Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 19 requests the Hawaii Tax Review Commission to identify funding options for the state's Long-Term Care Financing Program, established under Act 245 (2002) but lacking implementation details. The resolution specifically asks the Commission to consider revising a previously vetoed tax credit proposal (S.B. 1088, 2003) and analyze cost-effective financing mechanisms. It requires the Commission to submit a report by August 2026, including potential implementation methods, costs, and recommended legislation. This resolution does not create new policy but directs a review to inform future program development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 115) requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a Geothermal Energy Working Group. The group would evaluate Hawaii's current rules and policies affecting geothermal energy development, particularly to address regulatory barriers and permit challenges. The working group would include state agency leaders, county representatives, industry stakeholders, and community advocates. This resolution does not create new laws but aims to coordinate a review process to support Hawaii's renewable energy goals. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and geothermal developers by initiating a structured evaluation of the policy environment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 114) urges all Hawaii state departments to establish secure data-sharing agreements with the Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR). It does not create new laws but requests departments partner with OWR to share deidentified, aggregated data - breaking down current silos - to better analyze community needs through OWR’s existing Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard. The resolution emphasizes protecting resident privacy while enabling cross-departmental data integration for evidence-based programs addressing social determinants of health. It directly affects state departments by asking them to collaborate on data-sharing protocols, as mandated by Act 291 (HRS Chapter 27).

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 17) is a symbolic statement from Hawaii's legislature, not a binding law. It endorses Taiwan's participation as an observer in key international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and United Nations climate talks. The resolution also supports negotiations for a U.S.-Taiwan bilateral trade agreement under the existing U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade and commemorates Hawaii's 32-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan. It does not create new policies or affect any specific groups directly but formally expresses Hawaii's support for deeper U.S.-Taiwan economic ties and international cooperation.

Maddy summaryThis is a Hawaii Senate resolution (SR 41), not a legislative bill. It urges the U.S. Congress to establish a national reinsurance program to address insurance market instability caused by frequent, severe natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. The resolution recommends the program operate as a public-private partnership with defined loss thresholds and state opt-in options, aiming to stabilize insurance availability and affordability without replacing private insurers. It does not create new law but calls for Congress to act on this proposal.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 12 requests Hawaii's Department of Health to convene a task force to establish minimum standards for community health worker training programs. The task force must include representatives from each county, community health organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare agencies. It is required to submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2025, without creating new law. This resolution focuses on improving training consistency for community health workers who support underserved populations in navigating healthcare systems.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 53) requests Hawaii's State Health Planning and Development Agency to form a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Working Group. The group, including pharmacy associations, insurers, and state agencies, will evaluate PBM practices to improve transparency, lower drug costs for patients, and increase healthcare access. It will specifically examine issues like fair pharmacy reimbursements, PBM reporting requirements, and practices that restrict patient access. The Working Group must submit recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not change laws but seeks to identify policy reforms for future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 197) requests Hawaii's Office of Consumer Protection to form a task force to examine payment options offered by towing companies. The task force will assess challenges vehicle owners face when retrieving towed vehicles, such as limited cash availability or lack of credit/debit card access. The resolution requires the Office to report findings and potential legislative recommendations to the legislature by early 2026. It does not change current laws but seeks to evaluate whether new requirements (like on-site ATMs) could improve accessibility for vehicle owners. The resolution directly affects towing companies and vehicle owners in Hawaii.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 56) requests the Office of Wellness and Resilience to prepare a report addressing developmental needs of children born during the 2019-2025 pandemic. The report must analyze trauma-informed care, existing support services (including for wildfire-affected areas), and resources for educators, with a focus on vulnerable groups like Native Hawaiian and rural communities. It requires the office to submit the report by December 31, 2026, including recommendations for future action. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but directs an assessment of existing challenges.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 91 requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to study whether the state should establish a green bonds program. Green bonds are financial tools that raise capital specifically for environmentally focused projects like renewable energy, conservation, and clean infrastructure. The study must examine best practices for managing such a program, identify clean energy initiatives that could benefit from funding, and explore potential partnerships between state agencies and private companies. The Energy Office must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026, providing a basis for future decisions about implementing a green bonds program. This resolution does not create a program but seeks an evaluation to inform potential policy action.