Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement to create a working group to study how to stop hikers from entering closed trails and to reduce the high costs of search and rescue operations. The proposed group would include officials from law enforcement, the judiciary, and local police and fire departments to examine current fines and compare them with penalty systems used in other states. Their task is to develop recommendations for new policies or fees that hold hikers accountable for ignoring safety warnings, with a final report due to the Legislature before the 2025 session begins.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages state and county transportation agencies to expand their existing red-light safety program beyond urban Honolulu to include Windward, Leeward, and Central Oahu. The bill suggests specific intersections for this expansion and recommends that officials consider implementing automated enforcement cameras at these new sites. Currently, the program uses cameras to issue citations at five locations in Honolulu, a method the resolution notes has been shown to reduce crashes and injuries. While the measure does not mandate the change, it formally directs the relevant departments to evaluate adding these new locations to the initiative.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to collaborate with the City and County of Honolulu on creating alternative emergency routes for Pacific Palisades. The bill highlights that the area currently relies on a single, narrow road with a steep hairpin turn, which poses risks during natural disasters or emergencies. It requests that transportation officials develop a plan and timeline for these new access options and submit the proposal to the Legislature by the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks Hawaii's federal representatives to seek funding from Congress to build an Environmental Protection Agency-certified laboratory in the state. The proposed facility would test air, water, soil, and biological samples for environmental toxins like PFAS and publish the results to the public. Because the current state budget is focused on recovery from the Maui wildfires, the bill requests that the federal government cover the estimated $100 million construction cost and over $200 million in annual operating expenses. The resolution also urges state officials to support the project, which aims to allow Hawaii to independently verify data on toxic pollutants rather than relying on external agencies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to install a new emergency siren near the intersection of Aumakua Street and Auhuhu Street in Upper Pacific Palisades. The measure aims to address concerns that current sirens in the area are either inoperable or inaudible to residents, potentially hindering public safety alerts during critical emergencies. If approved, the state agency would be directed to place the new siren to ensure timely notification of civil defense emergencies for the local community.

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.

Appropriates funds for statewide research into ornamental ginger pathogens, prevention of the spread of ornamental ginger pathogens, production and distribution of pathogen-free ornamental ginger plants, and outreach to ornamental producers. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Relief Fund and Hawaiʻi Wildfire Relief Fund Corporation to provide compensation for property damage resulting from catastrophic wildfires in the State. Requires the Corporation's board to report to the Legislature. Makes an appropriation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)