Sen. Michelle Kidani

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution requests all Hawaii county police departments to purchase and deploy explosion detection technology to locate and respond to explosions from illegal firearms and fireworks. It specifically asks departments to adopt systems like ShotSpotter (cited as a widely used example) that can identify explosion sources within 40 seconds, improving response times. The resolution also requires police chiefs to provide officer training on using this technology. It does not mandate funding or require specific vendors, but encourages adoption based on reported benefits observed in other jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 66) requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create and implement a statewide financial literacy curriculum for public high school students. It requires all public high schools to offer a standalone financial literacy course as a graduation requirement starting in the 2026-2027 school year, covering topics like budgeting, saving, credit management, taxes, loans, and fraud prevention. The resolution also mandates teacher training, collaboration with external organizations, and a timeline for curriculum development by December 2025. It directly affects public high school students and educators across Hawaii, aiming to equip graduates with practical financial skills. The request does not impose new legal requirements but guides the Department of Education's planning and implementation efforts.

Maddy summarySCR 59 is a non-binding concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to partner with the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) to collaboratively maintain and improve the Kihei Ramp. This ramp provides South Maui community access for recreation like fishing and diving, and is used by KIRC for access to Kahoolawe Island. The resolution asks DLNR to work with KIRC on ongoing repairs, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of the ramp, including potential visitor center development. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no legal force but formally requests interagency collaboration to support community access and facility improvements.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 35 requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to partner with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities (particularly on neighbor islands and rural Oahu) lacking telecommunication access for participating in state legislative meetings. It directs them to develop an outreach program using public library resources - such as free internet, videoconferencing, and devices like Chromebooks - to help residents engage remotely, reducing travel costs and barriers. The resolution requires a report to the Legislature by 2026 detailing findings and recommendations for improving public access. This procedural resolution focuses on infrastructure collaboration, not policy changes, to enhance civic participation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 113 (SR 113) urges Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) to submit a detailed report to the legislature on the true costs of producing school meals. The resolution requires the DOE to provide itemized cost breakdowns - including ingredient sourcing, operational expenses, beverage costs, and distribution logistics - for the 2024-2025 and projected 2025-2026/2026-2027 school years. It also mandates data on meal types (full-price, reduced-price, free) and total costs to ensure transparency around proposed price increases (e.g., from $2.50 to $4.75 per meal). The report must be submitted 20 days before Hawaii's 2026 legislative session. This resolution does not change meal prices but seeks factual data to inform future decisions.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 42 urges all Hawaii counties to install at least one wheelchair-accessible swing and other basic accessible playground equipment in every county park playground, while requiring counties to create detailed maintenance plans. These plans must include weekly inspections, regular cleaning, safety surfacing upkeep, emergency repair protocols, and community engagement to ensure long-term safety and accessibility. The resolution specifically references compliance with federal ADA accessibility standards for equipment and mandates counties to develop these plans for all public playgrounds. As a non-binding resolution, it does not impose legal requirements but encourages counties to adopt these practices to make play spaces inclusive for children with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 207) requests Hawaii's Department of Transportation to install and use electronic scanning equipment at all state airports and harbors to detect illegal fireworks. It directly affects travelers and cargo entering Hawaii by aiming to prevent the illegal importation of fireworks, which the resolution states threaten public safety, cause fires, and harm the environment. The resolution specifically asks the DOT to implement this screening at airports and harbors, with special consideration for commercial harbors to avoid disrupting commerce. This is a non-binding request, not a law, so the DOT may choose to act on it.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 77 urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Maui County Department of Agriculture to address axis deer overpopulation by making USDA-certified meat processing more accessible and affordable for local hunters. It directs these agencies to form a task force to develop a program for distributing locally-hunted venison to the community, with a report due by November 30, 2025. The resolution focuses on reducing barriers to processing deer meat (venison) through improved access to USDA inspections and certified facilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's state boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of their Executive Directors (or equivalent roles exempt from civil service law). The reviews would assess how well these leaders meet state goals and statutory mandates, though the resolution itself is non-binding. It applies specifically to boards/commissions with exempt leadership positions, not to all state employees. The measure is procedural and does not create new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 115) requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a Geothermal Energy Working Group. The group would evaluate Hawaii's current rules and policies affecting geothermal energy development, particularly to address regulatory barriers and permit challenges. The working group would include state agency leaders, county representatives, industry stakeholders, and community advocates. This resolution does not create new laws but aims to coordinate a review process to support Hawaii's renewable energy goals. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and geothermal developers by initiating a structured evaluation of the policy environment.