Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 74) urges Hawaii's legislature to amend state self-defense laws to protect agricultural workers. It proposes removing the legal requirement to retreat when defending agricultural property, livestock, or individuals under their care on farms or ranches. The resolution specifies this would apply only if the person is not the original aggressor, not engaged in criminal activity, and lawfully present on agricultural land. As a resolution - not a binding law - it serves as a formal request for the legislature to advance such policy changes, motivated by a 2024 incident where a rancher was fatally shot while protecting his cattle.

Clarifies that the Hawaii Labor Relations Board has the authority to enforce its own orders issued pursuant to state law governing collective bargaining in public employment, in addition to discretion to seek judicial enforcement of its orders under the Hawaii Employment Relations Act. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySCR 106 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to commission a study on which energy sectors - electricity, transportation, or heating (including industrial, commercial, and residential) - can be most quickly and cost-effectively decarbonized through public investment in combustion-free alternatives like renewable energy and electrification. The study aims to guide future state funding toward proven technologies, avoiding speculative or polluting options, and aligns with Hawaii's constitutional mandate for a clean environment and a court-ordered goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions in all transportation modes by 2045. This resolution does not create new law but directs an agency to analyze existing options before allocating public funds.

Maddy summarySB 301 creates a new penalty for dog owners whose dogs cause property damage on land zoned for agricultural use. It directly affects dog owners who allow their pets to destroy agricultural property, adding an extra financial or legal consequence beyond existing rules. The bill would take effect on July 1, 3000, though this date appears to be an error given current legislative timelines. The bill is currently pending committee review, having been introduced on January 15, 2025, and scheduled for a public hearing on February 6, 2025.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to engage in certain capital improvement projects at state small boat harbors and state parks without prior approval from the Legislature and Governor for existing facilities. Requires quarterly reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 5 years after the effective date. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish and conduct a Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Program. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit a report to the Legislature and adopt administrative rules. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution to provide that freedom of speech protected under the Hawaii State Constitution does not include the expenditure of money to influence elections. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 391 establishes a new End-of-Life Lithium-ion Battery Management Working Group to study how to responsibly handle used batteries from electric vehicles and electronics. The group must produce a report for the Legislature by 2026, focusing on recycling infrastructure and safety. This bill directly affects battery manufacturers, recyclers, and future state policy on managing these batteries. It does not change current laws but sets up a process for developing future regulations, effective January 1, 2026. The bill is currently under review by the AEN committee.

Establishes a permanent Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State. Establishes the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for committing certain property crimes on agricultural property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)