Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Establishes provisions limiting state and federal collaboration for purposes of immigration enforcement operations. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to establish and publicly post written policies regarding civil immigration enforcement. Prohibits law enforcement officers from initiating or prolonging a stop, detention, or arrest of a person for the purpose of determining the person's civil immigration status, except under certain circumstances. Prohibits state and county involvement in civil immigration enforcement activity in certain locations. Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to assist state and county agencies in maintaining compliance with the civil immigration enforcement policy. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes the offense of failure to report bribery by a state elected official as a misdemeanor. Requires a state elected official who knows of or witnesses the conferring, offering, solicitation, or acceptance of a pecuniary benefit in violation of the bribery statute to report the conduct to the Department of the Attorney General, a county prosecuting attorney, a law enforcement agency, the State Ethics Commission, or a county ethics board within sixty days. Defines "state elected official". Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive performance and fiscal audit of the Department of Education's governance structure and administrative leadership in Hawaii. The audit will examine the roles, responsibilities, staffing, and costs associated with key leadership positions including the State Superintendent, Deputy Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, and Complex Area Superintendents. The review will analyze whether these positions effectively support departmental goals, identify any overlapping duties, and provide recommendations for improving administrative efficiency and accountability. The Auditor is required to submit a detailed report with findings and potential legislative recommendations to the Legislature before the start of the 2027 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the University of Hawaii to create a specific language pathway focused on the Niihau dialect of Hawaiian. The bill recognizes that the Niihau dialect is distinct from standard Hawaiian due to its isolation and continued use as a primary language by the community. It aims to address concerns that external language revitalization efforts may inadvertently dilute this unique dialect by formally acknowledging its preservation needs within higher education. The resolution directs the university system to consider this request while noting that state agencies already support Niihau speakers through interpreter services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian governor of any U.S. state and highlights his long-term service in roles including chairing the Democratic Governors Association and the Education Commission of the States. By formally nominating him, the Legislature initiates the process for his recognition under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 5-7.6, which requires nominees to have achieved national or international recognition and demonstrated extraordinary service to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests that all state agencies in Hawaii install bi-level lighting systems in any new buildings or facilities constructed starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting uses motion sensors to adjust brightness based on occupancy, aiming to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs compared to traditional lighting that stays on at full intensity. The resolution directs the request to various state departments and agencies responsible for construction and facility management. As a concurrent resolution, it serves as a formal recommendation rather than a mandatory law, though it outlines a clear policy preference for energy-efficient lighting in future state projects.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved building designs. The pattern book would include various housing types such as accessory dwelling units and low- to mid-rise buildings, featuring culturally appropriate and climate-responsive design elements like lanais and natural ventilation. Developers using approved designs from the book would receive streamlined permit approvals to reduce delays and costs, while the department is asked to collaborate with architects, builders, and community stakeholders in developing the collection. The resolution also requests a design competition to attract innovative designs and ensures the final pattern book will be made publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and the Department of the Attorney General to form a working group focused on image-based sexual abuse. The group will review laws and policies from other states to identify ways to better protect survivors of nonconsensual sharing of explicit images and videos, including those involving artificial intelligence. The working group must include input from gender-based violence service providers and survivors, and it will submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not change any laws directly but instead asks state agencies to study the issue and propose future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, support states that are expunging cannabis-related criminal records, and allow cannabis businesses to access full banking services. The bill directly affects cannabis dispensaries, businesses, and individuals with past cannabis convictions in Hawaii and other states. It seeks to align federal law with state-level legalization efforts by requesting federal action rather than creating new state laws. The resolution does not change any state laws but instead asks federal lawmakers to update national policies regarding cannabis classification and financial services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to form a working group to study how large data centers might affect the state's electric grid, utility rates, natural resources, and climate goals. The proposed group would include representatives from state agencies, utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations to examine potential impacts and policy options. Key areas of study include ensuring data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades, protecting ratepayers from higher bills, managing water usage, and maintaining Hawaii's clean energy objectives. The resolution is proactive, aiming to prepare regulatory frameworks before any large data center proposals are submitted to Hawaii.