Sen. Kurt Fevella

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 213) urges Hawaii's Board of Land and Natural Resources to reject any new land sales or lease renewals to the U.S. military that permit military training on state-owned lands. It directly addresses the state agency responsible for managing public lands, citing environmental harm and safety risks from past military use at sites like Kahoolawe and Pohakuloa. The resolution does not change existing law but formally requests the Board withhold approvals for military training activities on state lands during lease expirations.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 224) requests two state agencies - the Hawaii Employer-Union Benefits Trust Fund Board and the Med-Quest Division - to direct 12% of monthly health insurance premiums paid by members directly to their primary care providers. It specifically asks that this payment occur regardless of whether the provider saw the patient that month, aiming to create a stable funding source for primary care clinics. The resolution addresses a shortage of primary care physicians in Hawaii, partly attributed to high operating costs. This is a procedural request, not a binding law, and would affect all health insurance plans offered through the Trust Fund or Med-Quest.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 196) urges the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to take action regarding the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo. It specifically asks DHHL to repeal, revoke, or buy out the remaining lease from current lessee Ho Retail Properties I, Ltd. due to their failure to maintain the property, which has caused deterioration, store vacancies, and economic harm. The resolution proposes reselling the lease at fair market value to a new entity committed to proper maintenance, aiming to restore the plaza as a thriving commercial hub. This is a non-binding resolution directing DHHL to address the lease situation, not a law changing policy.

Maddy summarySCR 221 is a non-binding resolution urging the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to address the deteriorating condition of Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo. It specifically requests DHHL to either repeal, revoke, or buy out the remaining lease with current lessee Ho Retail Properties I, Ltd. due to their failure to maintain the property, which has caused structural issues, leaks, and store vacancies. The resolution directs DHHL to resell the lease at fair market value to a new entity committed to proper maintenance, aiming to revitalize the plaza as a commercial hub and align with DHHL's mission to benefit Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. This action is proposed to restore economic activity for local businesses and tenants without altering existing lease law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 209) requests Hawaii's Department of Education to develop plans for constructing indoor athletic courts and gymnasiums at elementary public schools. It directly affects elementary schools across Hawaii, addressing the lack of weather-resistant spaces for physical education and athletics due to frequent rain. The resolution urges the Department to prioritize schools based on size, student population, and location when planning these facilities. It also notes these spaces could serve multiple purposes, including school assemblies and community events, to support student health and school activities. The resolution is a non-binding request, not a law requiring immediate action.

Maddy summarySCR 206 is a non-binding resolution requesting four Hawaii agencies - Hawaiian Home Lands, Land and Natural Resources, the University of Hawaii, and the Land Use Commission - to provide enhanced public notice for land use or boundary changes. It requires agencies to notify the public within 30 days of permit applications, hold at least three public meetings, and share details via newspaper, direct mail to affected residents, and agency websites. The bill aims to improve community transparency and input ahead of projects like the Kahuku windmill or TMT, which faced opposition due to limited early engagement. This resolution does not mandate compliance but formally asks agencies to adopt these notice standards.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 181) requests four Hawaii state agencies - the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii, and Land Use Commission - to improve public notice for land use or boundary changes. It requires agencies to provide notice within 30 days of permit applications, hold at least three public meetings, and share details via newspaper, mail to affected residents, and agency websites. The resolution directly affects communities near proposed land changes by ensuring they receive clearer, earlier information about projects impacting their area. It does not create new laws but asks agencies to adopt enhanced notification practices for greater transparency.

Maddy summarySCR 237 is a non-binding concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt a game management plan that prioritizes ethical population control methods (like hunting) over other approaches. It directly affects the Department by requesting they formally incorporate these humane strategies into their sustainability plans for managing game species. The resolution cites existing laws (Chapter 183D, Act 315) that support sustainable hunting for food security and ecosystem health, while expressing concern about potential non-ethical population control methods harming watersheds. It does not create new law but formally asks the Department to update its strategies to align with these principles.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 194) requests Hawaii’s Department of Transportation to study whether eliminating the state’s safety inspection requirements for commercial vehicles (like trucks and buses) would be feasible and advisable. It directly affects motor carriers operating in Hawaii, which must comply with current inspection rules. The study would examine if inspections are effective, cost-efficient, and necessary, given Hawaii data showing vehicle failures are a minor factor in accidents compared to speeding or distracted driving. The Department must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026, including any proposed legislation. This is a procedural request for analysis, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 188) urges Hawaii's Board of Land and Natural Resources to reject any new land agreements or renewals that would allow the U.S. military to conduct training on state-owned lands. It directly addresses the Board, citing environmental and safety concerns from past military use (like unexploded ordnance at Kahoolawe and Pohakuloa) and Hawaii's constitutional duty to protect natural resources. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests the Board not approve such land dispositions when existing military leases expire. It is a non-binding expression of legislative concern, not a policy change.