Sen. Henry Aquino

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 21-28, 2025, as International Dark Sky Week in Hawaii. It asks residents to support protecting dark skies and directs the Board of Land and Natural Resources to create a task force to study light pollution. The task force, including state agencies, universities, county mayors, and federal partners, will examine reducing light pollution, conserving energy, protecting wildlife, and developing dark sky parks. The resolution does not create new laws but initiates a study to inform future policies on preserving Hawaii's night skies.

Maddy summarySCR 60 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to create a plan for increasing housing production. It directs HHFDC to develop a specific strategy addressing housing shortages, including density timelines, walkability, sustainable financing, staffing needs, and solutions for land/infrastructure barriers. The plan must include input from a proposed Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force (referencing Senate Bill 26) and be submitted to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution directly affects HHFDC’s planning process but does not mandate new housing construction or funding.

Maddy summarySCR 53 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to partner with the Hawaii State Public Library System. It aims to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunication access so residents can participate remotely in state legislative hearings. The resolution directs the Bureau to collaborate with libraries - using their existing broadband and devices - to create an outreach program informing the public about remote participation tools. It also requires a report by January 2026 detailing findings and recommendations for improving public access to the legislative process. This resolution does not create new laws but coordinates existing state resources to enhance civic engagement.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution requests Hawaii's State Energy Office to form a Nuclear Energy Working Group to study the feasibility of using advanced nuclear power technologies in the state. The working group, including state officials and external experts, will evaluate benefits, risks, regulatory barriers, and environmental factors related to nuclear energy. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, with no legislative action taken until after the study concludes.

Expands workers' compensation medical benefits for firefighters to include coverage for adenocarcinoma or mesothelioma of the respiratory system; cancer of the buccal cavity, colon, pharynx, and thyroid; and malignant melanoma. Specifies that an employer may prove that the cancer or disease was not associated with the firefighting duties to deny medical benefits under workers' compensation law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Prohibits a procurement officer from disclosing a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score, except the summary of scores, during a debriefing requested by a non-selected offeror. Authorizes the disclosure of a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score after any protest is resolved and the contract is executed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Repeals the prohibition placed on certain employees exempt from Civil Service Law from grieving a suspension or discharge. Allows any employee who is a member of an appropriate bargaining unit to grieve a suspension or discharge. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 602 allows the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) to close any parcels of land it owns to public access. This measure directly affects the HPHA by expanding its authority over its properties, and indirectly affects the public who might use or access these areas. If the HPHA designates an area as closed, the bill requires specific signage to be posted to inform the public.

Requires the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Office of Wellness and Resilience, to design a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with Child Welfare Services. Specifies that the Department of Human Services shall implement and administer the pilot program. Allows the Department to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 1202 proposes changes to campaign finance regulations. This bill would allow candidates to use their campaign funds to cover costs associated with child care and care for vital household dependents. These funds could be utilized for such expenses under specific conditions.