Sen. Michelle Kidani

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages developers in Hawaii to adopt net zero water strategies when building or renovating housing projects. The bill defines these strategies as methods that minimize water use, create alternative water sources, and treat wastewater on-site to return it to natural supplies like aquifers. By promoting these practices, the resolution aims to protect Hawaii's limited fresh water resources from pollution and depletion. The measure is non-binding and serves as a recommendation rather than a mandatory law, directing copies to state housing officials and the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution encourages developers in Hawaii to adopt net zero water strategies when building or renovating housing projects. The bill promotes the use of water-saving technologies, on-site wastewater treatment, and alternative water sources to reduce reliance on the state's finite freshwater supply. By minimizing water consumption and pollution runoff, the resolution aims to help preserve the quantity and quality of natural water resources like aquifers. It does not impose legal requirements but serves as a formal recommendation to the Governor and housing agencies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Board of Agriculture to study how much state-owned farmland is actually being used for farming versus left vacant or used for non-agricultural purposes. The study will also calculate specific financial details for lease transfers, such as the rent paid, infrastructure costs, and how much money goes to the state versus private individuals. The goal is to gather data on whether current lease practices are helping the state achieve its food production goals or if they are creating unintended financial windfalls for private lessees. The Board must submit its findings and any recommended laws to the legislature by late 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Governor to direct state health agencies to work together with local hospitals and pharmacies to keep affordable medications available for Hawaii's underserved communities. The bill also urges federal officials and Hawaii's congressional representatives to watch for and stop actions by drug companies that limit how these hospitals can distribute discounted drugs. By encouraging collaboration and oversight, the resolution aims to preserve the 340B Drug Pricing Program's ability to provide low-cost medicines to patients who need them most.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to create an inventory and map of existing R-1 water delivery systems and reservoirs in Maui County. The bill aims to locate infrastructure that can store treated wastewater for future use in firefighting, agriculture, and landscaping. By identifying these resources, the resolution seeks to help prevent groundwater contamination and ensure access to fresh water for emergency and non-potable needs. The office is required to submit the completed inventory and maps to the Legislature before the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Health to update its administrative rules to allow licensed dietitians to independently prescribe modified diets and plan therapeutic diets for patients. The bill aims to address the state's shortage of physicians by enabling dietitians to take on more responsibility for nutrition care, which is already permitted in many hospital settings under federal guidelines. Specifically, the proposed changes would let dietitians write diet orders without needing a physician's direct approval for certain diet types, while still requiring that these plans be reviewed and documented in medical records. This shift is intended to improve patient care efficiency and ensure that patients receive adequate nutritional support within the state's healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the University of Hawaii at Manoa to create a comprehensive plan for addressing housing shortages for students and faculty on campus. The bill specifically asks the university to develop a new business model that could include public-private partnerships to make housing financially sustainable and to redevelop the closed Hale Noelani facility to provide at least 1,500 beds. Additionally, the university is asked to propose a strategy for offering financial assistance to low-income residents and to submit a detailed report with financing options to the Legislature by early 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows buyers and sellers of condominiums to exchange specific purchase documents via email instead of traditional paper methods. The measure directly affects real estate transactions involving condominiums by updating the rules for how these documents can be delivered. By permitting electronic communication, the legislation aims to streamline the purchasing process while maintaining the same legal requirements for document delivery.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to create new administrative rules that allow it to offer credit enhancement for construction loans. The bill aims to lower financing costs for housing developers by reducing the risk associated with these loans, which could help offset high development expenses caused by rising interest rates. As a Senate resolution, this document serves as a formal request rather than a law that directly changes statutes or mandates specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to study how teacher salary increases affect pay compression, where experienced educators earn the same as less experienced ones. The study will examine current pay structures and analyze how step movements influence this issue to provide recommendations for improving teacher retention and satisfaction. The department is also asked to work with education leaders and submit a report with findings and potential policy changes to the Legislature by early 2025.