Sen. Michelle Kidani

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to collaborate with the City and County of Honolulu on creating alternative emergency routes for Pacific Palisades. The bill highlights that the area currently relies on a single, narrow road with a steep hairpin turn, which poses risks during natural disasters or emergencies. It requests that transportation officials develop a plan and timeline for these new access options and submit the proposal to the Legislature by the start of the 2025 session.

Expands the counties' authorization to exercise the same powers as the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation for purposes of developing, constructing, financing, refinancing, or providing mixed-use developments. Applies to bond proceeds expended by a county after 12/31/2023. Sunsets 6/30/2028. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests that all high-occupancy public buildings in Hawaii constructed after January 1, 2025, be designed to withstand Category Five hurricanes and serve as emergency shelters. The bill directs the Governor and various county and city planning officials to ensure these new structures meet the specified wind resistance standards and are planned for use during disasters. It is a non-binding request rather than a mandatory law, aiming to improve community safety as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes in the region.

Establishes another means for a housing project to seek an exemption from laws and rules of the State that are developed under various programs of the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. (CD1)

Amends the deadline related to the repair of conditions that constitute health or safety violations. Increases the amount deducted from a tenant's rent for the tenant's actual expenditures to correct health or safety violations and defective conditions. Takes effect 11/1/2024. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 15 of every year as Water Safety Day. The primary effect is to establish an annual date for promoting awareness and education regarding water safety. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to encourage public focus on preventing water-related accidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of special license plates to honor Duke Kahanamoku, a celebrated Hawaiian figure. It allows the state to issue these commemorative plates to vehicle owners who wish to display them. The legislation does not mandate participation but provides the legal framework for the Department of Transportation to produce and distribute these plates.

Clarifies the counties' authority to regulate the time, place, manner, and duration in which uses of land and structures may take place. Clarifies that uses that include the provision of transient accommodations are not considered residential uses and may be phased out or amortized by the counties. Beginning 1/1/2025, expands the scope of the transient accommodations tax law to include certain shelters and vehicles with sleeping accommodations. (CD1)

Establishes a new regulatory framework for the sale of travel insurance in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes a working group to develop a Homeless Triage and Treatment Center Program within the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions in the Department of Human Services. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)