Beginning 1/1/2027, requires all state agencies to make the full text of their rules available on the website of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in a digitally accessible and searchable format that meets or exceeds certain federal standards. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 121 requests Hawaii's Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for hearing aids as proposed in S.B. 1494 (2025), which would require insurers to cover hearing aids with a minimum benefit of $1,500 per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months. The Auditor must evaluate factors like the number of affected residents, current coverage standards, replacement frequency, and hearing aid technology, and report findings to the Legislature by early 2026. This assessment is required by Hawaii law before any such mandate can be enacted, following a previous study that was halted without legislative consensus. The resolution ensures the Auditor will not stop the study without a full legislative decision.
Maddy summarySCR 151 is a procedural resolution requesting the Hawaii Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for hearing aids, as specified in S.B. 1494 (2025). The resolution requires the Auditor to analyze factors including the number of residents affected by hearing loss, current insurance coverage standards, replacement frequency for hearing aids, medical guidelines for care, and hearing aid technology. This assessment is mandated by Hawaii law before any such coverage requirement can be enacted, to evaluate impacts on both individuals and insurers. The findings will inform the legislature’s decision on S.B. 1494, which proposes a minimum $1,500 coverage per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 208) designates September 2nd of each year as "Richard 'Buffalo' Keaulana Day" in the State of Hawaii. It honors Richard Keaulana, a renowned Hawaiian surfer, lifeguard, and cultural figure known for his surfing achievements, role as Makaha's chief lifeguard for over 20 years, and contributions to Hawaiian culture. The resolution explicitly states this recognition is symbolic and **not** a state holiday. It commemorates Keaulana's legacy as a community leader and surfing icon, particularly his impact on Makaha and Hawaiian cultural preservation.
Maddy summarySCR 215 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Education to implement a veterinary technician pilot program at James Campbell High School. The program would combine veterinary training with animal-assisted therapy for students identified as "troubled youth," aiming to build empathy, responsibility, and emotional skills through caring for animals. Key provisions require mandatory training from organizations like the Hawaii Humane Society, consistent staff supervision, strict safety protocols, and liability insurance. The resolution specifically targets James Campbell High School and does not mandate statewide implementation.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 232) designates September 2nd each year as "Richard 'Buffalo' Keaulana Day" in Hawaii. It honors Richard Keaulana, a renowned surfer, Makaha's longtime chief lifeguard (1969-1990s), and cultural figure known for his surfing legacy and community leadership. The resolution is purely commemorative and specifies that this day is **not** a state holiday. It directly affects Hawaii residents through this annual recognition of Keaulana's contributions to surfing, lifeguarding, and West Oahu culture.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 170) requests the State Auditor to audit how the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) spent $600 million appropriated under Act 279 (2022), which aimed to eliminate a waitlist of over 28,000 native Hawaiian beneficiaries for land and housing. It specifically targets DHHL's compliance with reporting requirements under Act 279, following the department's failure to submit its required 2024 Annual Activity Report detailing fund usage and beneficiary assistance. The audit will verify whether funds were properly allocated to projects like land development and housing, as mandated by Act 279 and the 2020 Beneficiaries Study.
Maddy summarySCR 189 is a procedural resolution requesting the State Auditor to audit how the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) used $600 million in funds appropriated under Act 279 (2022). It specifically requires an audit of DHHL's spending to eliminate the waitlist for native Hawaiian beneficiaries, as the department has not submitted its required Annual Activity Report for 2024. The resolution stems from concerns that over 28,700 beneficiaries remain on the waitlist despite the funding, and DHHL reportedly allocated the full $600 million by early 2025 without proper reporting. This is a transparency measure, not a policy change, directly affecting DHHL's accountability for public funds.
Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State of Hawaii, to begin with the 2028 general election year. Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)
Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding Senate Resolution (SR 106) passed by Hawaii's 2025 legislature. It urges the U.S. President not to defund federal law enforcement programs that support Hawaii's agencies, including county police departments and the Attorney General's office. The resolution cites Hawaii's reliance on approximately $3.8 billion in federal grants (2023) for programs like anti-drug initiatives and victim assistance. It does not change funding laws but formally expresses the legislature's position on federal funding priorities.
