Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 36) requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to create a Desalination Planning Task Force to study whether large-scale desalination (removing salt from seawater to produce fresh water) is feasible for the state. The task force, including state agency leaders and county water officials, will examine water demand, environmental impacts (like energy use and brine disposal), cultural considerations (including Native Hawaiian sites), and how desalination might help meet future water needs amid Hawaii's freshwater crisis. The resolution does not mandate desalination but asks for a report by 2026 to inform future decisions. This study directly affects Hawaii's water management systems, agriculture, tourism, and communities facing water scarcity.
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Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (SCR 154), not a bill with binding policy changes. It expresses the Hawaii State Legislature's support for implementing recommendations from all four cycles of the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process that apply to Hawaii. The resolution encourages state officials to align policies with these recommendations and promotes a "culture of human rights" based on UN principles. It has no legal effect and serves only as a symbolic statement - certified copies will be sent to UN officials and Hawaii's congressional delegation.
Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate Resolution (SR 46) requests Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate the potential cost-benefit of sponsoring a Michelin Guide for the state's restaurants. It aims to assess whether such a sponsorship could boost culinary tourism, attract skilled workforce talent (as noted in a 2022 tourism report), and elevate restaurant standards. The resolution does not mandate sponsorship but asks the department to review feasibility and return on investment. It directly affects Hawaii's restaurant industry and tourism promotion efforts, though no concrete policy change is enacted by the resolution itself.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 45) urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to create a plan for producing enough housing to meet statewide demand. It highlights Hawaii's severe housing shortage, noting the state builds far fewer units annually (2,902) than needed, with critical gaps in housing for middle- and upper-income households (120%+ of area median income). The resolution requests HHFDC submit its plan to the Legislature by January 2026, emphasizing the need to address housing as a key factor in retaining residents and workers. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact new law but directs agency action.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 105 requests Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to gradually reduce the number of inmates held in private, out-of-state correctional facilities. It directly affects inmates currently housed in mainland private prisons, aiming to reconnect them with family and community support networks in Hawaii. The resolution requires the department to submit annual progress reports to the Legislature by 2027-2030, detailing steps taken toward this reduction. This is a non-binding request, not a law, focused on changing current practice without specifying new funding or penalties.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 163 requests the University of Hawaii to study establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. It directs the university to assess its current research capabilities, evaluate benefits for Hawaii residents, and identify requirements to secure federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. The resolution requires the university to develop a phased plan with a timeline and submit a report by December 31, 2025. This resolution directly affects the University of Hawaii and aims to explore potential research opportunities for Alzheimer's disease, particularly considering Hawaii's unique demographic composition.
Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Attorney General to assess whether the National Park Service breached General Lease No. 231 with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, specifically regarding stewardship of state lands. It asks the Attorney General to determine if the lease should be rescinded or amended, particularly as Kalawao County prepares to transfer to Maui County following the last patient's departure. The request stems from concerns about the National Park Service's workforce reductions potentially impacting its ability to fulfill lease obligations. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not change policy but initiates a review of an existing lease agreement.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 92) declares a public health emergency in Hawaii due to climate change impacts. It requests all state departments (including Health, Transportation, Agriculture, and Planning) and county governments to coordinate cross-sector efforts to identify, plan for, and create solutions addressing climate-related health threats like extreme heat, disease spread, food/water insecurity, and mental health impacts. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but mandates statewide coordination to strengthen Hawaii’s public health response to climate change. It builds on Hawaii’s prior climate emergency declaration (2021) but specifically focuses on health-sector collaboration.
Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SR 129), not a bill with policy changes. It urges the U.S. Congress to continue providing funding and support to Ukraine's military as it defends against Russian aggression. The resolution cites ongoing humanitarian needs in Ukraine, including civilian casualties and displacement, but does not create new funding or alter existing policy. It has no direct effect on Ukraine or U.S. military aid programs - it is solely a request directed at Congress.
Amends the administrative process at the Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office. Establishes a tiered administration revocation period of a driver's license for those arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)