Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Department of Law Enforcement to expand an existing Agricultural Enforcement Pilot Program from the islands of Hawaii and Oahu to include Kauai and Maui. The program aims to address rising agricultural crimes such as trespassing, theft, vandalism, and illegal hunting by providing dedicated enforcement resources to protect farmers and food security. It does not create new laws but asks state agencies to extend a current pilot initiative to two additional islands where enforcement gaps currently exist.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Governor of Hawaii to establish a clear line of succession for the Chief Election Officer position, ensuring there is always someone authorized to manage state elections. If the Chief Election Officer role becomes vacant, the resolution directs the Governor to appoint an acting officer from within the Office of Elections, starting with the supervisor of election support services and moving down a specific list of other supervisors if needed. This measure aims to prevent election administration disruptions and maintain public trust by guaranteeing that election results can be compiled and certified without legal ambiguity. The request applies to all state elections and affects the Office of Elections staff who would serve in these temporary leadership roles.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create and regularly update public guidance and educational materials about radiofrequency energy exposure from cellular towers. The bill directs the department to summarize scientific studies, explain exposure sources and measurement methods, describe potential health and environmental effects, and provide information on federal exposure standards. Additionally, the resolution asks the department to conduct statewide radiofrequency energy measurements, including 5G millimeter wave data, and publish these findings online for public access.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks health maintenance organizations in Hawaii to follow the state's Clean Claims Statute, which requires them to pay uncontested health care claims within 30 days or 15 days for electronic submissions. The resolution highlights that delayed payments can harm medical practices and patients, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and notes that current enforcement by the Insurance Division appears inconsistent. It requests that HMOs be held accountable for timely reimbursements and directs copies of the resolution to state officials including the Insurance Commissioner and Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a working group to address findings from an auditor's report on the state's farm-to-school and local food procurement programs. The working group will include representatives from education, agriculture, food distribution, schools, and community organizations to review challenges such as data collection issues and coordination gaps. The group will develop strategies to improve local food purchasing in schools, enhance supply chains, and strengthen collaboration between schools and local farmers. The Department of Education will submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to exempt agricultural enterprises that practice diversified farming on former sugarcane lands within the Conservation District from needing permits or sight plan approvals. The bill targets farmers and ranchers who want to use these specific lands for growing multiple types of crops, which currently faces a lengthy permitting process that can take up to 180 days. By removing the permit requirement for these specific agricultural activities, the resolution aims to reduce administrative delays and encourage the reuse of former plantation lands. The request is directed at state agencies to implement this exemption, though it does not change existing laws or create new regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests that health maintenance organizations in Hawaii comply with state laws requiring timely payment of health care claims. It asks these insurers to issue reimbursements within 30 days of receiving claims, or within 15 days for electronically submitted ones, as mandated by the Clean Claims Statute. The resolution highlights concerns that delayed payments can harm medical practices and patients, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It directs copies of the request to state officials including the Insurance Commissioner and Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for their attention.

Maddy summarySB 2010 authorizes law enforcement to impound motor vehicles when specific traffic violations are alleged or committed. It directly affects drivers who commit those violations, allowing authorities to seize vehicles as a consequence. The key provision enables immediate impoundment without requiring a court conviction first. This bill changes enforcement procedures by giving officers this authority upon violation allegations. The bill is currently pending introduction in the legislature.

Requires certain wastewater treatment works to test sewage sludge and any other residual material intended for land application for the presence of PFAS. Requires the Director of Health to adopt rules for the monitoring, sampling, testing, and data collection of sewage sludge and other residual material at wastewater treatment works that contain PFAS. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material to reduce the spread of CRB within infested zones and to prevent spread into non-infested zones. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)