Maddy summaryThis is a concurrent resolution (not a bill), passed by Hawaii's Senate and House, expressing support for Taiwan's international engagement. It endorses Taiwan's participation as an observer in four international organizations: the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The resolution also supports U.S.-Taiwan trade negotiations under the 21st Century Trade Initiative and commemorates Hawaii's 32-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan, including mutual cooperation in tourism, education, and disaster response (like Taiwan's $500,000 aid after the 2023 Maui wildfires). The resolution urges U.S. officials to advance these positions and is addressed to the President, Congress, and U.S. Secretary of State.
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Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for State Enterprise Zone Program purposes to include retail sales of tangible personal property manufactured and sold in the enterprise zone to the final consumer, the processing of value-added agricultural products grown within an enterprise zone, the provision of professional services by health care professionals in health-care-related sectors, the use of advanced manufacturing to produce products, or the development of cybersecurity technology. Extends the eligibility period of the state business tax credit and general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones from 7 years to 9 years. Extends the eligibility period of the general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones engaged in the manufacturing of tangible personal property or the producing or processing of agricultural products from 10 years to 12 years. Makes the extension of the state business tax credit eligibility period applicable to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025. Makes the extension of the general excise tax exemption eligibility period take effect on 1/1/2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySCR 69 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency to convene a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Working Group. The group will evaluate policies to lower drug costs for patients and improve healthcare access, focusing on four key areas: which state agency should oversee PBMs, required reporting, fair pharmacy audit procedures, and protections against under-reimbursed medications. The working group will include representatives from insurance, pharmacy associations, state agencies, and pharmacy benefit managers. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, but the resolution itself does not enact new laws.
Maddy summarySCR 138 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Auditor to conduct a management and performance audit of the University of Hawaii's Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. The audit will specifically examine Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education (workforce pipelines from pre-K to post-secondary), alignment of academic programs with state job demands, and transfer agreements between four-year universities and community colleges. It requires the Auditor to assess resource allocation, provide improvement recommendations, and submit findings to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not change policies but seeks to evaluate existing academic strategy operations for transparency and efficiency.
Maddy summarySCR 22 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HEMA) to work with county emergency agencies to create outreach programs specifically for kupuna (Hawaiian elders aged 65+). It directly affects Hawaii's elderly population, which makes up over 19% of the state's residents and faces higher vulnerability during disasters due to health limitations and limited access to technology. The resolution asks HEMA to collaborate with city and county emergency management agencies to develop initiatives that inform kupuna about emergency preparedness. This is a procedural request, not a law, focused on improving communication and safety resources for an at-risk group.
Maddy summarySCR 57 is a Hawaii Senate resolution urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program to address insurance shortages in disaster-prone areas. It directly affects homeowners, businesses, and agricultural producers struggling with unaffordable or unavailable coverage due to climate-driven disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. The resolution proposes a federal reinsurance backstop that would cover extreme catastrophic losses only (after private insurers pay initial claims), operate on a state opt-in basis, and include safeguards to protect taxpayers. It also requests Congress provide incentives like premium discounts for disaster-resistant building to reduce long-term costs. This is a non-binding request to Congress, not a law.
Establishes the Future Career and Technical Education Teacher Scholarship Program to be administered by the Department of Education to facilitate the recruitment and retention of career and technical education teachers in Hawaii public schools. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySCR 21 is a concurrent resolution (not a law) requesting Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide separate mental health counseling services for correctional facility staff. It directly affects correctional staff members, who face mental health risks from trauma exposure in their work. The resolution asks the department to use its operating funds to make these staff-specific services available - distinct from inmate mental health resources - potentially by hiring additional counselors. It does not mandate the action but urges the department to prioritize staff mental health through this request.
Maddy summarySCR 143 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's state boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of their Executive Directors or equivalent staff members (who are exempt from standard civil service hiring rules). It directs these entities to evaluate whether such leaders are meeting state goals and statutory requirements. The resolution does not create new laws but formally recommends this practice to improve accountability. It applies to all boards/commissions with exempt executive positions, as specified in Hawaii's governance structure.
Maddy summarySCR 65 is a non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the Hawaii Stadium Authority to finalize a contract for constructing the new Aloha Stadium and to advance work on the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED). It does not create new law but formally encourages the Authority to complete these steps, referencing the project's completion of environmental reviews and selection of a preferred developer. The resolution highlights the project’s planned features: a new 25,000-seat stadium, mixed-use development (housing, retail, hotels), and alignment with economic and community benefits. It emphasizes the project’s readiness for construction after years of planning, environmental studies, and community engagement. The resolution has no legal effect but serves as a legislative recommendation to accelerate the stadium and district development.