Sen. Kurt Fevella

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 34) urges Hawaii's Department of Education and Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to create a high school curriculum for a Youth Civil Defense Corps. It would train students to assist in emergency response through Hawaii's State Emergency Response Team Program during disasters. The resolution is non-binding and requests the agencies develop this program to support statewide emergency preparedness. It directly affects high school students and Hawaii's emergency management coordination.

Requires the Auditor to conduct a financial audit of each charter school under the State Public Charter School Commission. Requires a report to the Legislature. Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on the Auditor's recommendations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summarySCR 46 is a resolution requesting the state Auditor to conduct management and financial audits of Medicaid health care insurance contractors (managed care organizations) every two years, with the first audit due by January 2026. The audits will evaluate whether contractors use public funds properly, comply with state and federal rules, and provide quality care to Medicaid beneficiaries. Contractors must cooperate by providing records, and the Auditor must submit reports to the Governor, Legislature, and Department of Human Services. This follows years of recommendations to improve oversight, as the Auditor has never conducted such audits despite having legal authority since 1975.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 29) requests the Hawaii State Auditor to conduct a management and financial audit of Medicaid health care insurance contractors - managed care organizations providing Medicaid services - on a biennial basis. It directly affects these contractors, the Auditor, and state agencies overseeing Medicaid, requiring them to cooperate with the audits. The resolution specifies that audits must assess financial integrity, compliance with laws, and contractor operations, with the first audit due within six months of July 1, 2025. The Auditor must submit findings to the Governor, Legislature, and Human Services Director by 2027, and every two years thereafter. This is a procedural request, not a binding law, aiming to address past issues like overpayments and improve Medicaid program oversight.

Maddy summarySCR 101 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Director of Health and Director of Corrections to encourage state hospitals and prisons to replace ultra-processed foods (like those with artificial additives) with healthier options. It specifically recommends offering minimally-processed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and non-dairy beverages. The resolution cites benefits including reduced risk of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart conditions), cost savings for taxpayers, support for local farmers, and alignment with Native Hawaiian dietary practices. It does not mandate changes but formally requests these agencies promote healthier food choices in state facilities.

Maddy summarySCR 52 is a non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to jointly develop a high school training program for a Youth Civil Defense Corps. The resolution proposes creating a curriculum to train high school students in emergency response skills, enabling them to participate in the State Emergency Response Team Program during disasters. It does not create new laws or funding but requests DOE and HI-EMA to collaborate on implementing this student-focused emergency preparedness initiative. The resolution directly affects high school students and state emergency management coordination.

Maddy summaryHawaii's Senate Resolution 95 requests the Department of Education, with the Department of Health and State Public Charter School Commission, to study how schools manage heat exposure during outdoor activities to protect students. The study would assess current practices, evaluate using wet-bulb globe temperature measurements (a standard heat stress metric), and determine if existing guidelines are sufficient. If gaps are found, the study would develop specific guidelines requiring hydration protocols, staff training on heat illness, accommodations for students with medical conditions, and acclimatization plans for outdoor activities. These guidelines would apply to all public and charter schools across Hawaii for activities like sports, recess, and band practice. The resolution mandates a final report to the Legislature by early 2026.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 102) urges Hawaii's Department of Health and the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to incentivize wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge, reclaimed water, and other residuals for PFAS ("forever chemicals"). It does not create new law but requests these agencies take action to require testing and develop rules for safe disposal of PFAS-contaminated materials. The resolution specifically addresses materials used in agriculture (like sludge as fertilizer) where PFAS could enter the food chain, citing potential health risks. It also urges prohibiting land use for agriculture if PFAS is detected in these materials. The resolution focuses on voluntary incentives and guidance, not mandatory enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 83) urges Hawaii's Department of Health and the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to take action encouraging wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge, reclaimed water, and other byproducts for PFAS (forever chemicals). It specifically recommends the Department of Health adopt rules for safely disposing of PFAS-containing materials and prohibit agricultural use of such materials if testing detects PFAS. The resolution addresses health and environmental risks linked to PFAS exposure, including cancer and ecosystem harm, but does not create new laws or mandates. As a non-binding resolution, it serves as a formal request for these entities to prioritize PFAS testing and management.

Maddy summaryHawaii's SCR 114 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Education, with the Department of Health and State Public Charter School Commission, to study how schools manage heat exposure during outdoor activities. The study must examine current practices, assess using wet-bulb globe temperature as a heat stress measurement standard, and evaluate if existing protocols protect students from heat-related illnesses. If the study finds current practices insufficient, it requires developing statewide guidelines covering hydration, staff training for heat illness symptoms, accommodations for students with medical conditions, and acclimatization protocols for outdoor activities like sports and recess. The resolution mandates the study report to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2026, with any proposed guidelines to follow by 2027. This directly affects all public and charter schools in Hawaii, focusing on student health during outdoor school activities.