Sen. Brenton Awa

Maddy summaryHawaii's Senate Resolution 158 requests Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention to propose specific amendments. The resolution asks for amendments focused on imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting federal power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for federal officials. It includes conditions that the convention must not consider changes to the Bill of Rights, states must vote one-per-state, and Congress can only perform a ministerial duty to set a time and place for the convention. This is a procedural resolution seeking Congress's action, not a law, and Hawaii states it will continue this application until two-thirds of states join the request.

Maddy summaryHawaii's SCR 140 is a state resolution urging Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention to propose specific amendments. It requests amendments focused on imposing fiscal limits on the federal government, reducing federal power and jurisdiction, and limiting terms for federal officials and Congress members. The resolution specifies strict conditions: the convention must exclude any changes to the Bill of Rights, states must vote one per state, Congress can only call the convention if 34 states apply, and Hawaii reserves the right to recall its delegates. This is a procedural request from Hawaii's legislature, not a direct policy change, seeking to initiate a process that requires broad state support to proceed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 207) requests the Hawaii Attorney General to establish a task force to coordinate efforts against illegal gambling and drug activities. The task force would include state, county, and federal agency representatives (like police chiefs, transportation directors, and federal law enforcement) to develop a unified action plan. It specifically asks the task force to examine creating "community safe zones" with zoning requirements - such as requiring gambling-related properties to be at least 10,000 feet from schools, churches, or residential areas - and to submit recommendations to the legislature by early 2026. The resolution does not create new law but directs an agency to form a collaborative group for policy analysis.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 182) requests the Attorney General to create an intergovernmental task force to address illegal gambling and drug activities in Hawaii. The task force would include state agencies (like law enforcement and transportation), county police chiefs, and federal partners (DEA, FBI, Homeland Security) to develop a coordinated plan. Key provisions require the task force to propose a statewide program to eliminate illegal gambling/drug operations and establish "community safe zones" with a minimum 10,000-foot buffer from schools, churches, and residential areas. It does not create new law but asks the task force to recommend legislative actions and submit a final report to the legislature by 2026. The resolution is procedural, focusing on coordination rather than direct policy changes.

Maddy summarySCR 208 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Judiciary to urge courts to prioritize victims' and witnesses' rights to speedy trials. It specifically asks courts to consider the adverse impact of delays on victims (especially young victims of sexual offenses) when deciding whether to continue cases. For cases involving minors as victims or witnesses, it recommends limiting continuances to three unless justified, requiring trials to begin within 12 months of charges, and considering a minor's age and well-being. This resolution does not create new law but formally requests the Judiciary to prioritize these considerations in court proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 183) requests Hawaii's Judiciary to urge Family, District, and Circuit Courts to prioritize victim and witness rights to speedy trials in cases involving offenses under HRS Chapter 707 (e.g., sexual offenses). It directs courts to consider the adverse impact of delays on victims/witnesses when reviewing motions to postpone proceedings and to minimize delays for minor victims or witnesses. Specifically, for cases involving minors, it urges courts to limit continuances to three unless justified, require trials within 12 months of charges, and factor in a minor's age and well-being when deciding delays. The resolution does not create new law but asks the Judiciary to prioritize these considerations in existing court procedures.

Maddy summarySR 171 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging the City and County of Honolulu to complete the Waianae Police Station. The resolution states that $16 million was already spent on the station's structure (including holding cells, parking, and a radio tower) but an additional $6 million is needed to install necessary infrastructure for full operation. It highlights that the station has been non-functional for about 10 years despite rising homicides in West Oahu - over half of Oahu's 2023-2024 homicides occurred in District Eight (covering West Oahu). The resolution directs copies to the Mayor, Managing Director, and Police Chief to prompt action on completing the station.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 167) requests the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy to conduct a performance review of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project under its existing federal funding agreement. It cites the project's significant cost overruns (from $5.5 billion to $12.45 billion) and delays (pushed to 2030), noting Hawaii has already provided $3.9 billion in state funding. The resolution specifically asks for an assessment of whether the project is making satisfactory progress toward completion, as required by the Amended Full Funding Grant Agreement. This is a procedural request seeking federal oversight, not a new policy change.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 238) requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to relocate homeless encampments at the Waianae Small Boat Harbor "with dignity" and provide the Legislature with a written timeline for removal. It directly affects homeless individuals currently residing at the harbor and aims to address reported incidents of encampments damaging boats and blocking public access. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks DLNR to take specific action and report back. The request is part of Hawaii's 2025 legislative session (S.C.R. No. 7-33).

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 170) requests the State Auditor to audit how the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) spent $600 million appropriated under Act 279 (2022), which aimed to eliminate a waitlist of over 28,000 native Hawaiian beneficiaries for land and housing. It specifically targets DHHL's compliance with reporting requirements under Act 279, following the department's failure to submit its required 2024 Annual Activity Report detailing fund usage and beneficiary assistance. The audit will verify whether funds were properly allocated to projects like land development and housing, as mandated by Act 279 and the 2020 Beneficiaries Study.