Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks county planning departments to create building permit requirements that support older adults, known as kupuna, in Hawaii. The bill would require private businesses and malls to set aside special hours for kupuna entry and increase the number of parking spaces designated for both disabled and non-disabled older adults. It is a request rather than a mandate, meaning counties would need to adopt these changes voluntarily through their existing planning processes. The resolution aims to improve community access for an aging population by addressing parking availability and business operating hours.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board to study how healthcare providers can better communicate with deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind patients. The study will examine interpreter availability, patient preferences, special needs in hospital and nursing facility settings, and legal requirements for communication services. Based on its findings, the Board will update existing guidance for healthcare providers and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by late 2027. This resolution does not create new laws but directs a study to improve communication access for individuals with hearing or vision disabilities in medical settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a joint legislative working group to study and design a statewide mattress stewardship program aimed at reducing landfill waste from discarded mattresses and box springs. The working group will include representatives from state agencies, county governments, mattress industry stakeholders, environmental organizations, and consumer advocates to develop recommendations on program structure, funding, and implementation. The group is tasked with evaluating extended producer responsibility models, collection systems, recycling pathways, and consumer protections, and must submit its findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to create a working group to study how large data centers might affect the state's electric grid, utility rates, natural resources, and climate objectives. The proposed working group would include representatives from state agencies, electric utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations to examine potential policy safeguards. Key areas of study include ensuring data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades rather than existing ratepayers, protecting water resources used for cooling, and preventing increased greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution aims to proactively prepare Hawaii's isolated power system for future data center development while balancing economic growth with environmental protection and ratepayer fairness.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the State of Hawaii to recognize the importance of rangelands and pastoralists, particularly during the UN-designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026. The bill does not create new laws or funding but instead requests that state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and local organizations promote education and research on rangeland management while considering policies that support rancher livelihoods. It highlights that over 1 million acres of Hawaii's land are classified as rangelands, which support livestock production valued at over $50 million annually and provide ecological benefits like water conservation and carbon storage. The resolution formally asks the state to acknowledge the cultural and economic significance of ranching traditions and to encourage collaborative efforts to sustain these lands and the communities that depend on them.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board to study how deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals communicate in healthcare settings and to develop updated guidelines for providers. The study will examine interpreter availability, patient preferences, special needs for hospitalized patients, and legal requirements for effective communication. Based on its findings, the Board will revise existing guidance and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This action aims to improve healthcare access for individuals with communication disabilities by ensuring providers understand their specific needs and legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution expresses support for expanding tree canopy programs and installing shade trees in urban areas to reduce urban heat island effects across Hawaii. It requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, canopy coverage disparities, and opportunities for integrating shade trees into development and climate resilience planning. The resolution emphasizes prioritizing vulnerable communities, including children, older adults, and low-income neighborhoods, while also considering best practices for tree selection and maintenance. It directs copies to the Governor, relevant state officials, and county mayors to encourage coordinated action on urban forestry initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop a student-led program focused on coral reef protection. The program would engage students in educating the public about reef-safe sunscreen choices (mineral-based alternatives) at state beaches, addressing barriers like cost and awareness. It specifies the initiative must be voluntary, non-enforcement, and based on scientific research, with student-led outreach and educational materials. The resolution also requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit a 2027 report to the Legislature detailing collaborative efforts and recommendations for advancing reef protection.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 17) expresses the Hawaii State Senate's strong support for the County of Hawai'i's development of the Kealakehe Regional Park project. The resolution urges the county to secure funding, collaborate with community groups, and report progress by 2027. It directly affects the County of Hawai'i and benefits the West Hawai'i community by supporting a planned 190-acre park featuring athletic fields, cultural spaces, and recreational facilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally endorses the project's goals to address growing community needs for accessible recreation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 21) requests the Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation's East Hawai'i Regional Health Care System to study establishing a rural health clinic or similar access point in Volcano, Hawaii. The resolution directly affects Volcano residents and visitors, who currently lack nearby primary care, emergency stabilization, and consistent medical services due to geographic isolation and hazards. The study must examine potential sites, operational models (like part-time care or telehealth), staffing, costs, partnerships with local groups, and benefits for emergency response and chronic care. The East Hawai'i Region must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026.