Sen. Kurt Fevella

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii State Energy Office to create a working group focused on studying renewable liquid fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel. The group will include representatives from state agencies, the legislature, universities, and industry stakeholders to explore local production methods and potential tax incentives. Over the next two years, the committee will evaluate technologies and policies to promote the use of these fuels while submitting progress updates and final recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks all branches of the U.S. military to display the Hawaiian flag at military reservations and training facilities located in Hawaii. The request is based on the idea that showing a state flag is a sign of respect for the local people, land, and culture, especially since over 300,000 military personnel and many facilities are stationed in the state. The bill does not create new laws or force any action; instead, it sends a formal letter to federal leaders and military commanders to encourage them to follow a 2020 policy that allows state flags to be shown on military property.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests that all high-occupancy public buildings in Hawaii constructed after January 1, 2025, be designed to withstand Category Five hurricanes and serve as emergency shelters. The bill directs the Governor and various county and city planning officials to ensure these new structures meet the specified wind resistance standards and are planned for use during disasters. It is a non-binding request rather than a mandatory law, aiming to improve community safety as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes in the region.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the State Insurance Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive study on wildfire risk and insurance options in Hawaii. The request is driven by the devastating August 2023 wildfires in Maui and Hawaii County, which caused massive destruction and highlighted concerns about future coverage availability. The study will specifically examine market-based approaches to ensure that insurance remains accessible for residents as climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events. The Insurance Commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu to give the State of Hawaii the power to build an extension of Makakilo Drive. The bill aims to create a new road connection between Makakilo Drive and Kualakai Parkway to improve traffic flow and provide additional evacuation routes for the area's residents. It is driven by concerns that the current single exit from Makakilo is insufficient, especially after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires highlighted the need for better emergency access. If approved, the State would take over responsibility for planning and constructing this specific roadway project from the local government.

Establishes another means for a housing project to seek an exemption from laws and rules of the State that are developed under various programs of the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. (CD1)

Amends the deadline related to the repair of conditions that constitute health or safety violations. Increases the amount deducted from a tenant's rent for the tenant's actual expenditures to correct health or safety violations and defective conditions. Takes effect 11/1/2024. (CD1)

Authorizes the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation to issue bonds for housing project infrastructure and finance the development of regional state infrastructure projects. Exempts bonds issued by HHFDC for improvements by assessments, and the interest thereon, from state, county, and municipal taxation, with certain exceptions. Includes proceeds from bonds issued for regional state infrastructure projects as a source of revenue for regional state infrastructure subaccounts. Authorizes the cost of providing regional infrastructure improvements to be assessed against housing and mixed-use transit-oriented development projects specifically benefiting from the improvements when a regional infrastructure improvement project is undertaken by the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Authorizes regional state infrastructure subaccount revenues to be used to repay regional state infrastructure project bond holders. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 15 of every year as Water Safety Day. The primary effect is to establish an annual date for promoting awareness and education regarding water safety. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to encourage public focus on preventing water-related accidents.

Requires the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, to prepare a report on freshwater and saltwater aquatic organisms regarding their agricultural and economic impact on the State's food self-sufficiency. Requires the Governor to submit a report on the impacts of freshwater and saltwater aquatic organisms to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)