Sen. Brandon Elefante

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 67) urges Maui County, in coordination with the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Defense, to conduct real-time wildfire and disaster drills involving the Maui community. It specifically calls for community members to participate in planning, executing, and evaluating these drills to improve emergency response preparedness. The resolution emphasizes that such drills should familiarize residents with evacuation protocols and create opportunities for immediate feedback to refine response strategies. It does not create new law but formally encourages these agencies to adopt community-engaged disaster training practices.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 93 requests the City and County of Honolulu to display purple lights at City Hall on August 7 each year to honor National Purple Heart Day. This symbolic resolution commemorates military service members who were injured or killed in action, recognizing their sacrifices. It does not impose legal requirements on the city but asks for a visible annual tribute. The resolution is non-binding and focuses solely on honoring Purple Heart recipients through a public display.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 14 requests the U.S. Postal Service to build a new Pearl City Post Office on U.S. Navy property at the Pearl City Peninsula entrance (across from Lehua Elementary School), replacing the current location. This would address safety concerns, traffic congestion, and overcrowding at the existing post office, which has limited parking, a small lobby, and insufficient space due to increased online package volume and nearby development. The resolution specifically asks for a larger facility with expanded parking for both employees and customers. (Note: This is a non-binding request to the USPS, not a law requiring construction.)

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.

Part I: Renames the Department of Agriculture to the "Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity". Renames the Board of Agriculture to the "Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity" and amends the composition of the Board. Part II: Establishes and appropriates funds for a Deputy Director of Biosecurity. Part III: Changes references to the plant and animal declaration form to the "biosecurity form". Part IV: Authorizes and specifies conditions under which the Department may declare a biosecurity emergency, during which the Department and Governor may take certain actions to prevent the establishment or spread of pests and prohibited or restricted organisms. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Board to quarantine an area under certain conditions. Broadens the objectives and general actions of the Biosecurity Program. Part V: Requires the Department to establish and regularly update an invasive species dashboard. Authorizes pest management plans to address, contain, or eradicate pests. Part VI: Appropriates funds for positions for the Department. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)