Sen. Glenn Wakai

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies, including the Department of Health and Department of Human Services, to work together to maintain affordable drug access for underserved communities through the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. The bill calls on pharmaceutical companies to avoid implementing restrictions that limit hospitals and health centers from distributing discounted medications to their patients. Additionally, it asks Hawaii's congressional delegation and federal agencies to monitor the pharmaceutical industry and take steps to protect the program's integrity. This measure is a formal request rather than a law that creates new mandates or penalties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Medical Association and the Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association to meet and create new guidelines for prescribing mental health medications. The proposal suggests that doctors should test a patient's thyroid function through a simple blood test before starting treatment with psychotropic drugs, as symptoms of thyroid issues can sometimes be mistaken for mental illness. This request aims to prevent unnecessary or potentially harmful medication by ensuring thyroid conditions are ruled out first. The resolution does not change current laws but instead urges medical organizations to develop these safety protocols.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to collaborate with the City and County of Honolulu on creating alternative emergency access routes for Pacific Palisades. The bill highlights that the area currently relies on a single, narrow road with a steep hairpin turn, which poses significant risks during natural disasters like wildfires or flash floods. It requests that the transportation department develop a plan with a completion timeline and submit it to the legislature before the start of the 2025 session. This measure aims to improve public safety by ensuring multiple evacuation options are available for the community.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Women's Corrections Implementation Commission to create a plan that reduces the number of women held at the Women's Community Correctional Center by 25% over the next five years. The request is based on findings that most incarcerated women have non-violent offenses and that current prison conditions often re-traumatize them. To achieve this goal, the commission must collaborate with various state agencies and community organizations to develop strategies for diversion and rehabilitation. The commission is required to submit an initial report with recommendations by November 2024 and provide updates annually through 2029.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii State Energy Office to create a working group focused on studying renewable liquid fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel. The group will include representatives from state agencies, the legislature, universities, and industry stakeholders to explore local production methods and potential tax incentives. Over the next two years, the committee will evaluate technologies and policies to promote the use of these fuels while submitting progress updates and final recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the State of Hawaii, the City and County of Honolulu, and the United States military to coordinate efforts to address illegal dumping in Waipahu and surrounding communities like Ewa, Pearl City, and Aiea. The bill highlights concerns about environmental hazards, public health risks, and the negative impact on schools and local pride caused by dumped waste, such as shopping carts blocking drainage ditches. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to formally request cooperation among these agencies to clean up polluted areas and improve waste management practices. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to relevant government officials and military commanders to ensure the issue receives attention.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement to create a working group to study how to stop hikers from entering closed trails and to reduce the high costs of search and rescue operations. The proposed group would include officials from law enforcement, the judiciary, and local police and fire departments to examine current fines and compare them with penalty systems used in other states. Their task is to develop recommendations for new policies or fees that hold hikers accountable for ignoring safety warnings, with a final report due to the Legislature before the 2025 session begins.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to collaborate with the City and County of Honolulu on creating alternative emergency routes for Pacific Palisades. The bill highlights that the area currently relies on a single, narrow road with a steep hairpin turn, which poses risks during natural disasters or emergencies. It requests that transportation officials develop a plan and timeline for these new access options and submit the proposal to the Legislature by the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Federal Emergency Management Agency to speed up the process of placing Maui wildfire survivors into long-term housing under the Federal Direct Lease Program. The bill highlights that hundreds of displaced families still lack shelter and notes that many available units in this program remain unfilled due to lengthy application procedures. It directs copies of this request to state and local officials responsible for disaster recovery and housing efforts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to install a new emergency siren near the intersection of Aumakua Street and Auhuhu Street in Upper Pacific Palisades. The measure aims to address concerns that current sirens in the area are either inoperable or inaudible to residents, potentially hindering public safety alerts during critical emergencies. If approved, the state agency would be directed to place the new siren to ensure timely notification of civil defense emergencies for the local community.