Sen. Michelle Kidani

Maddy summarySCR 24 is a Hawaii legislative resolution urging the U.S. Department of Defense to maintain public references to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its websites. The resolution was passed in response to the Pentagon removing these historical references in March 2025 as part of a federal review of content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It emphasizes preserving the history of these units - composed largely of Japanese American soldiers who served with distinction during WWII despite the internment of their families - to honor their contributions and prevent erasure of this significant historical memory.

Maddy summarySCR 135 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging all Hawaii state departments to establish secure data-sharing agreements with the Office of Wellness and Resilience. It directs departments to collaborate on sharing deidentified, aggregated data to help the Office integrate information across agencies. This aims to overcome current data silos, enabling a more comprehensive analysis of community needs through the existing Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard. The resolution emphasizes protecting resident privacy while supporting evidence-based program development.

Maddy summarySB 328 creates a state income tax credit for farmers who convert dairy farms to hog farms, covering capital infrastructure costs like building modifications. It directly affects dairy farmers planning such conversions by reducing their tax burden for eligible expenses. The credit becomes effective July 1, 3000, as specified in the bill's abstract. This policy change provides a financial incentive for agricultural land-use shifts without altering existing tax rates or creating new regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryHawaii's SCR 56 is a resolution urging the U.S. government to develop a national biodiversity strategy. It highlights Hawaii's status as home to over 550 endangered species (25% of the U.S. total) and its receipt of only 3% of federal conservation funding. The resolution specifically requests the U.S. establish a strategy that sets conservation targets, coordinates federal agencies, and promotes equitable conservation efforts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to address the biodiversity crisis threatening ecosystems, cultural practices, and community well-being.

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)

Maddy summarySCR 41 is a concurrent resolution encouraging Hawaii counties to develop their own biosecurity plans tailored to local needs. It does not create new laws but urges each county to prioritize its unique challenges with invasive species, such as habitat protection and agricultural impacts, through localized planning. The resolution specifically asks counties to collaborate with neighboring counties and state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It applies directly to all Hawaii counties, with copies sent to county mayors and state officials. (This is a procedural resolution, not a binding bill.)

Maddy summarySCR 94 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Agriculture and Maui County's Agriculture Department to address axis deer overpopulation. It specifically calls for making USDA-certified meat inspections more accessible and affordable for local hunters who want to process and distribute venison. The resolution also requests the creation of a joint task force to develop a program for processing locally-hunted deer meat and distributing it to the community, with a report due by November 2025. This resolution directly affects Maui residents, local hunters, and the state's agricultural departments, focusing on practical steps to utilize deer as a food source while managing overpopulation.

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)