Sen. Glenn Wakai

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to create curriculum plans and programs teaching artificial intelligence literacy in public schools. The proposed curriculum would cover AI fundamentals, ethical use, best practices for academic and professional settings, and how AI relates to Hawaii's history, environment, and culture. The resolution requires the Department to submit these plans to the Legislature at least 20 days before the 2027 session begins. This measure responds to the growing use of AI tools by students nationwide and aims to prepare students for future workforce demands while addressing concerns about misuse and educational equity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to work with state and local agencies to evaluate how much infrastructure capacity exists around transit-oriented development areas in Honolulu. The assessment will focus on sewer and water systems to determine what upgrades are needed to support future growth in these neighborhoods. This study aims to identify necessary improvements before new construction begins, ensuring that infrastructure can handle anticipated population increases. The resolution directs copies to relevant city and state officials to coordinate the evaluation process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study whether mezzanine loans could help increase housing production in the state. Mezzanine loans are a type of financing that combines debt and equity features, allowing developers to borrow against a project's value without needing to provide as much upfront cash or ownership stake. The study would examine if this financing method could help developers build more homes while making better use of state housing funds. The department must complete the study and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not create new laws but requests research to inform future housing policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to create a plan for increasing bed availability at the Hawaii State Hospital for mentally ill criminal defendants and individuals recently released from the facility. The request stems from concerns that the hospital is currently at full capacity, with most patients being evaluated for fitness to stand trial, which limits options for those needing treatment within the criminal justice system. The resolution directs the advisor to develop a strategy for creating shelter placements for these specific populations and to submit a report with findings and potential new legislation to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure does not authorize funding or mandate immediate policy changes but serves as a formal request for planning and coordination among state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the Agribusiness Development Corporation to purchase full ownership of a specific agricultural parcel in north Kohala, Hawaii. The bill directly affects the state's agribusiness agency and the Halaula Agricultural Parcel, aiming to support local farming and food security. It does not authorize new funding or change existing laws, but rather asks an agency to proceed with a planned land acquisition. The resolution is intended to help revitalize agriculture in the region and reduce reliance on imported food.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing not covered by the federal Fair Housing Act, specifically condominiums and planned communities. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations, assess the impact of accessibility gaps on aging in place, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset modification costs. The working group will include representatives from disability rights, consumer affairs, aging services, civil rights, and housing associations, and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance to study whether the state should create a sovereign wealth fund, which is an investment account designed to generate long-term financial returns for residents. The proposed fund would invest state assets such as tourism revenues, budget surpluses, and legal settlements outside the regular annual budget to build fiscal stability and support future generations. If the study finds it feasible, the report would include recommendations for potential legislation to establish the fund and distribute some investment earnings directly to qualified residents. This resolution does not create the fund itself but initiates a formal review of its practicality and benefits for the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations, which often fall outside federal Fair Housing Act protections. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations over accessibility modifications, assess how current laws address reasonable accommodations, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset the costs of necessary upgrades. The working group will include representatives from disability rights organizations, aging services, civil rights agencies, and housing associations, and must submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This initiative aims to gather data on how accessibility gaps affect residents' ability to age in place and identify practical solutions for improving housing accessibility in Hawaii.

Maddy summaryThis bill encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to offer a basic swimming course at either the primary or secondary education level. It directly affects students, parents, and the state education system by recommending the addition of water safety training to the curriculum. The resolution is based on concerns about Hawaii's high drowning rates and aims to provide equitable access to swimming skills for all children. It does not mandate the program but rather serves as an official recommendation to state education officials.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution formally recognizes and expresses appreciation for the United States Armed Forces' contributions to Hawaii's emergency preparedness, response capacity, and community resilience. The bill references specific instances where military support was critical, including the aeromedical evacuation of burn victims after the Aliamanu fireworks explosion and assistance during the 2023 Maui wildfires. It highlights the unique capabilities of the armed forces in providing specialized medical transport, logistical resources, and personnel support when civilian resources are limited. The resolution also notes existing community appreciation events like Military Appreciation Day and the Kaneohe Bay Air Show as demonstrations of ongoing collaboration. Finally, it calls for continued coordination between state, county, federal, and military partners to strengthen emergency response efforts and protect residents' health and safety.