Sen. Glenn Wakai

Repeals Part II of Act 66, SLH 2023, which requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to work with the University of Hawaiʻi on workforce development activities that support the development of the Hawaiʻi Pacific Hydrogen Hub and related aspects of the State's hydrogen energy industry. Repeals the appropriation to develop the Hawaiʻi Pacific Hydrogen Hub. (CD1)

Exempts from the general excise tax those medical and dental services provided by health care providers to patients who receive Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE benefits. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources to study how to improve beach access for people with disabilities. The study will focus on public beaches that have nearby restrooms and will look at physical barriers, local maintenance responsibilities, and legal requirements for accommodations. The department must submit its findings to the legislature by the start of the 2025 session. This measure does not immediately change any laws but initiates a review to determine what steps are needed to make more beaches accessible.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the creation of a Telehealth Working Group to study how the widespread use of remote healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected safety, costs, and patient care in Hawaii. The group will consist of representatives from state agencies, insurance companies, medical associations, and healthcare providers to examine whether telehealth can be effectively integrated into standard medical practice. Members will analyze data on video and audio-only visits to identify policy changes needed at both state and federal levels to optimize future use. The working group is tasked with submitting a final report with findings and potential legislation recommendations to the Legislature by early 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the State of Hawaii to start planning a collaboration with Japanese partners to honor the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025. The bill specifically focuses on commemorating the lives lost in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as the thousands of Hawaii residents who died during the war. It directs the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to design a memorial that could be gifted to Japan to reinforce the shared commitment to peace and mutual respect between the two nations. The resolution serves as a formal request rather than a law, instructing state officials to coordinate with Japanese counterparts on how best to mark this historical milestone.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to clearly define their official role and submit an annual report to the Legislature. The bill specifically requests data on community programs designed to divert individuals with mental health issues away from jail, including details on their capacity and reasons for any high failure rates. By urging the release of this information, the resolution aims to increase transparency regarding the state's progress and unmet needs in mental health services and jail diversion efforts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use available funds to provide non-congregate housing solutions for residents displaced by the August 2023 Maui wildfires. The bill specifically targets renters and homeowners who need interim housing options beyond temporary rental assistance as federal aid is set to expire in 2025. It requests that FEMA clarify rules for using financial assistance, establish a decision-making process for support actions, and discuss transferring acquired assets to the state for long-term affordable rental housing development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Office of Enterprise Technology Services to enhance Hawaii's Open Data Portal by adding more data sets, consolidating all state department data onto a single platform, and ensuring the information is regularly updated for accuracy. The bill directly affects the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, the Chief Data Officer, and the heads of all state departments by requesting they collaborate to improve data accessibility and usability for the public. It calls for the office to study successful open data portals used by other states and cities to guide these improvements. Ultimately, the resolution aims to make government data more transparent and easier for residents, analysts, and developers to access and use.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to conduct extensive soil testing in Lahaina following the August 2023 wildfire. The bill directs officials to sample burn sites for toxins, create a cleanup plan for contaminated areas, and evaluate technologies to separate clean soil from ash. The Department must submit a final report with findings, cost estimates, and timelines to the Legislature by March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with federal, state, and county agencies, landowners, and other stakeholders to protect, restore, and manage wetlands across Hawaii, with a specific focus on the West Maui area. The bill highlights the ecological benefits of wetlands, such as improving water quality and providing habitats, while noting that some areas are currently vulnerable due to changes in federal protection laws and past development. It calls for a collaborative statewide effort to rebuild these natural areas, particularly in West Maui, taking advantage of recovery opportunities following recent wildfires. The resolution directs copies to various government officials and agencies to ensure awareness and coordination of these restoration goals.