Authorizes the counties to adopt ordinances to enforce the accessible parking space requirements for parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities and electric vehicles. (CD1)
Increases the penalties imposed on individuals convicted for violations of temporary restraining orders and orders for protection. Clarifies that the court shall not sentence a defendant to pay a fine for violating a domestic abuse protective order if the court makes an on-the-record determination that the defendant is or will be unable to pay the fine. Specifies that any conviction for violation of a temporary restraining order issued under the same judicial case number as an order for protection shall be treated as a prior violation of an order for protection. Clarifies when the court may suspend certain jail sentences for violations of domestic abuse protective orders. (HD2)
Clarifies the definition of "covered employer" under the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act. Requires covered employers to automatically enroll covered employees into the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program unless the employee opts out. Repeals the limit on the total fees and expenses that can be spent for the Program each year. (CD1)
Prohibits and imposes penalties for the intentional taking, harming, or killing of ʻIo (Hawaiian hawk). Increases penalties and fees for taking and killing indigenous species of aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants that are native to the State. (HD2)
Prohibits third-party restaurant reservation services from advertising, listing, promoting, facilitating, enabling, or selling restaurant reservations without first obtaining a written agreement from the applicable restaurant authorizing the action. Establishes a private cause of action for civil remedies. (CD1)
Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 21-28, 2025, as International Dark Sky Week in Hawaii. It asks residents to support protecting dark skies and directs the Board of Land and Natural Resources to create a task force to study light pollution. The task force, including state agencies, universities, county mayors, and federal partners, will examine reducing light pollution, conserving energy, protecting wildlife, and developing dark sky parks. The resolution does not create new laws but initiates a study to inform future policies on preserving Hawaii's night skies.
Maddy summarySCR 60 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to create a plan for increasing housing production. It directs HHFDC to develop a specific strategy addressing housing shortages, including density timelines, walkability, sustainable financing, staffing needs, and solutions for land/infrastructure barriers. The plan must include input from a proposed Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force (referencing Senate Bill 26) and be submitted to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution directly affects HHFDC’s planning process but does not mandate new housing construction or funding.
Establishes prohibitions on assault rifles, assault shotguns, and .50 caliber firearms. Expands the ban on high-capacity detachable magazines. Allows possession of an assault rifle, assault shotgun, or detachable magazine with a capacity greater than ten rounds when certain conditions are met. Effective 1/1/2026. (CD2)
Maddy summarySCR 53 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to partner with the Hawaii State Public Library System. It aims to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunication access so residents can participate remotely in state legislative hearings. The resolution directs the Bureau to collaborate with libraries - using their existing broadband and devices - to create an outreach program informing the public about remote participation tools. It also requires a report by January 2026 detailing findings and recommendations for improving public access to the legislative process. This resolution does not create new laws but coordinates existing state resources to enhance civic engagement.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution requests Hawaii's State Energy Office to form a Nuclear Energy Working Group to study the feasibility of using advanced nuclear power technologies in the state. The working group, including state officials and external experts, will evaluate benefits, risks, regulatory barriers, and environmental factors related to nuclear energy. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, with no legislative action taken until after the study concludes.
