Sen. Brenton Awa

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 4) calls on the Hawaii Senate to establish an investigative committee to examine allegations involving a $35,000 cash or check payment made in 2022 to an unidentified "influential legislator" for influencing a political campaign. The committee would investigate potential violations of state law, ethics rules, and campaign finance regulations, with a deadline to act by January 2027 due to the statute of limitations. The resolution does not propose new laws but seeks to initiate an internal legislative review of the matter.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2) amends the Senate Rules to clarify the responsibilities of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM). It explicitly adds "military and veterans' affairs" to the committee's scope and removes the phrase "county and federal relations" from its description. The change affects how the Senate organizes its committee structure, specifying which topics fall under the PSM committee's jurisdiction. This is a procedural adjustment to Senate rules, not a substantive policy change affecting constituents or laws.

Maddy summarySB 655 designates September 2nd of each year as "Richard 'Buffalo' Keaulana Day" to honor the late Hawaiian cultural practitioner and community leader. The bill establishes an annual observance with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on specific groups or legislation. It is a ceremonial resolution with no funding, regulations, or administrative requirements. The bill has been introduced and referred to committees but has not advanced to a vote. This designation serves solely to recognize Keaulana's contributions to Hawaiian culture.

Prohibits certain foreign parties from owning, purchasing, or acquiring an interest in lands located with 10 miles of a military installation or land within the State. Establishes an Office of Intelligence within the Department of Defense to investigate claims that land is unlawfully owned by a prohibited foreign party. Requires the Attorney General to undertake enforcement activities. Appropriates moneys.

Maddy summarySB 186 repeals existing inspection requirements for motor carrier vehicles, such as commercial trucks and buses. This change directly affects commercial transportation companies and drivers who currently must undergo mandatory vehicle inspections. The bill’s key provision removes these specific safety inspection mandates from state law, shifting regulatory focus away from routine vehicle checks. The bill is pending further committee review and has not yet become law.

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.

Establishes the State Permitting Office within the Department of Transportation to process building and infrastructure permits for construction of state-owned buildings, state roads and highways, and other construction on state lands. Appropriates moneys.

Maddy summarySB 1643 lowers the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold for driving under the influence of intoxicants. This bill directly affects all drivers operating vehicles on public roads, as it would make it illegal to drive with a lower BAC level than currently permitted. The key provision changes the legal limit for DUI offenses, tightening the standard for impairment. The bill is currently pending in committee review (referred to TCA, JDC) and has not yet become law.

Maddy summarySR 1 amends Senate Rule 16 to reorganize the Hawaii Senate's standing committees for the 2026 legislative session. It creates three new committees: Higher Education (HRE) for university funding and private higher education (excluding the Hawaii P-20 K-12 initiative), Housing (HOU) for affordable housing and homelessness programs, and Judiciary (JDC) for courts, crime, and civil liberties. The Education committee now excludes higher education funding, retaining oversight of K-12 initiatives like the Hawaii P-20 program. This procedural change adjusts how legislative work is assigned and reviewed within the Senate.

Maddy summarySB 1237 would remove existing state laws restricting the installation and use of sun screening devices, such as window tinting, on motor vehicles. This bill directly affects vehicle owners and businesses that install window tint, as it eliminates current legal limits on tint darkness or placement. The key provision is the repeal of all state restrictions, allowing owners to install any tinting device without violating state law. The bill is currently pending in the legislative process and has not yet become law.