Maddy summarySCR 54 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a Desalination Planning Task Force to study whether desalination (converting seawater to fresh water) could feasibly meet the state's large-scale water needs. The task force, composed of state and county water officials, health representatives, and cultural advisors, will assess water demand, environmental impacts of desalination plants, cultural site protections, and how it might support water resilience after events like the Red Hill contamination. It must report findings and recommendations to the legislature by 2026, including potential policy changes. This resolution does not enact new law but directs a study to inform future water management decisions.
Sponsored bills
Authorizes the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State. Requires the Aquaculture Program to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework and biocontainment standards for the aquatic livestock assessment and approval process. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Repeals the prohibition placed on certain employees exempt from Civil Service Law from grieving a suspension or discharge. Allows any employee who is a member of an appropriate bargaining unit to grieve a suspension or discharge. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySB 602 allows the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) to close any parcels of land it owns to public access. This measure directly affects the HPHA by expanding its authority over its properties, and indirectly affects the public who might use or access these areas. If the HPHA designates an area as closed, the bill requires specific signage to be posted to inform the public.
Requires the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Office of Wellness and Resilience, to design a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with Child Welfare Services. Specifies that the Department of Human Services shall implement and administer the pilot program. Allows the Department to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses with technology enablement and develop project management software to simplify the facilitated application process for small businesses. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySB 1202 proposes changes to campaign finance regulations. This bill would allow candidates to use their campaign funds to cover costs associated with child care and care for vital household dependents. These funds could be utilized for such expenses under specific conditions.
Maddy summarySCR 58 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's counties to install accessible playground equipment, including wheelchair-accessible swings, in all county park playgrounds and to create maintenance plans. It requires equipment to meet ADA standards and mandates maintenance plans with six key components: regular inspections, preventive upkeep, cleaning schedules, accessibility checks, emergency repair protocols, and community engagement. The resolution directly affects all counties managing public playgrounds and aims to improve access for children with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities. It does not create new law but requests counties adopt these standards and asks state agencies to help develop cost and implementation recommendations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 20) requests Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to reevaluate its policies on in-person contact visitation at state correctional facilities. Currently, some facilities like Halawa, Maui Community, and Oahu Community Correctional Centers require visitors to be separated by barriers (e.g., glass), which the resolution states does not effectively prevent contraband. The resolution urges the department to identify alternative policies allowing direct contact visits, citing research showing such visits reduce recidivism and support rehabilitation. It specifically aims to help incarcerated individuals maintain connections with family - especially parents with minor children - to improve successful reintegration into society. The resolution is non-binding but directs the department to prioritize this change.
Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Exempts general fund appropriations to the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for general operating costs of the Orchestra and for deposit into the State of Hawaii Endowment Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)