Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summaryThis Hawaii Senate resolution (SR 40) urges the U.S. government to develop a national biodiversity strategy. It requests a coordinated federal plan to protect ecosystems, conserve species, and align with international conservation standards. The resolution highlights Hawaii’s unique biodiversity challenges, including over 550 endangered species and low federal conservation funding relative to its ecological significance. As a non-binding request, it does not create new laws but calls for federal action to address the national biodiversity crisis.

Maddy summarySCR 226 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging Hawaii's Med-QUEST Division (Department of Human Services) and Developmental Disabilities Division (Department of Health) to amend eligibility rules for the Medicaid 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. Currently, individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities who also have conditions like dementia, mental illness, or substance abuse are excluded from the waiver. The resolution specifically requests removing this exclusion for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities *and* a co-occurring mental health condition. It also requires the Developmental Disabilities Division to report on this amendment by early 2026. This is a procedural request to update administrative rules, not a law changing Medicaid eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 67) urges Maui County, in coordination 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 community members to participate in planning, executing, and evaluating these drills to improve emergency response preparedness. The resolution emphasizes that such drills should familiarize residents with evacuation protocols and create opportunities for immediate feedback to refine response strategies. It does not create new law but formally encourages these agencies to adopt community-engaged disaster training practices.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 201) urges Hawaii's Med-Quest Division (Human Services) and Developmental Disabilities Division (Health) to amend eligibility rules for a Medicaid waiver that provides home and community-based care. Currently, people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and certain conditions - including mental illness - are excluded from this waiver. The resolution specifically requests removing the exclusion for individuals with both an intellectual/developmental disability and a mental health condition. It asks the departments to revise the rules and report on progress by early 2026. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change law but formally requests policy action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 205) requests all Hawaii county police departments to purchase and deploy explosion detection technology to identify and respond to illegal gunfire and fireworks. It specifically cites technologies like ShotSpotter, which can detect explosions within 40 seconds to improve response times. The resolution requires police chiefs to ensure officers receive proper training on using this equipment. It does not mandate funding or create new laws but urges counties to adopt the technology for public safety. The request directly affects all 5 county police departments in Hawaii.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 38) supports the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group's request for additional resources and a timeline extension for fiscal year 2025-2026. The Working Group, established to protect Native Hawaiian cultural intellectual property through community consultations, needs more time and funding to develop solutions preventing cultural appropriation. The resolution expresses legislative support for their work without creating new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 92) declares a public health emergency in Hawaii due to climate change impacts. It requests all state departments (including Health, Transportation, Agriculture, and Planning) and county governments to coordinate cross-sector efforts to identify, plan for, and create solutions addressing climate-related health threats like extreme heat, disease spread, food/water insecurity, and mental health impacts. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but mandates statewide coordination to strengthen Hawaii’s public health response to climate change. It builds on Hawaii’s prior climate emergency declaration (2021) but specifically focuses on health-sector collaboration.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 93 requests the City and County of Honolulu to display purple lights at City Hall on August 7 each year to honor National Purple Heart Day. This symbolic resolution commemorates military service members who were injured or killed in action, recognizing their sacrifices. It does not impose legal requirements on the city but asks for a visible annual tribute. The resolution is non-binding and focuses solely on honoring Purple Heart recipients through a public display.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 84 requests the Governor to convene a temporary working group to investigate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in Hawaii. The group, including state health, environmental, and agricultural departments plus stakeholders, will test waterways, seafood, and soil for PFAS levels, identify contamination sources, and assess health/environmental risks. It must submit interim reports to the Legislature by 2026 and 2027, with a final report due before the 2028 session, recommending testing, remediation, and policy changes. This resolution does not create new laws but directs state action to address PFAS threats to public health and Hawaii's ecosystems.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 43) requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to partner with the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) to collaboratively maintain and improve the Kihei Ramp in South Kihei, Maui. The ramp is used by the local community for recreational activities like fishing and diving, and KIRC relies on it for access to Kahoolawe and future visitor center plans. The resolution asks DLNR to work with KIRC to facilitate ongoing repairs, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of the ramp, potentially leveraging private investment. It does not create new laws or funding but formally encourages interagency collaboration for community and KIRC benefit.