Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, working with the Attorney General's office, to create a working group that reviews how other states protect victims of image-based sexual abuse. The group will examine existing laws and policies to identify ways to improve protections for survivors, who face issues like nonconsensual sharing of explicit images and videos. The working group will include service providers and survivors of gender-based violence to ensure their perspectives are considered. The group must submit a report with findings and recommendations, including any proposed new laws, to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to consider mandating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. AEDs are portable devices that can restore normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest, with survival rates dropping significantly for each minute without treatment. The resolution also highlights the need for AED training programs, noting that while some organizations offer such education, the state currently lacks legislatively mandated training initiatives. The bill directs the Director of Health and the Comptroller to receive copies of this resolution for further review and action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to consider mandating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The bill aims to improve public access to life-saving devices that can treat cardiac arrest by analyzing heart rhythms and delivering electrical shocks to restore normal heart function. It also highlights the importance of AED training programs, noting that while organizations like the University of Hawaii offer such training, the state currently lacks legislatively mandated educational initiatives. The resolution directs the Director of Health to receive copies of the document and serves as a non-binding recommendation rather than a law requiring immediate action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution from Hawaii endorses Taiwan's participation in international organizations, supports a proposed tax agreement between the United States and Taiwan, and commemorates their sister-state relationship. The bill encourages Taiwan's observer status in bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization and International Criminal Police Organization, while urging the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate a double taxation avoidance agreement. It also highlights existing cooperation in trade, education, climate research, and disaster management between Hawaii and Taiwan. The resolution is a symbolic gesture that expresses support for these relationships without creating new legal obligations or changing existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution expresses support for expanding tree canopy and shade tree programs across Hawaii to reduce urban heat island effects and protect vulnerable residents from extreme heat. The document requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, identifying priority areas with low tree coverage, and integrating shade tree strategies into future development and climate planning. It also calls for establishing statewide standards for tree selection, maintenance, and canopy targets while coordinating with community organizations and the private sector. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, state boards, and county mayors to encourage coordinated action on this public health and environmental issue.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu to consider creating a facility for safely discarding lithium-ion batteries, which are currently often disposed of improperly in landfills. The bill aims to reduce fire and explosion hazards and protect environmental resources by establishing a dedicated disposal system, potentially integrated with the existing H-POWER waste energy recovery program. It directs copies of the resolution to state and local officials responsible for energy and waste management to facilitate the county's consideration of this infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii endorses Taiwan's participation in international organizations, supports a proposed tax agreement between the United States and Taiwan, and commemorates their sister-state relationship. The bill expresses support for Taiwan's observer status in the International Civil Aviation Organization, International Criminal Police Organization, and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, while encouraging negotiations for a double taxation avoidance agreement. It also recognizes the existing sister-state partnership established in 1993 and highlights ongoing cooperation in trade, education, tourism, and disaster management between Hawaii and Taiwan. The resolution is non-binding and serves to align Hawaii's position with federal policy while celebrating bilateral ties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu to consider building a facility for properly disposing of lithium-ion batteries. The bill addresses safety and environmental concerns by requesting the county explore creating a wet shredding facility connected to the existing H-POWER waste energy recovery program. It is intended to reduce fire and explosion risks associated with damaged batteries in landfills and protect local water resources. The resolution directs copies to state and local officials, including the Mayor and the Department of Environmental Services, to initiate consideration of this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the creation of a task force to develop a statewide plan for studying the carrying capacity of marine life conservation districts in Hawaii. The task force will work with stakeholders from government agencies, universities, and local communities to design a framework for assessing how human activities affect these protected marine areas. It will also prioritize which districts need studies first, establish standards for conducting the research, and identify the funding and staffing needed to implement the program. The task force must submit its recommendations and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by the beginning of the 2027 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, which would eliminate the risk of federal enforcement actions against states and businesses that have legalized cannabis. It also requests federal support for states that are clearing criminal records of past cannabis offenses to help affected individuals access housing and employment. Additionally, the bill seeks to enable cannabis-related businesses to access full banking services, including deposit insurance, which are currently restricted under federal law. The resolution is directed at Hawaii's congressional delegation to advocate for these changes in Washington.