Sen. Karl Rhoads

Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice for businesses to: offer, display, or advertise the price of live-ticket events or short-term lodging without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the total price; and misrepresent any fees or charges in any offer, display, or advertisement for the sale of live-event tickets or short-term lodging. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 61 is a Senate resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate the cost-benefit and return on investment of sponsoring a Michelin Guide for the state's restaurants. It asks the department to assess whether such a sponsorship would improve Hawaii's culinary tourism, attract skilled restaurant workers, and elevate local dining standards. The resolution does not require the state to actually sponsor the guide, only to study the feasibility and potential benefits. This request follows Hawaii's growing reputation as a food destination but notes Michelin inspectors currently do not visit the state.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to gradually reduce the number of state inmates held in private, out-of-state correctional facilities. It directly affects inmates currently incarcerated outside Hawaii, who are separated from family and support networks. The resolution requires the department to implement an incremental reduction plan and submit annual progress reports to the legislature by 2027-2030. This follows longstanding legislative concerns about the negative impacts of interstate incarceration, as noted in Act 208 (1994), which intended to limit such transfers for inmates with strong community ties in Hawaii.

Maddy summarySCR 157 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii to adopt the United Nations BBNJ Agreement, which focuses on protecting marine biodiversity in international ocean areas. It directs state and county governments to support legislative, administrative, and policy measures for implementing the agreement’s provisions. Key elements include promoting fair sharing of marine genetic resources, establishing marine protected areas, conducting environmental assessments, and addressing ocean threats like pollution and climate impacts. The resolution does not create new laws but encourages Hawaii to align its policies with this international framework.

Maddy summarySCR 155 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to produce a detailed report on the state of the private property insurance industry. The resolution asks for specific data on insurer financial health, factors driving premium increases (especially in disaster-prone areas), and the risk of insurers withdrawing from the market. It also requires analysis of the state's potential to enter the insurance market, including options like using eminent domain to acquire private companies. The report must be submitted to the Legislature 20 days before the 2026 session. This resolution seeks factual information to inform future policy decisions, not to enact new laws.

Proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution to extend the amount of time allowed the Senate to consider and act on the appointments of justices and judges from thirty to sixty days for appointments made between April 1 and December 31 when the Senate is not in Regular Session or is about to adjourn the Regular Session.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 158) from Hawaii's legislature. It urges the U.S. President and all future administrations to comply with U.S. laws, specifically by following lawful court orders. The resolution cites examples like refusal to resume refugee admissions and continued fund freezes despite court rulings, but it does not create new law or impose penalties. As a symbolic gesture, it expresses the Hawaii Senate's expectation that all branches of government abide by judicial decisions.

Maddy summaryHawaii's Senate passed SCR 159, a symbolic resolution urging Congress to continue providing military funding and support to Ukraine. It directly addresses U.S. lawmakers, citing Ukraine's ongoing military casualties (43,000 killed, 370,000 wounded) and civilian displacement (3.7 million internally displaced) due to Russia's invasion. The resolution emphasizes that current U.S. aid has enabled Ukraine to defend itself and launch counteroffensives. It does not create new law or allocate funds but formally expresses Hawaii's support for sustained U.S. assistance. The resolution requests that certified copies be sent to the U.S. President, Congress, and Hawaii's congressional delegation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 35 requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to partner with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities (particularly on neighbor islands and rural Oahu) lacking telecommunication access for participating in state legislative meetings. It directs them to develop an outreach program using public library resources - such as free internet, videoconferencing, and devices like Chromebooks - to help residents engage remotely, reducing travel costs and barriers. The resolution requires a report to the Legislature by 2026 detailing findings and recommendations for improving public access. This procedural resolution focuses on infrastructure collaboration, not policy changes, to enhance civic participation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 125) requests Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to produce a detailed report on the state of the private property insurance industry. The report must cover insurers' financial health, factors driving premium increases (especially in high-risk areas affected by natural disasters), the likelihood of insurers exiting the market, and recommendations for state action - including potential use of eminent domain - if private insurers withdraw. The resolution aims to inform lawmakers about risks to homeowners and potential solutions, with the report due 20 days before the 2026 legislative session.