Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz

Maddy summarySCR 141 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to collaborate with the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to access existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant programs. It specifically targets funding opportunities that support local farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture groups to advance Hawaii's agricultural sustainability goals, including increasing local food production by 2030. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally requests interagency coordination to help agricultural entities secure USDA grants. It references Hawaii's 2050 Sustainability Plan and the Aloha+ Challenge as context for this collaboration.

Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules to impose user fees that apply solely to nonresidents visiting state parks and trails, as selected by the Board. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes the Land Use Commission to designate county or state lands as important agricultural lands, and adopt maps for the designated lands, in counties that fail to identify and recommend important agricultural lands by 12/31/2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySCR 134 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) to prepare a detailed report on school meal costs. The bill requires the DOE to break down expenses (like ingredients, operations, and distribution) and provide meal statistics (full-price, reduced-price, free meals) for the 2024-2025 and future school years. This aims to increase transparency about meal production costs, which the DOE claims are $9.00 per meal, and prevent unnecessary price hikes like the proposed increase from $2.50 to $4.75 per meal. The report must be submitted to the Legislature by 2026.

Establishes an Audit Office within the Board of Education to audit operations and expenditures of the Department of Education. Exempts positions within the Audit Office from civil service law. Requires annual reports to the Governor and Director of Finance. Authorizes the Legislature to request a copy of the annual reports. Establishes positions within the Audit Office. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires that lands within the agricultural district with class B or C soils that have solar or wind energy facilities must also obtain certification from the Department of Agriculture that the lands are also used for a farming operation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 139 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to designate Kunia, Leilehua Plateau, and Poamoho as the Central Oahu Agricultural Corridor. It also asks the ADC to create a prioritized list of agricultural infrastructure projects based on factors like potential production increases, costs, county plans, and land use. The resolution further requests the Department of Transportation to implement specific traffic safety measures (35 mph speed limit and "No Passing" zones) along designated roads. This resolution directs the ADC to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 2026. The request aims to support Hawaii’s goal of doubling local food production by 2030.

Maddy summarySCR 193 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the University of Hawaii Community Colleges to create a list of bachelor’s degree programs and workforce training pathways aligned with regional job needs. It directs the colleges to evaluate local economic drivers (like tourism, health care, and renewable energy) and collaborate with industry leaders to ensure programs match current and future job opportunities in their specific service areas. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but asks the colleges to develop this list for regional economic alignment. It affects UH Community Colleges across Hawaii’s regions and their partnerships with local employers. The focus is on practical program alignment, not legislative action.

Prohibits landfill units on land in an agricultural district with class A soils. Beginning 7/1/2025, narrows the prohibition on constructing, modifying, or expanding waste or disposal facilities within a one-half mile buffer zone of residential, school, or hospital property lines to apply specifically to landfill units or components of landfill units. Beginning 7/1/2025, prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of a landfill unit, or any component of a landfill unit, inland of an underground injection control line in a county with a population greater than five hundred thousand, with certain exemptions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the University of Hawaii Foundation. The foundation manages over 7,000 donor accounts and handles more than $660 million in funds raised for the University of Hawaii System. The audit aims to evaluate how effectively the foundation uses these funds to support students and faculty, ensuring transparency and accountability in its management.