Sen. Henry Aquino

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process, including vehicle-to-grid compliance requirements, by 1/1/2026. Authorizes the use of the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge for cost recovery of certain expenses of the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator associated with the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Requires a report to the PUC on the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes provisions governing any person who receives compensation for advising, assisting, or consulting another person with veterans benefits. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

No later than January 1, 2026, requires the Department of Accounting and General Services to install and maintain automated external defibrillators in all state buildings, including all public schools. Requires DAGS to establish a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and work with the counties to implement the plan into the counties' emergency service provider protocols. Requires DAGS to provide trainings on the use of automated external defibrillators and the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for state employees and security staff of certain state agencies. Makes appropriations.

Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter an area closed to the public or hiking on a trail closed to the public, and there is a sign giving notice of the closure.

Reestablishes the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii as an organized research unit within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) that is administered by a director appointed by the University of Hawaii's board of regents with direct lines of reporting to the chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, provost of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and dean of JABSOM. Requires funds expended from the Research and Training Revolving Fund for JABSOM and the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii to be used for research and research-related purposes only. Repeals provisions that required the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii to be administratively affiliated with JABSOM.

Maddy summaryHawaii Senate Resolution 11 requests the Department of Education to update its technology monitoring policies to block students from receiving inappropriate messages and accessing harmful content. It specifically aims to protect vulnerable students - including those at risk of cyberbullying, exploitation, or harm - by adding monitoring provisions to existing guidelines. The resolution cites current policies as failing to safeguard students, noting that 46% of teens have experienced cyberbullying and online recruitment is a common pathway for sex trafficking. The change would require the DOE to amend its "Technology Responsible Use Guidelines" to include proactive content blocking. This is a procedural request, not a binding law, and does not specify technical implementation details.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 15) requests the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) to update its 2016 technology monitoring policies. It specifically asks HIDOE to add provisions that block students from receiving inappropriate messages and accessing harmful online content through school devices and accounts. The resolution targets all Hawaii public school students, with emphasis on protecting at-risk and vulnerable students (including those with special needs) from cyberbullying, exploitation, and harmful material. The change would require HIDOE to revise its guidelines to prioritize student safety over liability protection, moving beyond current policies focused on network security. As a resolution, it is a request to the Department, not a binding law.

Clarifies the registration process for beekeepers with the Department of Agriculture. Requires the Department of Agriculture to provide guidance and support to registered beekeepers to help beekeepers adhere to certain industry standards and best management practices. Establishes a limitation on liability for any registered beekeeper who follows industry standards and best practices. Appropriates funds. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySCR 9 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Chief Justice of Hawaii's Supreme Court to establish a working group to study reforms or elimination of the Land Court. The working group would include representatives from the Judiciary, Hawaii Legislature, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Bar Association, and title companies. It aims to address concerns about the Land Court's delays, its handling of lost title certificates, and backlogs in property title processing. The group must submit recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not change laws but initiates a review process.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 5 (SR 5) requests the Chief Justice of Hawaii’s Supreme Court to establish a working group to study whether to reform or eliminate the Land Court. The resolution cites the Land Court’s archaic processes, delays in simple property transactions, lack of physical title certificates for owners, and backlogs at the Bureau of Conveyances as key concerns. The working group would include members from the Judiciary, Legislature, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Bar Association, and title companies, with a report due by early 2026. This resolution does not enact changes but initiates a review process to address systemic issues in land title handling.