Sen. Brenton Awa

Prohibits certain foreign parties from owning, purchasing, or acquiring an interest in agricultural lands. Establishes an Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture to investigate claims that land is unlawfully owned by a prohibited foreign party. Requires the Attorney General to undertake enforcement activities. Appropriates moneys.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution amends Rule 80 to prohibit Senate members and officers from consuming alcohol anywhere within the Hawaii State Capitol. It directly affects Capitol staff and lawmakers who work in the legislative building. The change updates internal Senate rules to explicitly ban alcohol consumption, aligning with existing administrative policies that prohibit alcohol in state facilities. The resolution takes effect upon adoption.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural Senate resolution (not a policy bill) formally appointing officers for the Hawaii State Senate's 33rd Legislature. It names Carol T. Taniguchi as Clerk, Ainoa A. Naniolé as Assistant Clerk, Benigno C. Villaflor as Sergeant-At-Arms, and C.M. Park Kaleiwahéa as Assistant Sergeant-At-Arms. The resolution has no policy provisions or impact on legislation; it simply establishes the Senate's leadership roles for the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Department of Accounting and General Services to create a recycling program for all offices at the Hawaii State Capitol. The bill specifically requests that the program prioritize the collection of HI-5 recyclable items to help manage waste within the state government. As a Senate resolution, this document serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law that directly mandates changes or imposes penalties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to display a portrait of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole in all state buildings, offices, meeting rooms, and waiting areas under its control. The measure aims to honor Prince Kuhio's historical contributions, such as his role in establishing the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and his various infrastructure projects for the state. It does not mandate the action but instead requests the department to consider this display as a way to recognize his legacy. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor and other state officials for their records.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's congressional delegation to introduce federal legislation that would expand the National Flood Insurance Program to cover damage caused by lava flows. The bill directly affects residents in lava zones on Hawaii Island who currently face limited insurance options and high premiums following the withdrawal of major private insurers from the market. By proposing this expansion, the resolution aims to provide a federal safety net for property owners in these specific areas, similar to how the program currently assists those in flood-prone regions. The measure does not create new insurance coverage itself but instead asks federal lawmakers to consider adding lava risk to the existing federal insurance framework.

Exempts the instream use of water for commercial kalo cultivation conducted in a manner consistent with traditional and customary Native Hawaiian practices and on traditional kalo lands from the existing process for the disposition of water rights. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD2)

Establishes and appropriates funds for a grant program in the Department of Agriculture to provide grants to taro farmers in meeting the costs of cultivating taro for consumption. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)