Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summarySCR 24 is a Hawaii legislative resolution urging the U.S. Department of Defense to maintain public references to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its websites. The resolution was passed in response to the Pentagon removing these historical references in March 2025 as part of a federal review of content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It emphasizes preserving the history of these units - composed largely of Japanese American soldiers who served with distinction during WWII despite the internment of their families - to honor their contributions and prevent erasure of this significant historical memory.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 112) is a ceremonial resolution requesting the City and County of Honolulu to illuminate City Hall with purple lights on August 7, 2025. It honors National Purple Heart Day, recognizing military service members injured or killed in action who have received the Purple Heart medal. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it simply asks Honolulu to display purple lights as a symbolic tribute on this specific date. The request is directed at the City and County of Honolulu, not a new legislative requirement.

Maddy summaryHawaii's SCR 56 is a resolution urging the U.S. government to develop a national biodiversity strategy. It highlights Hawaii's status as home to over 550 endangered species (25% of the U.S. total) and its receipt of only 3% of federal conservation funding. The resolution specifically requests the U.S. establish a strategy that sets conservation targets, coordinates federal agencies, and promotes equitable conservation efforts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to address the biodiversity crisis threatening ecosystems, cultural practices, and community well-being.

Establishes the Agricultural Enforcement Program within the Department of Law Enforcement. Establishes the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 88) requests Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to create a pilot program testing microbial algae-based soil products on farms. It specifically targets small to medium-sized farms (10-100 acres) with certain crop types, soil health issues, or organic operations. The program requires collaboration with the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and mandates a report to the legislature by 2026 detailing findings and potential long-term use of these products. The goal is to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, improve soil health, and support sustainable agriculture without imposing new regulations.

Maddy summarySCR 41 is a concurrent resolution encouraging Hawaii counties to develop their own biosecurity plans tailored to local needs. It does not create new laws but urges each county to prioritize its unique challenges with invasive species, such as habitat protection and agricultural impacts, through localized planning. The resolution specifically asks counties to collaborate with neighboring counties and state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It applies directly to all Hawaii counties, with copies sent to county mayors and state officials. (This is a procedural resolution, not a binding bill.)

Maddy summarySCR 90 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to assume responsibility for the routine maintenance and repair of the Kohala Ditch. This 26-mile irrigation system, built in 1906, supplies over five million gallons of water daily to farmers and ranchers in North Kohala, who have faced significantly higher costs and reduced production after a 2021 rockslide damaged the system. The resolution requires the ADC to develop a maintenance plan with community input and submit annual reports detailing repairs, system conditions, and recommendations to the Legislature. The bill does not allocate new funds but seeks to leverage the ADC’s existing mandate to support agricultural infrastructure and local food production.

Maddy summarySCR 231 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Transportation to install and use electronic scanning equipment at all state airports and harbors to detect illegal fireworks. It directly affects travelers, cargo handlers, and law enforcement at these transportation hubs by adding a screening step for fireworks. The resolution specifies that commercial harbors should install equipment away from active docking areas to avoid disrupting cargo operations. This request aims to improve safety by proactively intercepting illegal fireworks before they enter the state, based on concerns about public safety risks from current enforcement gaps.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 63) is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to study creating a "Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award Program" for craftspersons. It asks the department to research adapting France's long-standing "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" award system, including identifying key industries, cost-effective implementation, and public nomination processes. The study must include industry input and result in a report with recommendations for the 2026 legislative session. The bill does not create the award program itself but only requests an analysis of how to establish it. It directly affects the Department of Labor and would potentially impact Hawaii's craft and trade workers if the program is later adopted.

Maddy summarySCR 73 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report on developmental needs of children born during the 2019-2025 COVID-19 pandemic. The report must analyze pandemic-related developmental delays (including communication, emotional regulation, and social skills) and compounded trauma from events like the 2023 Maui wildfires, particularly affecting children aged 0-5. It requires specific sections on trauma-informed care strategies, existing support services across state agencies, wildfire recovery efforts, and recommendations for educators facing secondary trauma. The Office must submit the report by December 2026.