Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 83) urges Hawaii's Department of Health and the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to take action encouraging wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge, reclaimed water, and other byproducts for PFAS (forever chemicals). It specifically recommends the Department of Health adopt rules for safely disposing of PFAS-containing materials and prohibit agricultural use of such materials if testing detects PFAS. The resolution addresses health and environmental risks linked to PFAS exposure, including cancer and ecosystem harm, but does not create new laws or mandates. As a non-binding resolution, it serves as a formal request for these entities to prioritize PFAS testing and management.

Maddy summaryHawaii's SCR 114 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Education, with the Department of Health and State Public Charter School Commission, to study how schools manage heat exposure during outdoor activities. The study must examine current practices, assess using wet-bulb globe temperature as a heat stress measurement standard, and evaluate if existing protocols protect students from heat-related illnesses. If the study finds current practices insufficient, it requires developing statewide guidelines covering hydration, staff training for heat illness symptoms, accommodations for students with medical conditions, and acclimatization protocols for outdoor activities like sports and recess. The resolution mandates the study report to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2026, with any proposed guidelines to follow by 2027. This directly affects all public and charter schools in Hawaii, focusing on student health during outdoor school activities.

Establishes a two-year Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling and Reuse Working Group within the Hawaii State Energy Office. Requires the working group to examine how to maximize the recycling and reuse of electric vehicle batteries and recommend electric vehicle battery management practices. Requires a report to the Legislature. (SD1)

Maddy summarySCR 19 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Education to make public school recreational facilities (like pools, gyms, and fields) available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. It directly affects residents, particularly in low-income and rural communities who face barriers to accessing recreational amenities. The resolution builds on existing rules requiring school facility access but seeks to expand it to unrestricted use during specified times, moving beyond the current requirement for a 10-day online application. This aims to address documented inequities in recreational access, as noted in the resolution's supporting statements.

Maddy summarySB 878 extends the expiration date of Hawaii's State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna (elderly residents) from its current deadline to June 30, 2028. This bill directly affects low-income seniors who rely on the program to afford housing by ensuring continued funding availability. The key provision is simply delaying the program's sunset date, maintaining current housing assistance without altering eligibility or benefit amounts. The measure passed committee recommendation with four supportive votes in February 2025.

Authorizes the Governor to enter into a Cosmetology Licensure Compact on behalf of the State to provide a streamlined process that allows cosmetologists to obtain a multistate license enabling them to practice cosmetology in another state without obtaining a separate license under the laws of that state. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules to implement and administer the Compact. Authorizes the Governor to enter into the Compact. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summarySCR 25 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency and Department of Health to hold public meetings for all certificate of need applications involving proposed special treatment facilities in neighborhoods with community associations. It does not create new law but asks the agency to require public input during the review process for these specific healthcare facility proposals. The resolution also requests the agency adopt rules requiring applicants to appear before neighborhood boards as part of their application. This applies only to facilities seeking approval under the administrative review process (typically smaller projects), not the standard review process which already includes public meetings.

Maddy summarySB 1559 allocates funds to the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program for dune restoration work at Hanakaoo Beach Park. The bill directly affects the University of Hawaii Sea Grant program and the local community by providing dedicated funding for coastal restoration efforts at this specific park location. It specifies that the funds will be used for dune restoration activities, with the measure becoming effective on July 31, 2050. This is a funding bill focused on a single, defined project, not a broader policy change.

Maddy summarySB 1648 would require utilities to provide compensation to customers following power outages. It directly affects residential and commercial utility customers who experience service interruptions. The bill establishes specific requirements for when and how compensation is calculated and paid, though details like payment amounts aren't specified in the abstract. Currently pending committee review (CPN), the bill would take effect on July 1, 2050, if passed.

Prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle with, possession, purchase, installation, sale, offer for sale, or distribution of license plate flipping devices. Establishes a $2,000 fine for each separate violation. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)