Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summarySCR 23 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to study implementing highway patrols and speed cameras on major freeways and highways in areas with frequent speeding. The resolution cites speeding as a leading factor in traffic fatalities and notes local law enforcement often lacks resources to address safety issues. It asks the departments to assess how collaborative efforts - using technology like speed cameras - could improve traffic safety without mandating any specific action. This resolution seeks only a study, not immediate policy changes or funding.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 103) requests Hawaii's Governor to form a temporary working group to investigate PFAS chemical contamination. The group, including state agencies (Health, Land and Natural Resources, Agriculture), the University of Hawaii, and stakeholders, will identify PFAS sources, test water and seafood, assess health/environmental risks, and recommend solutions. It does not create new law but directs the Governor to coordinate an investigation focused on Hawaii's water, ecosystems, and food safety. The working group must submit reports to the legislature by 2026-2028.

Maddy summarySCR 10 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's State Health Planning and Development Agency to create a working group focused on health insurance prior authorization reforms. The working group would include representatives from insurance companies, healthcare providers, patients, and employers to study specific issues like reducing delays (e.g., setting 24-hour response times for urgent care), extending authorization validity for chronic conditions, and improving transparency in approval processes. It directly affects patients facing care delays, healthcare providers burdened by administrative tasks, and insurers requiring prior authorization. The resolution does not change laws but requests the group submit recommendations to the Legislature by late 2025.

Maddy summarySCR 110 is a resolution requesting the Hawaii State Energy Office to study whether the state can establish a green bonds program. The study would evaluate best practices for managing such a program, identify clean energy projects that could benefit from it, and explore partnerships with other agencies and private businesses. The Energy Office must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution does not create a new program but asks for a feasibility assessment to inform future decisions.

Maddy summarySCR 203 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to study the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and identify requirements for securing federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. It directs the university to assess its current research capabilities, evaluate potential benefits for Hawaii residents (especially considering the state's large Asian American and Pacific Islander population), and outline steps to meet federal grant criteria. The resolution requires the university to submit a report by December 31, 2025, including a phased plan with timelines for feasibility assessment and potential center development. This is a non-binding request focused on exploration, not policy implementation.

Establishes the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 209 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HEMA) to address tree-related obstructions on evacuation routes. It directs HEMA to identify large trees that could block evacuation paths, trim or remove them, conduct public risk assessments for high-risk trees, implement urban forestry best practices, and strengthen community disaster preparedness education. This resolution does not create new law but formally requests specific actions from HEMA to improve evacuation route safety and community resilience. It directly affects HEMA's operational procedures and communities relying on designated evacuation routes.

Maddy summarySCR 84 is a non-binding resolution urging Maui County, in collaboration with the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Defense, to conduct real-time wildfire and disaster drills involving the Maui community. It specifically calls for these drills to include community members in planning, execution, and post-drill evaluations to improve emergency response preparedness. The resolution emphasizes community participation as a key mechanism to enhance public awareness, evacuation familiarity, and feedback for refining emergency protocols, based on examples from other communities.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 104) requests the Governor to convene a working group focused on solid waste management in Hawaii. The group must include representatives from state agencies, counties, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, waste industry sectors (recycling, composting, reuse), environmental experts, and the U.S. military. The working group is required to submit a report by January 2026 with recommendations on reducing waste and protecting groundwater, including alternatives to landfill expansion. It directly addresses the impending expiration of Oahu's Waimanalo Gulch landfill and the lack of viable new landfill sites. The resolution does not enact new policy but seeks collaborative solutions to prevent illegal landfill expansion.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 222) requests Hawaii's Office of Consumer Protection to form a task force to study payment options at towing companies. It directly affects vehicle owners who struggle to pay for towing services due to limited payment methods (like lack of credit/debit card acceptance or ATMs) and towing companies that may not offer convenient options. The task force will assess these issues, include relevant stakeholders, and submit a report with findings and potential recommendations to the legislature by early 2026. The resolution does not change current law but seeks to identify problems and possible solutions regarding towing payment accessibility.