Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to consider mandating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The bill aims to improve public access to life-saving devices that can treat cardiac arrest by analyzing heart rhythms and delivering electrical shocks to restore normal heart function. It also highlights the importance of AED training programs, noting that while organizations like the University of Hawaii offer such training, the state currently lacks legislatively mandated educational initiatives. The resolution directs the Director of Health to receive copies of the document and serves as a non-binding recommendation rather than a law requiring immediate action.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu to consider creating a facility for safely discarding lithium-ion batteries, which are currently often disposed of improperly in landfills. The bill aims to reduce fire and explosion hazards and protect environmental resources by establishing a dedicated disposal system, potentially integrated with the existing H-POWER waste energy recovery program. It directs copies of the resolution to state and local officials responsible for energy and waste management to facilitate the county's consideration of this infrastructure development.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu to consider building a facility for properly disposing of lithium-ion batteries. The bill addresses safety and environmental concerns by requesting the county explore creating a wet shredding facility connected to the existing H-POWER waste energy recovery program. It is intended to reduce fire and explosion risks associated with damaged batteries in landfills and protect local water resources. The resolution directs copies to state and local officials, including the Mayor and the Department of Environmental Services, to initiate consideration of this infrastructure project.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Department of Human Resources Development to work with state departments, agencies, and labor organizations to finish a review of how civil service positions are classified and paid. The request stems from high vacancy rates and upcoming retirements that threaten the state's ability to hire and keep qualified employees. The resolution directs the department to prioritize departments with the most unfilled or hard-to-fill positions during this review process. This action is part of a larger effort mandated by Act 180 to modernize the state's workforce management systems.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to create a working group to study how large data centers might affect the state's electric grid, utility rates, natural resources, and climate objectives. The proposed working group would include representatives from state agencies, electric utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations to examine potential policy safeguards. Key areas of study include ensuring data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades rather than existing ratepayers, protecting water resources used for cooling, and preventing increased greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution aims to proactively prepare Hawaii's isolated power system for future data center development while balancing economic growth with environmental protection and ratepayer fairness.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Governor to study whether Hawaii state agencies should manage their own hiring and recruitment instead of relying on the centralized Department of Human Resources Development. The bill addresses concerns that the current system causes long vacancies and staffing shortages, with over 4,000 positions vacant as of late 2025. If implemented, the proposed changes would allow individual departments to write job descriptions, review applicants, conduct interviews, and directly hire qualified candidates. The Governor must complete this evaluation and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not change current law but requests an administrative review of the hiring process.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Workforce Development Council to create a long-term statewide workforce strategy by 2045 to help all residents find careers that allow them to live and work in Hawaii. The bill directs the Council to recommend this plan to the Governor for inclusion in the State Unified Plan, aiming to address concerns about high living costs, limited job opportunities, and the risk of young people leaving the state. Key provisions include establishing a unified framework for state and county efforts, incorporating work-based learning and youth internship programs, and setting specific metrics to track progress in job quality and economic resilience. The strategy is intended to align various government agencies, nonprofits, and labor organizations around shared goals to improve career pathways and local economic stability.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board to study how deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals communicate in healthcare settings and to develop updated guidelines for providers. The study will examine interpreter availability, patient preferences, special needs for hospitalized patients, and legal requirements for effective communication. Based on its findings, the Board will revise existing guidance and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This action aims to improve healthcare access for individuals with communication disabilities by ensuring providers understand their specific needs and legal obligations.
Maddy summarySB 2446 increases the number of associate judges on the Intermediate Court of Appeals from six to seven and appropriates funds for this change. This bill directly affects the court's staffing structure by adding one judicial position. The key mechanism is a simple numerical adjustment to the court's authorized positions, funded through the state budget. It does not alter judicial procedures, case handling, or substantive law.
Establishes the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii (Research Center) within the University of Hawaii. Requires the Research Center to be administratively affiliated with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). Requires JABSOM, the Research Center, University of Hawaii Center on Aging, and University of Hawaii at Manoa to identify opportunities to capitalize on collaboration between the parties and maximize operational efficiencies. Requires the Research Center to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)