Sen. Brenton Awa

Maddy summarySR 214 is a Senate resolution requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to relocate homeless encampments from Waianae Small Boat Harbor with dignity and provide a timeline for removal. It cites reports of damaged boats, blocked access for harbor users, and ongoing disruptions at the public facility. The resolution directs DLNR to report back to the Legislature with a specific removal schedule. As a procedural request - not a binding law - it seeks action from DLNR without creating new legal requirements.

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.

Prohibits foreign entities from owning, leasing, or holding a controlling interest in more than an unspecified number of acres of agricultural land. Limits the lease term for agricultural land by foreign entities. Requires foreign entities that own or lease interest in agricultural lands to file an annual report with the Department of Agriculture. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Establishes a two-year Fruit Tree Harvest Pilot Program. Requires state agencies, to the extent practicable, to plant fruit trees in new or renovated landscaping that includes trees within the boundaries of the program. Authorizes persons to harvest fruit from those fruit trees. Provides that the State is not liable for any injuries or illnesses resulting from the harvesting or ingesting of fruit, including food-borne illness. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2491. (SD1)

Expands mandatory health insurance coverage for low-dose mammography for occult breast cancer to include any supplemental imaging deemed medically necessary for a patient of any age having an above-average risk for breast cancer as determined by the use of a risk-factor modeling tool. On or before 1/1/2026, expands mandatory health insurance coverage to include additional supplemental imaging for any patient, regardless of age, as deemed medically necessary by the patient's primary care provider. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Education to transfer the Ewa Beach Public and School Library from the State Public Library System to James Campbell High School.

For the purposes of state justifiable-use-of-force law: (1) Amends the definition of "dwelling" to include agricultural land used as a residence or place of lodging; and (2) Creates a definition of "place of work" that includes agricultural land.

Clarifies the Lieutenant Governor's duties as Secretary of State for Intergovernmental Relations, including working to prevent other jurisdictions from making or supporting travel arrangements to Hawaii for homeless or unhoused individuals.