Sen. Donna Kim

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the University of Hawaii Leeward Community College to create an online bachelor's degree program in education to help working adults become teachers across all counties. The bill requests that funds be moved within the community college system to support this new program and address teacher shortages in rural areas. It also asks various educational leaders to collaborate on promoting access to quality education and helping current substitute or emergency teachers enter the profession. Because this is a non-binding resolution rather than a law, it does not force any specific actions but serves as a formal recommendation to the university and other stakeholders.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows buyers and sellers of condominiums to exchange specific purchase documents via email instead of traditional paper methods. The measure directly affects real estate transactions involving condominiums by updating the rules for how these documents can be delivered. By permitting electronic communication, the legislation aims to streamline the purchasing process while maintaining the same legal requirements for document delivery.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to apply for federal funding to help prevent dangerous rockfalls in the Moanalua Gardens and Moanalua Valley areas of Oahu. The bill specifically targets the hillsides near the Tripier Army Medical Center, where the federal government owns the land and has previously conducted similar safety projects. By requesting a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state aims to secure financial resources for proactive measures that protect local communities from landslide risks. The resolution also ensures that copies of this directive are sent to relevant federal military and engineering officials to facilitate the funding process.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of special license plates to honor Duke Kahanamoku, a celebrated Hawaiian figure. It allows the state to issue these commemorative plates to vehicle owners who wish to display them. The legislation does not mandate participation but provides the legal framework for the Department of Transportation to produce and distribute these plates.

Requires the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, to prepare a report on freshwater and saltwater aquatic organisms regarding their agricultural and economic impact on the State's food self-sufficiency. Requires the Governor to submit a report on the impacts of freshwater and saltwater aquatic organisms to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Relief Fund and Hawaiʻi Wildfire Relief Fund Corporation to provide compensation for property damage resulting from catastrophic wildfires in the State. Requires the Corporation's board to report to the Legislature. Makes an appropriation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Allows campaign funds to be used for a candidate's child care and vital household dependent care costs under certain conditions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes additional fines and penalties for convictions of speeding in a school zone. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes advisory boards, focused on workforce development, for the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation, and Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Clarifies the definition of "covered employer" under the Hawaiʻi Retirement Savings Act. Requires covered employers to automatically enroll covered employees into the Hawaiʻi Retirement Savings Program unless the employee chooses to opt out. Repeals and lapses the funds appropriated into and out of the Hawaiʻi Retirement Savings Special Fund in Act 296, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2022. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)