Maddy summarySCR 191 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Hawaii State Legislature requesting the U.S. Transportation Secretary to initiate a performance review of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project under the federal Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement. The resolution cites the project's significant cost overruns (increasing from $5.5 billion to $12.45 billion) and delays (completion pushed from 2020 to 2030) as justification for the review. It specifically asks the Transportation Secretary to assess whether the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is making satisfactory progress to complete the rail system. The resolution aligns with federal oversight mechanisms outlined in the Amended FFGA and follows recent federal actions on similar transportation projects.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 187) requests the Hawaii Auditor to conduct an audit of the Real Estate Commission's oversight of real estate management entities that handle condominium properties under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 514B. The audit will specifically examine whether the Commission effectively monitors financial practices (like improper foreclosures and fines), transparency issues (such as refusal to share documents), and enforcement gaps affecting condominium owners. The resolution asks the Auditor to assess if current oversight is sufficient and to recommend improvements to better protect homeowners. This is a procedural request - not a law - and focuses on evaluating existing processes, not changing them.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 190) urges the City and County of Honolulu to complete construction of the Waianae Police Station, which opened in 2016 but remains non-operational due to unfinished infrastructure. The resolution notes $16 million has already been spent on the station's structure (including 16 holding cells and parking), with an additional $6 million needed to install necessary equipment and systems. It cites rising crime in West Oahu - including over half of Oahu's homicides in 2023-2024 occurring in the Waianae area - as context for the urgency. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests Honolulu officials complete the project to make the station fully functional.
Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the newly established Honolulu Ocean Safety Department to create a drone training program. It cites benefits like improved marine life monitoring, enhanced search-and-rescue operations, and better beach surveillance - similar to the Honolulu Fire Department's existing drone use. The resolution specifically notes the department currently lacks aerial surveillance capabilities despite its mandate to handle ocean safety on Oahu. It does not create new law but formally requests this operational enhancement.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 188) urges the newly established Honolulu Ocean Safety Department to create a drone training program. It recommends implementing this program to improve beach safety operations, including monitoring marine life (like sharks), locating swimmers, enhancing search-and-rescue missions, and delivering flotation devices, as demonstrated by the Honolulu Fire Department's existing drone use. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests the department adopt this training to strengthen its ocean safety services.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 168) requests the Hawaii Auditor to audit the Real Estate Commission's oversight of real estate management entities (companies managing condominiums) under Hawaii's Condominium Property Act (Chapter 514B). It specifically asks the Auditor to examine issues like improper financial practices (e.g., non-judicial foreclosures, unfair fines), lack of transparency (e.g., refusal to share documents), and ineffective dispute resolution processes affecting condominium owners. The audit aims to identify gaps in oversight and recommend improvements to the Commission's effectiveness. This resolution does not change laws but seeks an independent assessment of current enforcement under existing statutes.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 166) urges the Hawaii Legislature to establish mandatory inquiries into every child fatality or serious injury occurring within the state's child welfare system. It cites specific cases since 1997 - including fatalities from neglect, unsafe reunifications, and abuse - where DHS failed to act on warnings despite prior lawsuits and settlements totaling over $10 million. The resolution does not create new law but calls for legislative action to prevent future harm through systematic reviews, noting current gaps in accountability despite existing child death review panels.
Maddy summarySCR 36 disapproves the 2025 Commission on Salaries' recommended salary increases for state officials, including the governor, lieutenant governor, department heads, legislators, and judges. The resolution requires the Commission to reconvene by November 2025 to review the legislature's reasons for disapproval and submit new salary recommendations to the 2026 legislative session. This action directly affects the Commission’s process and the salary schedules for these state officials. The legislature states its disapproval is based on current economic conditions in Hawaii.
Amends the conditions, manner, and areas in which the Commission on Water Resource Management can declare and provide notice of water shortages and emergencies.
Appropriate funds into and out of the Hawaii Historic Preservation Special Fund for the State Historic Preservation Division to inventory historic properties and burial sites in the State, collect data on burial site locations, and conduct an archaeological survey necessary to compile the inventory. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)