Sen. Glenn Wakai

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 114) urges all Hawaii state departments to establish secure data-sharing agreements with the Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR). It does not create new laws but requests departments partner with OWR to share deidentified, aggregated data - breaking down current silos - to better analyze community needs through OWR’s existing Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard. The resolution emphasizes protecting resident privacy while enabling cross-departmental data integration for evidence-based programs addressing social determinants of health. It directly affects state departments by asking them to collaborate on data-sharing protocols, as mandated by Act 291 (HRS Chapter 27).

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 17) is a symbolic statement from Hawaii's legislature, not a binding law. It endorses Taiwan's participation as an observer in key international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and United Nations climate talks. The resolution also supports negotiations for a U.S.-Taiwan bilateral trade agreement under the existing U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade and commemorates Hawaii's 32-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan. It does not create new policies or affect any specific groups directly but formally expresses Hawaii's support for deeper U.S.-Taiwan economic ties and international cooperation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 53) requests Hawaii's State Health Planning and Development Agency to form a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Working Group. The group, including pharmacy associations, insurers, and state agencies, will evaluate PBM practices to improve transparency, lower drug costs for patients, and increase healthcare access. It will specifically examine issues like fair pharmacy reimbursements, PBM reporting requirements, and practices that restrict patient access. The Working Group must submit recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not change laws but seeks to identify policy reforms for future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 56) requests the Office of Wellness and Resilience to prepare a report addressing developmental needs of children born during the 2019-2025 pandemic. The report must analyze trauma-informed care, existing support services (including for wildfire-affected areas), and resources for educators, with a focus on vulnerable groups like Native Hawaiian and rural communities. It requires the office to submit the report by December 31, 2026, including recommendations for future action. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but directs an assessment of existing challenges.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 36) requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to create a Desalination Planning Task Force to study whether large-scale desalination (removing salt from seawater to produce fresh water) is feasible for the state. The task force, including state agency leaders and county water officials, will examine water demand, environmental impacts (like energy use and brine disposal), cultural considerations (including Native Hawaiian sites), and how desalination might help meet future water needs amid Hawaii's freshwater crisis. The resolution does not mandate desalination but asks for a report by 2026 to inform future decisions. This study directly affects Hawaii's water management systems, agriculture, tourism, and communities facing water scarcity.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Stadium Authority to finalize a contract for constructing a new Aloha Stadium in Halawa and to advance development of the adjacent New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. It notes the project has completed environmental reviews, selected a developer (Aloha Halawa District Partners), and aims to create jobs while integrating housing, retail, and event spaces. The resolution emphasizes the stadium’s role in supporting University of Hawaii athletics, attracting tourism, and aligning with community development goals.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 73) requests the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to assume responsibility for the routine maintenance and repairs of the Kohala Ditch, a 26-mile irrigation system critical to North Kohala farmers. The ditch, damaged by a 2021 rockslide, supplies over 5 million gallons of water daily to local farms; without it, farmers face 10x higher water costs, forcing many to reduce or stop operations. The resolution urges the ADC to develop a community-informed maintenance plan and submit annual reports on repairs and infrastructure conditions. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not mandate action but formally asks the ADC to take on this role to support agricultural stability.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests Maui County to hire a full-time archaeologist to guide historic preservation efforts during Lahaina’s rebuilding after the 2023 wildfires. The archaeologist would work with county and rebuilding teams to protect cultural sites, implement federal/state preservation laws, and maintain Lahaina’s historical identity. The resolution is non-binding but aims to ensure cultural heritage is preserved as part of community recovery. It directly affects Maui County’s rebuilding process and Lahaina’s historical sites.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) to address trees that could block evacuation routes during emergencies. Specifically, HIEMA must identify large trees along evacuation paths, trim or remove hazardous ones, conduct risk assessments for high-risk trees, and adopt proven urban forestry practices like proper pruning and storm-resistant tree selection. It also directs HIEMA to strengthen community education on evacuation procedures while preserving environmental resilience. The resolution directly affects HIEMA's operations and indirectly benefits all Hawaii residents, particularly those in coastal communities relying on clear evacuation routes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 44) requests Hawaii's Department of Education to create and implement a statewide financial literacy curriculum for public high school students. It requires schools to offer a standalone financial literacy course by the 2026-2027 school year, covering budgeting, saving, credit management, taxes, loans, and fraud prevention. The plan must integrate these topics into existing courses, provide teacher training through workshops and pilot programs, and be finalized by December 2025. The resolution directly affects all public high school students and the Department of Education in Hawaii.