Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summarySB 2615 requires public school districts to charge students at least one-quarter of the actual cost to prepare each school meal. This directly affects students and families who purchase meals at public schools, as it sets a minimum price floor for meal costs. The bill mandates that the Department of Education enforce this requirement, ensuring meal prices cover at least 25% of the preparation expenses. It establishes a concrete policy change in school meal pricing without altering eligibility or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the University of Hawaii to create a specific language pathway focused on the Niihau dialect of Hawaiian. The bill recognizes that the Niihau dialect is distinct from standard Hawaiian due to its isolation and continued use as a primary language by the community. It aims to address concerns that external language revitalization efforts may inadvertently dilute this unique dialect by formally acknowledging its preservation needs within higher education. The resolution directs the university system to consider this request while noting that state agencies already support Niihau speakers through interpreter services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian governor of any U.S. state and highlights his long-term service in roles including chairing the Democratic Governors Association and the Education Commission of the States. By formally nominating him, the Legislature initiates the process for his recognition under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 5-7.6, which requires nominees to have achieved national or international recognition and demonstrated extraordinary service to the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education to add tax instruction to the state's financial literacy graduation requirement for public school students. The bill recommends that tax education cover practical topics such as completing a 1040 tax form, understanding W-4 forms, payroll deductions, and federal versus state income taxes. While the resolution does not mandate changes, it formally requests that the Department of Education incorporate tax literacy as a major topic area alongside existing financial education standards. The measure is intended to ensure students gain comprehensive knowledge about personal finances, including tax responsibilities, before graduating from high school.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved building designs. The pattern book would include various housing types such as accessory dwelling units and low- to mid-rise buildings, featuring culturally appropriate and climate-responsive design elements like lanais and natural ventilation. Developers using approved designs from the book would receive streamlined permit approvals to reduce delays and costs, while the department is asked to collaborate with architects, builders, and community stakeholders in developing the collection. The resolution also requests a design competition to attract innovative designs and ensures the final pattern book will be made publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and have made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian elected governor of any U.S. state, his leadership roles in national education and health policy, and his ongoing civic engagement as justification for the nomination. The bill directs the Senate to formally nominate him to the Aloha Order of Merit Committee and relevant state officials for consideration of induction.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create rules banning commercial octopus farming. The bill aims to prevent potential environmental harm from intensive coastal development, water pollution, and the use of wild-caught fish for feed, while also addressing concerns about animal welfare and the cultural importance of native octopus populations. It would prohibit commercial aquaculture operations but allow special permits for non-commercial research and educational activities involving octopus.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create rules banning commercial octopus farming. The bill aims to prevent potential harm to coastal ecosystems, water quality, and local fisheries by stopping intensive land-based and open-ocean aquaculture operations. It also addresses concerns about animal welfare, noting that octopuses have complex needs that may not be met in confinement, and highlights the cultural importance of native octopus populations in Hawaiian traditions. The measure allows research and educational activities involving octopus to continue while prohibiting commercial aquaculture.

Authorizes a registered pharmacist under contract with a covered entity for purposes of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program to supervise the filling or receipt of a prescription via telehealth in certain circumstances. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Office of Wellness and Resilience, to design a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with Child Welfare Services. Specifies that the Department of Human Services shall implement and administer the pilot program. Allows the Department to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)