Sen. Henry Aquino

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the creation of a task force to evaluate how state agencies collect, process, store, and share demographic data. The group will specifically focus on ensuring data for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders is gathered and reported in a way that reflects their diverse backgrounds and aligns with federal standards. Members from key departments, including Health and Hawaiian Affairs, will be included to guide the assessment. The task force is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2025 before dissolving in June of that year.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the Department of Accounting and General Services to create a working group to plan and build a permanent memorial honoring Hawaii first responders, including firefighters, lifeguards, and paramedics who died in the line of duty. The proposed memorial would be funded through private donations rather than state taxes and is intended to recognize the bravery of individuals who served at local, state, and federal levels. The working group will include representatives from various fire departments, emergency services, labor unions, and family members of fallen heroes to guide the project. By November 30, 2024, the department must submit a report detailing the memorial's plans, estimated costs, and any additional legislation needed to proceed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to study how teacher salary increases affect the problem where experienced educators earn the same as less experienced ones. The bill directs the department to analyze current pay structures and provide recommendations to improve teacher retention by addressing this compression issue. It requires the department to work with various stakeholders and submit a final report with findings and potential policy changes to the Legislature by late 2024.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to change how it prioritizes funding for affordable housing projects. It asks the agency to give preference to developments that are built on public land, have a permanent commitment to keeping rents low, or are owned by groups that must reinvest any profits into building more housing. Additionally, the bill encourages the agency to favor developers who repay their loans early or choose shorter repayment terms to free up capital for future projects. By making these changes, the resolution aims to ensure that taxpayer money supports long-term affordability and creates a cycle of continuous housing development rather than short-term gains for private owners.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to create a new administrative process for housing projects exclusively reserved for moderate-income households. The bill seeks to utilize existing state laws that currently allow certain housing developments to receive exemptions from standard zoning and construction rules. It specifically requests that this new pathway be established alongside, rather than replacing, the current requirement that half of a project's units be available to buyers earning up to 140% of the area median income.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to update its rules for allocating affordable housing funds. It asks the agency to prioritize projects that are built on state or county land, have permanent affordability requirements, or are owned by organizations that must reinvest any profits into new housing. Additionally, the bill encourages developers to repay their low-interest loans early or choose shorter repayment terms to free up capital for future construction. The measure does not change existing laws but instead formally requests the agency to adjust its administrative guidelines to favor these specific types of developments.

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 Hawaii Department of Health to form a working group to study how to improve language assistance services for patients who do not speak English well. The group will include healthcare providers, insurers, and community organizations to examine current barriers and the use of family members as interpreters. After reviewing the situation, the working group must submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2025, potentially including new laws to ensure equitable care.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Department of Human Services to provide a report on the cultural and therapeutic services offered by community organizations at the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center. The request focuses on youth facing homelessness, poverty, or incarceration, aiming to gather data on how these programs help reduce negative outcomes like jail time and housing instability. The report must also outline plans for expanding collaboration between the state and private sectors to improve youth wellness and include any legislative recommendations. The Department is required to submit these findings and suggestions to the Legislature by twenty days before the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to establish Neighborhood Security Watch programs in every homestead area, starting with Kanehili. The bill responds to reports of rising illegal activities and inconsistent law enforcement responses on lands that currently lack standard zoning or immediate police access. It proposes a system where trained community volunteers work alongside police to patrol neighborhoods, gather information, and help address local safety issues. By formalizing this volunteer effort, the resolution aims to improve community safety and streamline cooperation between residents and government agencies.