Sen. Henry Aquino

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement to create a policy for certifying victims of crimes who are eligible for U visas. The U visa is a federal immigration benefit that allows immigrant victims of crimes, such as trafficking or domestic violence, to legally stay and work in the United States if they assist law enforcement in investigating those crimes. Currently, these victims need a certification from a state or local law enforcement agency to apply, but Hawaii does not yet have a specific policy in place. The resolution asks the department to develop this policy and submit interim and final reports to the legislature by 2025 and 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to collaborate with the City and County of Honolulu on creating alternative emergency access routes for Pacific Palisades. The bill highlights that the area currently relies on a single, narrow road with a steep hairpin turn, which poses significant risks during natural disasters like wildfires or flash floods. It requests that the transportation department develop a plan with a completion timeline and submit it to the legislature before the start of the 2025 session. This measure aims to improve public safety by ensuring multiple evacuation options are available for the community.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the State of Hawaii, the City and County of Honolulu, and the United States military to coordinate efforts to address illegal dumping in Waipahu and surrounding communities like Ewa, Pearl City, and Aiea. The bill highlights concerns about environmental hazards, public health risks, and the negative impact on schools and local pride caused by dumped waste, such as shopping carts blocking drainage ditches. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to formally request cooperation among these agencies to clean up polluted areas and improve waste management practices. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to relevant government officials and military commanders to ensure the issue receives attention.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to install a new emergency siren near the intersection of Aumakua Street and Auhuhu Street in Upper Pacific Palisades. The measure aims to address concerns that current sirens in the area are either inoperable or inaudible to residents, potentially hindering public safety alerts during critical emergencies. If approved, the state agency would be directed to place the new siren to ensure timely notification of civil defense emergencies for the local community.

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 asks the State Insurance Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive study on wildfire risk and insurance options in Hawaii. The request is driven by the devastating August 2023 wildfires in Maui and Hawaii County, which caused massive destruction and highlighted concerns about future coverage availability. The study will specifically examine market-based approaches to ensure that insurance remains accessible for residents as climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events. The Insurance Commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu to give the State of Hawaii the power to build an extension of Makakilo Drive. The bill aims to create a new road connection between Makakilo Drive and Kualakai Parkway to improve traffic flow and provide additional evacuation routes for the area's residents. It is driven by concerns that the current single exit from Makakilo is insufficient, especially after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires highlighted the need for better emergency access. If approved, the State would take over responsibility for planning and constructing this specific roadway project from the local government.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally acknowledges the problem of illegal dumping in the Waipahu community and calls for a collaborative effort to address it. The bill urges the State of Hawaii, the City and County of Honolulu, and military authorities to work together to clean up polluted areas and manage waste responsibly. It specifically highlights concerns about trash cluttering drainage ditches near schools and threatening public health, aiming to raise awareness rather than enforce new laws. Copies of this resolution are sent to relevant government leaders and the military commander to encourage joint action on the issue.

Amends the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code to provide for a process to dispose of the tenant's personal property and surrender the dwelling unit to a landlord when there is a death of a tenant. Takes effect 11/1/2024. (CD1)