Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution encourages developers in Hawaii to adopt net zero water strategies when building or renovating housing projects. The bill promotes the use of water-saving technologies, on-site wastewater treatment, and alternative water sources to reduce reliance on the state's finite freshwater supply. By minimizing water consumption and pollution runoff, the resolution aims to help preserve the quantity and quality of natural water resources like aquifers. It does not impose legal requirements but serves as a formal recommendation to the Governor and housing agencies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Board of Agriculture to study how much state-owned farmland is actually being used for farming versus left vacant or used for non-agricultural purposes. The study will also calculate specific financial details for lease transfers, such as the rent paid, infrastructure costs, and how much money goes to the state versus private individuals. The goal is to gather data on whether current lease practices are helping the state achieve its food production goals or if they are creating unintended financial windfalls for private lessees. The Board must submit its findings and any recommended laws to the legislature by late 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to form a working group to study how to improve language assistance services for patients who do not speak English well. The group will include healthcare providers, insurers, and community organizations to examine current barriers and the use of family members as interpreters. After reviewing the situation, the working group must submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2025, potentially including new laws to ensure equitable care.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the State Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of mandating dental and vision insurance coverage in Hawaii. The bill directs the Auditor to conduct a formal analysis, known as a sunrise analysis, on a proposed measure that would require such coverage for residents. The Auditor is tasked with submitting a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by a specific deadline before the next session begins. This procedural step ensures that the potential effects of the insurance mandate are assessed before any final legislation is passed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Department of Human Services to provide a report on the cultural and therapeutic services offered by community organizations at the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center. The request focuses on youth facing homelessness, poverty, or incarceration, aiming to gather data on how these programs help reduce negative outcomes like jail time and housing instability. The report must also outline plans for expanding collaboration between the state and private sectors to improve youth wellness and include any legislative recommendations. The Department is required to submit these findings and suggestions to the Legislature by twenty days before the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts to gather and share data on how often fees, court costs, fines, and restitution are charged to minors in Hawaii. The requested information includes total amounts assessed and collected over the past five years, as well as a detailed list of specific charges available in different court districts. This data collection aims to provide the Legislature with a clear picture of financial penalties imposed on youth cases before the 2025 session. The bill does not change any laws or stop the charging of fees; instead, it focuses on collecting information to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to create an inventory and map of existing R-1 water delivery systems and reservoirs in Maui County. The bill aims to locate infrastructure that can store treated wastewater for future use in firefighting, agriculture, and landscaping. By identifying these resources, the resolution seeks to help prevent groundwater contamination and ensure access to fresh water for emergency and non-potable needs. The office is required to submit the completed inventory and maps to the Legislature before the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Director of Finance to update administrative rules to clarify that banks and financial institutions providing loans for housing development have a "beneficial effect to the state." The bill aims to address Hawaii's housing shortage by encouraging the state treasury to prioritize investing in financial institutions that offer favorable loan terms to housing developers. By explicitly including housing financing in the definition of beneficial effects, the resolution seeks to incentivize banks to lower development costs and expand affordable housing options for residents. The measure is a recommendation rather than a law, meaning it relies on the Director of Finance to adopt the suggested changes to existing investment guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Health to update its administrative rules to allow licensed dietitians to independently prescribe modified diets and plan therapeutic diets for patients. The bill aims to address the state's shortage of physicians by enabling dietitians to take on more responsibility for nutrition care, which is already permitted in many hospital settings under federal guidelines. Specifically, the proposed changes would let dietitians write diet orders without needing a physician's direct approval for certain diet types, while still requiring that these plans be reviewed and documented in medical records. This shift is intended to improve patient care efficiency and ensure that patients receive adequate nutritional support within the state's healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to create new administrative rules that allow it to offer credit enhancement for construction loans. The bill aims to lower financing costs for housing developers by reducing the risk associated with these loans, which could help offset high development expenses caused by rising interest rates. As a Senate resolution, this document serves as a formal request rather than a law that directly changes statutes or mandates specific actions.