Sen. Maile Shimabukuro

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to form a working group to study how to improve language assistance services for patients who do not speak English well. The group will include healthcare providers, insurers, and community organizations to examine current barriers and the use of family members as interpreters. After reviewing the situation, the working group must submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2025, potentially including new laws to ensure equitable care.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the State Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of mandating dental and vision insurance coverage in Hawaii. The bill directs the Auditor to conduct a formal analysis, known as a sunrise analysis, on a proposed measure that would require such coverage for residents. The Auditor is tasked with submitting a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by a specific deadline before the next session begins. This procedural step ensures that the potential effects of the insurance mandate are assessed before any final legislation is passed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Governor to direct state health agencies to work together with local hospitals and pharmacies to keep affordable medications available for Hawaii's underserved communities. The bill also urges federal officials and Hawaii's congressional representatives to watch for and stop actions by drug companies that limit how these hospitals can distribute discounted drugs. By encouraging collaboration and oversight, the resolution aims to preserve the 340B Drug Pricing Program's ability to provide low-cost medicines to patients who need them most.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts to gather and share data on how often fees, court costs, fines, and restitution are charged to minors in Hawaii. The requested information includes total amounts assessed and collected over the past five years, as well as a detailed list of specific charges available in different court districts. This data collection aims to provide the Legislature with a clear picture of financial penalties imposed on youth cases before the 2025 session. The bill does not change any laws or stop the charging of fees; instead, it focuses on collecting information to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to create an inventory and map of existing R-1 water delivery systems and reservoirs in Maui County. The bill aims to locate infrastructure that can store treated wastewater for future use in firefighting, agriculture, and landscaping. By identifying these resources, the resolution seeks to help prevent groundwater contamination and ensure access to fresh water for emergency and non-potable needs. The office is required to submit the completed inventory and maps to the Legislature before the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to create a ten-year plan to build 100,000 homes to address the state's housing shortage. The requested plan must outline strategies to overcome specific barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, restrictive zoning rules, complicated regulations, community opposition, and high construction costs. The resolution directs the agency to submit this plan to its board chairperson and executive director, serving as a formal request rather than a law that mandates immediate action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Health to update its administrative rules to allow licensed dietitians to independently prescribe modified diets and plan therapeutic diets for patients. The bill aims to address the state's shortage of physicians by enabling dietitians to take on more responsibility for nutrition care, which is already permitted in many hospital settings under federal guidelines. Specifically, the proposed changes would let dietitians write diet orders without needing a physician's direct approval for certain diet types, while still requiring that these plans be reviewed and documented in medical records. This shift is intended to improve patient care efficiency and ensure that patients receive adequate nutritional support within the state's healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to create new administrative rules that allow it to offer credit enhancement for construction loans. The bill aims to lower financing costs for housing developers by reducing the risk associated with these loans, which could help offset high development expenses caused by rising interest rates. As a Senate resolution, this document serves as a formal request rather than a law that directly changes statutes or mandates specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to install speed bumps and speed limit signs on Kapolei Parkway between Kapolei High School and Kapolei Middle School. The measure aims to address local speeding concerns that contribute to traffic accidents and fatalities in the area. By requesting these specific safety improvements, the bill seeks to slow down vehicle traffic and enhance pedestrian safety for residents along that stretch of road.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Department of Transportation to study whether other airlines could begin serving Molokai Airport. The bill is driven by concerns that the single current carrier offers expensive tickets and unreliable flights, which creates travel difficulties for residents needing to reach work, medical care, and family. If the study determines that adding more airlines is possible, the department must submit a report with its findings and any suggested laws to the Legislature by late 2024.