Sen. Maile Shimabukuro

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks state agencies to collaborate with Honolulu to turn an unused grassy area near the State Capitol into a community garden. The proposed garden would replace a lawn that requires heavy maintenance but sees little public use, aiming to support local food production and connect residents with the legislature. By converting this underutilized space, the bill seeks to strengthen community ties while reducing maintenance costs for the state grounds. The request specifically directs the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with city officials to establish the project.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the idea of making Hawaii's state legislature a full-time, year-round body instead of its current part-time schedule. The study will examine the practical steps needed to implement such a change, including potential pros and cons, proposed calendars for bills and budgets, and salary requirements for legislators and staff. This bill does not change any laws or policies itself; it only directs an official review of how a continuous legislative session would work for the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to support efforts to improve its Aquaculture Development Program strategic plan. The bill specifically asks the department to adopt recommendations from a February 2024 report by Hatch Innovation Services, which was commissioned to help grow the state's aquaculture industry. As a Senate resolution, this document serves as a formal request rather than a law that directly changes regulations or mandates specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the state's Department of Health and Chief Energy Officer to study how to use advanced technology for continuous air quality monitoring at waste incineration facilities and landfills. The bill highlights that current monitoring methods are often outdated or infrequent, potentially missing significant pollution events that affect public health. It specifically calls for a feasibility study to determine if modern systems can provide more accurate and real-time data on harmful emissions that are currently under-monitored. The resolution does not mandate immediate changes but seeks to gather information on the practicality of upgrading monitoring capabilities across the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to support improving its Aquaculture Development Program strategic plan. The bill specifically asks the department to adopt recommendations from a February 2024 report by Hatch Innovation Services, which aims to help the state attract more investors and grow its aquaculture industry. While the resolution highlights the state's natural advantages for farming seafood, it does not create new laws or change existing regulations. Instead, it serves as a formal request to state officials to review and enhance their current strategy for sustainable food production.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Legislature to take action to preserve, protect, and restore limu kala, a type of seaweed designated as the state's official limu. The measure highlights that limu kala populations have declined due to climate change, development, and runoff, while noting that healthy populations support food security and biodiversity. By calling for legislative attention to this issue, the resolution aims to encourage policies that safeguard nearshore ecosystems and reefs. It does not create new laws but serves as a formal expression of support for future conservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages developers in Hawaii to adopt net zero water strategies when building or renovating housing projects. The bill defines these strategies as methods that minimize water use, create alternative water sources, and treat wastewater on-site to return it to natural supplies like aquifers. By promoting these practices, the resolution aims to protect Hawaii's limited fresh water resources from pollution and depletion. The measure is non-binding and serves as a recommendation rather than a mandatory law, directing copies to state housing officials and the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to update its rules for allocating affordable housing funds. It asks the agency to prioritize projects that are built on state or county land, have permanent affordability requirements, or are owned by organizations that must reinvest any profits into new housing. Additionally, the bill encourages developers to repay their low-interest loans early or choose shorter repayment terms to free up capital for future construction. The measure does not change existing laws but instead formally requests the agency to adjust its administrative guidelines to favor these specific types of developments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution encourages developers in Hawaii to adopt net zero water strategies when building or renovating housing projects. The bill promotes the use of water-saving technologies, on-site wastewater treatment, and alternative water sources to reduce reliance on the state's finite freshwater supply. By minimizing water consumption and pollution runoff, the resolution aims to help preserve the quantity and quality of natural water resources like aquifers. It does not impose legal requirements but serves as a formal recommendation to the Governor and housing agencies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Board of Agriculture to study how much state-owned farmland is actually being used for farming versus left vacant or used for non-agricultural purposes. The study will also calculate specific financial details for lease transfers, such as the rent paid, infrastructure costs, and how much money goes to the state versus private individuals. The goal is to gather data on whether current lease practices are helping the state achieve its food production goals or if they are creating unintended financial windfalls for private lessees. The Board must submit its findings and any recommended laws to the legislature by late 2024.