Sen. Glenn Wakai

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 84 requests the Governor to convene a temporary working group to investigate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in Hawaii. The group, including state health, environmental, and agricultural departments plus stakeholders, will test waterways, seafood, and soil for PFAS levels, identify contamination sources, and assess health/environmental risks. It must submit interim reports to the Legislature by 2026 and 2027, with a final report due before the 2028 session, recommending testing, remediation, and policy changes. This resolution does not create new laws but directs state action to address PFAS threats to public health and Hawaii's ecosystems.

Maddy summarySR 154 is a Senate Resolution requesting the Office of the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the University of Hawaii Foundation. The resolution specifically asks the Auditor to evaluate how the Foundation manages over 7,000 donor gift accounts and $660 million in fundraising funds (from the "For UH For Hawaii" campaign) to ensure effective use of resources supporting University of Hawaii students and faculty. This procedural resolution does not change laws but directs an external review of the Foundation’s fund management practices. The audit would assess transparency and efficiency in handling donations dedicated to specific university programs and projects.

Maddy summarySCR 89 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to form a working group that will develop an educational pathway at University of Hawaii community colleges for meat processing careers. It directly affects students seeking entry-level jobs in meat processing and addresses a current workforce shortage that limits local ranchers' ability to process and sell their products. The working group must create a curriculum covering food safety, animal handling, processing techniques, regulatory compliance, hands-on training, and sustainable practices. The goal is to equip students with skills needed to support Hawaii's agricultural industry and reduce reliance on imported meat.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 160 requests the Office of the Auditor to conduct a financial and operational audit of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Athletics Department. This audit is prompted by a reported $2.1 million deficit in the department's FY2024 budget, concerns about the lack of a sustainable funding plan, and the absence of a master plan for operations. The resolution aims to evaluate whether the department manages funds responsibly and effectively supports student athletes across sports programs. As a procedural resolution, it does not change laws but formally asks for an independent review to improve financial oversight.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 72) requests Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to form a working group that will develop an educational pathway at University of Hawaii Community Colleges for meat processing careers. The resolution directly affects students seeking entry-level jobs in meat processing and local meat processing facilities facing workforce shortages. The working group must create curriculum covering food safety, processing techniques, regulatory compliance, sustainability practices, and hands-on training to equip students with skills needed by the industry. The resolution does not create the program itself but asks for a plan to establish it, aligning with state goals for food security and local job growth.

Maddy summarySCR 64 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development to establish the Hawaii State Fellows Program. The program would create 10-11 month, paid fellowship positions for recent college graduates (requiring a bachelor's degree, 2.5 GPA, and U.S. work authorization) to work across state agencies. Key provisions include mandatory career development training, mentorship, and evaluation mechanisms to address the state's public employment vacancy crisis (24% vacancy rate, 31% of employees eligible to retire in five years). The resolution requires the Department to report on the program’s implementation, participation, and budget to the Legislature by 2026. This is a procedural request, not a law, directing an agency to create a workforce development initiative.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 49 requests the Department of Human Resources Development to establish the Hawaii State Fellows Program. The resolution proposes a 10-11 month, paid fellowship for recent college graduates (requiring a bachelor's degree, 2.5 GPA, and U.S. work authorization) to address Hawaii's public sector recruitment and retention crisis. Key program elements include mentorship, leadership training, hands-on policy work across state agencies, and preference for applicants with local ties or commitment to long-term state leadership. The resolution requires the DHRD to report on the program's progress, budget, and outcomes to the Legislature by 2026. This is a procedural request, not binding legislation.

Maddy summarySB 1588 creates a Nuclear Energy Task Force within Hawaii's State Energy Office to study nuclear energy's potential for the state. The bill requires the Task Force to submit regular reports to the Hawaii Legislature about its findings and recommendations. This bill directly affects the State Energy Office and the Legislature, establishing a formal process for evaluating nuclear energy policy. (Note: The effective date "7/1/3000" in the abstract appears to be a typo; it likely means July 1, 2030.)

Exempts from the electronic procurement system the Department of Education's purchase of fresh local agricultural products and local value-added processed, agricultural, or food products not exceeding a certain amount, subject to certain requirements. Requires the Department of Education to establish guidelines for determining a geographic preference for locally sourced products. Exempts the Department of Education from the requirement that certain agricultural products are subject to the Hawaii Public Procurement Code. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program to provide legal representation to individuals in immigration-related proceedings in immigration court. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)