but directs a study to inform future water management decisions.

Requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Requires, no later than 1/1/2028, the Department of Transportation to adopt rules governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Repeals the prohibition placed on certain employees exempt from Civil Service Law from grieving a suspension or discharge. Allows any employee who is a member of an appropriate bargaining unit to grieve a suspension or discharge. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 602 allows the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) to close any parcels of land it owns to public access. This measure directly affects the HPHA by expanding its authority over its properties, and indirectly affects the public who might use or access these areas. If the HPHA designates an area as closed, the bill requires specific signage to be posted to inform the public.