Sen. Glenn Wakai

Maddy summarySCR 134 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) to prepare a detailed report on school meal costs. The bill requires the DOE to break down expenses (like ingredients, operations, and distribution) and provide meal statistics (full-price, reduced-price, free meals) for the 2024-2025 and future school years. This aims to increase transparency about meal production costs, which the DOE claims are $9.00 per meal, and prevent unnecessary price hikes like the proposed increase from $2.50 to $4.75 per meal. The report must be submitted to the Legislature by 2026.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review of proposed state projects and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants under certain circumstances. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to publish a draft of its proposed rules and later present its proposed final rules to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 7/1/2032. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 90 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to assume responsibility for the routine maintenance and repair of the Kohala Ditch. This 26-mile irrigation system, built in 1906, supplies over five million gallons of water daily to farmers and ranchers in North Kohala, who have faced significantly higher costs and reduced production after a 2021 rockslide damaged the system. The resolution requires the ADC to develop a maintenance plan with community input and submit annual reports detailing repairs, system conditions, and recommendations to the Legislature. The bill does not allocate new funds but seeks to leverage the ADC’s existing mandate to support agricultural infrastructure and local food production.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 63) is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to study creating a "Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award Program" for craftspersons. It asks the department to research adapting France's long-standing "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" award system, including identifying key industries, cost-effective implementation, and public nomination processes. The study must include industry input and result in a report with recommendations for the 2026 legislative session. The bill does not create the award program itself but only requests an analysis of how to establish it. It directly affects the Department of Labor and would potentially impact Hawaii's craft and trade workers if the program is later adopted.

Maddy summarySCR 73 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report on developmental needs of children born during the 2019-2025 COVID-19 pandemic. The report must analyze pandemic-related developmental delays (including communication, emotional regulation, and social skills) and compounded trauma from events like the 2023 Maui wildfires, particularly affecting children aged 0-5. It requires specific sections on trauma-informed care strategies, existing support services across state agencies, wildfire recovery efforts, and recommendations for educators facing secondary trauma. The Office must submit the report by December 2026.

Maddy summarySCR 23 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to study implementing highway patrols and speed cameras on major freeways and highways in areas with frequent speeding. The resolution cites speeding as a leading factor in traffic fatalities and notes local law enforcement often lacks resources to address safety issues. It asks the departments to assess how collaborative efforts - using technology like speed cameras - could improve traffic safety without mandating any specific action. This resolution seeks only a study, not immediate policy changes or funding.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 103) requests Hawaii's Governor to form a temporary working group to investigate PFAS chemical contamination. The group, including state agencies (Health, Land and Natural Resources, Agriculture), the University of Hawaii, and stakeholders, will identify PFAS sources, test water and seafood, assess health/environmental risks, and recommend solutions. It does not create new law but directs the Governor to coordinate an investigation focused on Hawaii's water, ecosystems, and food safety. The working group must submit reports to the legislature by 2026-2028.

Maddy summarySCR 10 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's State Health Planning and Development Agency to create a working group focused on health insurance prior authorization reforms. The working group would include representatives from insurance companies, healthcare providers, patients, and employers to study specific issues like reducing delays (e.g., setting 24-hour response times for urgent care), extending authorization validity for chronic conditions, and improving transparency in approval processes. It directly affects patients facing care delays, healthcare providers burdened by administrative tasks, and insurers requiring prior authorization. The resolution does not change laws but requests the group submit recommendations to the Legislature by late 2025.

Maddy summarySCR 203 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to study the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and identify requirements for securing federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. It directs the university to assess its current research capabilities, evaluate potential benefits for Hawaii residents (especially considering the state's large Asian American and Pacific Islander population), and outline steps to meet federal grant criteria. The resolution requires the university to submit a report by December 31, 2025, including a phased plan with timelines for feasibility assessment and potential center development. This is a non-binding request focused on exploration, not policy implementation.

Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act. Limits court-ordered community service for a minor to no more than seventy-two hours. Repeals certain penalties imposed on parents, guardians, or other persons associated with unaccompanied children in streets and unmarried minors in dance halls. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)