Sen. Karl Rhoads

Maddy summaryHawaii's Senate Resolution SR 80 expresses symbolic support for Taiwan's democratic development and security, endorsing Taiwan's observer status in key international organizations like the World Health Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization. It also supports advancing U.S.-Taiwan trade initiatives and urges U.S. officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The resolution is a non-binding statement sent to federal leaders, not a policy change affecting specific groups or laws. It reflects Hawaii's historical ties with Taiwan, including sister-state relations and economic partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 98), not a legislative bill with binding provisions. It expresses Hawaii's support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Criminal Police Organization. The resolution also endorses strengthening U.S.-Taiwan trade relations and reaffirms Hawaii's longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan. It serves as a formal statement of support to be sent to U.S. federal officials and Taiwan-related offices, with no direct legal effect on policy or funding.

Maddy summarySCR 62 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Director of Health to form a Water Fluoridation Working Group. The group, to include representatives from each county's water department and the Director of Health, must study fluoridation best practices and obstacles, then submit recommendations to the Legislature by 2026. The resolution aims to address Hawaii's poor oral health rankings by exploring adding fluoride to public water systems - a method cited by the CDC as safe and cost-effective for preventing tooth decay. This bill directly affects all Hawaii residents by initiating a study that could lead to future water fluoridation policies.

Maddy summarySCR 99 is a resolution by the Hawaii Legislature to ratify a proposed constitutional amendment that would give Congress authority to limit, regulate, and prohibit labor for people under 18 years old. This amendment was first proposed in 1924 (House Joint Resolution 184) but has not yet been fully ratified, as only 28 states have approved it out of the required 38. The resolution states Hawaii is one of seven states with no record of taking action on this proposal. Ratifying this amendment would be Hawaii's formal support for a constitutional change that would allow federal regulation of child labor, though it does not create new laws itself. The resolution is procedural, as it only advances the ratification process for a long-standing proposal.

Establishes the Spay and Neuter Special Fund to reduce pet overpopulation and the reproduction of free-roaming cats. Establishes various revenue and fundraising sources for the special fund. Appropriates funds to the counties. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySCR 97 is a procedural resolution requesting the State Auditor assess the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for ambulance services and community paramedicine. It directs the Auditor to evaluate how such a mandate - proposed in S.B. 783 - would affect patients, providers, and insurers, including costs under federal law (PPACA) and current insurance plan availability. The study would cover both benefits (like improved access to care in underserved areas) and burdens (such as added costs for insurers and the state). This resolution does not change current law but requires a report before any coverage mandate could be implemented.

Defines "reported hate crime". Requires reporting of all possible reported hate crimes to appropriate authorities, including consistent documentation and analysis of such incidents. Requires law enforcement officers to receive annual training to identify, investigate, and document hate crimes and possible hate crimes. Requires the Attorney General to establish or update guidelines, protocols, and training materials for the reporting and investigation of hate crimes and possible hate crimes. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Establishes a working group within the Office of the Governor for administrative purposes to ascertain the State's available water resources and water system source capacity and to streamline well permit approval processes to further plan for the development of affordable housing. Requires the working group to inventory all available water resources statewide and identify sources of aquifer replenishment in relation to affordable housing development. Requires an interim and final report to the Legislature. (SD2)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 47) requests the Director of Health to form a Water Fluoridation Working Group. The group, including county water department representatives, will study fluoridation feasibility and obstacles, then submit recommendations to the Legislature by late 2025. It does not mandate fluoridation but directs a study on implementing it across Hawaii's public water systems, which currently lack added fluoride except at military bases. The resolution is procedural and does not change existing law.

Maddy summaryHawaii's Senate Resolution 95 requests the Department of Education, with the Department of Health and State Public Charter School Commission, to study how schools manage heat exposure during outdoor activities to protect students. The study would assess current practices, evaluate using wet-bulb globe temperature measurements (a standard heat stress metric), and determine if existing guidelines are sufficient. If gaps are found, the study would develop specific guidelines requiring hydration protocols, staff training on heat illness, accommodations for students with medical conditions, and acclimatization plans for outdoor activities. These guidelines would apply to all public and charter schools across Hawaii for activities like sports, recess, and band practice. The resolution mandates a final report to the Legislature by early 2026.