Sen. Glenn Wakai

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to change how it prioritizes funding for affordable housing projects. It asks the agency to give preference to developments that are built on public land, have a permanent commitment to keeping rents low, or are owned by groups that must reinvest any profits into building more housing. Additionally, the bill encourages the agency to favor developers who repay their loans early or choose shorter repayment terms to free up capital for future projects. By making these changes, the resolution aims to ensure that taxpayer money supports long-term affordability and creates a cycle of continuous housing development rather than short-term gains for private owners.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to create a new administrative process for housing projects exclusively reserved for moderate-income households. The bill seeks to utilize existing state laws that currently allow certain housing developments to receive exemptions from standard zoning and construction rules. It specifically requests that this new pathway be established alongside, rather than replacing, the current requirement that half of a project's units be available to buyers earning up to 140% of the area median income.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the University of Hawaii Leeward Community College to create an online bachelor's degree program in education to help working adults become teachers across all counties. The bill requests that funds be moved within the community college system to support this new program and address teacher shortages in rural areas. It also asks various educational leaders to collaborate on promoting access to quality education and helping current substitute or emergency teachers enter the profession. Because this is a non-binding resolution rather than a law, it does not force any specific actions but serves as a formal recommendation to the university and other stakeholders.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the idea of making Hawaii's state legislature a full-time, year-round body instead of its current part-time schedule. The study will examine the practical steps needed to implement such a change, including potential pros and cons, proposed calendars for bills and budgets, and salary requirements for legislators and staff. This bill does not change any laws or policies itself; it only directs an official review of how a continuous legislative session would work for the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to support efforts to improve its Aquaculture Development Program strategic plan. The bill specifically asks the department to adopt recommendations from a February 2024 report by Hatch Innovation Services, which was commissioned to help grow the state's aquaculture industry. As a Senate resolution, this document serves as a formal request rather than a law that directly changes regulations or mandates specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to support improving its Aquaculture Development Program strategic plan. The bill specifically asks the department to adopt recommendations from a February 2024 report by Hatch Innovation Services, which aims to help the state attract more investors and grow its aquaculture industry. While the resolution highlights the state's natural advantages for farming seafood, it does not create new laws or change existing regulations. Instead, it serves as a formal request to state officials to review and enhance their current strategy for sustainable food production.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to update its rules for allocating affordable housing funds. It asks the agency to prioritize projects that are built on state or county land, have permanent affordability requirements, or are owned by organizations that must reinvest any profits into new housing. Additionally, the bill encourages developers to repay their low-interest loans early or choose shorter repayment terms to free up capital for future construction. The measure does not change existing laws but instead formally requests the agency to adjust its administrative guidelines to favor these specific types of developments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Board of Agriculture to study how much state-owned farmland is actually being used for farming versus left vacant or used for non-agricultural purposes. The study will also calculate specific financial details for lease transfers, such as the rent paid, infrastructure costs, and how much money goes to the state versus private individuals. The goal is to gather data on whether current lease practices are helping the state achieve its food production goals or if they are creating unintended financial windfalls for private lessees. The Board must submit its findings and any recommended laws to the legislature by late 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to form a working group to study how to improve language assistance services for patients who do not speak English well. The group will include healthcare providers, insurers, and community organizations to examine current barriers and the use of family members as interpreters. After reviewing the situation, the working group must submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2025, potentially including new laws to ensure equitable care.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the State Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of mandating dental and vision insurance coverage in Hawaii. The bill directs the Auditor to conduct a formal analysis, known as a sunrise analysis, on a proposed measure that would require such coverage for residents. The Auditor is tasked with submitting a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by a specific deadline before the next session begins. This procedural step ensures that the potential effects of the insurance mandate are assessed before any final legislation is passed.