Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of the Attorney General to create a working group focused on technology-facilitated abuse affecting youth and young adults. The group will include representatives from state agencies, domestic violence organizations, and youth commissions to study issues like digital stalking, spyware, and nonconsensual image sharing. The working group will assess current laws, evaluate platform safety practices, and review solutions from other states before submitting recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not create new laws but establishes a committee to study the problem and propose future policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Governor of Hawaii to establish a clear line of succession for the Chief Election Officer position, ensuring there is always someone authorized to manage state elections. If the Chief Election Officer role becomes vacant, the resolution directs the Governor to appoint an acting officer from within the Office of Elections, starting with the supervisor of election support services and moving down a specific list of other supervisors if needed. This measure aims to prevent election administration disruptions and maintain public trust by guaranteeing that election results can be compiled and certified without legal ambiguity. The request applies to all state elections and affects the Office of Elections staff who would serve in these temporary leadership roles.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Departments of Health, Human Services, and Education to create a coordinated plan to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which affect approximately 840 babies born in the state each year. The plan would explore establishing a statewide FASD coordinator, strategies for accessing federal funding, and methods to improve awareness and training for healthcare providers and educators. The resolution outlines specific goals including reducing foster care and criminal justice involvement, lowering economic barriers to early intervention, and improving overall quality of life for affected individuals and families. Departments are asked to submit their findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 15, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to work with several agencies to evaluate how much infrastructure capacity exists around transit-oriented development areas in Honolulu. The assessment will focus specifically on sewer and water systems to determine if they can handle future growth in these neighborhoods. This study aims to identify necessary upgrades and investments before new construction projects proceed in these designated zones. The resolution directs the findings to be shared with multiple city and state officials responsible for planning and development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address loneliness and social disconnection. The bill asks the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience to work together to develop a program that trains students in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices. It emphasizes providing standardized training with clear referral pathways to licensed mental health professionals while prioritizing face-to-face peer relationships and culturally appropriate approaches. The resolution also requests the Hawaii State Youth Commission to help design and evaluate the program to ensure it meets student needs and maintains cultural responsiveness.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks Hawaii's Board of Education and Department of Education to create a working group that will design a Climate Literacy Seal of Excellence program for public school students. The proposed program would recognize students who complete advanced coursework and hands-on projects focused on climate science, sustainability, and community resilience. The working group would include educators, university experts, industry representatives, and student members to develop course requirements, evaluation criteria, and implementation plans. The Department of Education must submit a report with recommendations and any needed legislation to the Legislature by early 2027. This bill does not change current laws but initiates a planning process to potentially add a new graduation recognition program in the future.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to take the lead in coordinating state-wide support and services for people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The resolution directs the department to use existing resources to raise public awareness, integrate screening into health and social services, and train professionals on identifying and managing these conditions. It also calls for collaboration with other state agencies like the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education, along with improved data collection to track outcomes. Finally, the Department of Health is requested to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks health maintenance organizations in Hawaii to follow the state's Clean Claims Statute, which requires them to pay uncontested health care claims within 30 days or 15 days for electronic submissions. The resolution highlights that delayed payments can harm medical practices and patients, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and notes that current enforcement by the Insurance Division appears inconsistent. It requests that HMOs be held accountable for timely reimbursements and directs copies of the resolution to state officials including the Insurance Commissioner and Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests three Hawaii state agencies - the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Department of Education - to create a coordinated plan to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The plan would explore establishing a statewide FASD coordinator, strategies for accessing federal funding, and methods to improve awareness, training, and support for affected individuals and families. Agencies are asked to submit their findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature by December 15, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu to review and potentially adjust bicycle lane and parking configurations to match the direction of traffic flow, particularly on one-way streets. The measure aims to improve safety by ensuring that cyclists travel in the same direction as vehicles, which reduces the risk of accidents when drivers exit driveways or when visibility is limited. The resolution directs copies to the mayor, city council chair, and transportation director for consideration but does not mandate any specific changes. It is based on concerns that opposing traffic flow in bike lanes and adjacent parking can create hazards for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.