Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to form a working group to explore ways to protect residents from climate change impacts on insurance availability and costs. The bill directs the Insurance Division and Attorney General to assess insurance exposure to extreme weather, identify recovery mechanisms, and analyze legal options to seek financial recovery from responsible parties like fossil fuel companies. The proposed working group would include state officials, legislators, and representatives from insurance and relief funds to develop practical solutions for maintaining affordable property coverage.

Establishes limits on transactions through digital financial asset transaction kiosks. Prohibits (1) the exchanging of United States currency, in an amount greater than $100, from new customers for digital financial assets; (2) any two customers from transacting to the same digital financial asset wallet address; and (3) beginning 1/1/2030, the exchange of United States currency from customers for digital financial assets. Requires operators of digital financial asset transaction kiosks to use blockchain analytics and tracing software to prevent fraud; make certain disclosures; provide receipts to customers; provide full refunds under certain circumstances; and provide live customer service and a dedicated communications line for the Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection, Department of Law Enforcement, and county police departments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Provides that the period of limitations for criminal prosecutions under campaign finance laws commences upon discovery of the offense by the Campaign Spending Commission, rather than being limited to five years from the violation date or report filing date. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a Traffic Fines Task Force that will examine the Finnish tiered traffic fines system, determine whether a similar system could be implemented in the State, and provide recommendations as to how a system could best be implemented. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian governor of any U.S. state and highlights his long-term service in roles including chairing the Democratic Governors Association and the Education Commission of the States. By formally nominating him, the Legislature initiates the process for his recognition under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 5-7.6, which requires nominees to have achieved national or international recognition and demonstrated extraordinary service to the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to conduct a study compiling recommended safe patient staffing ratios for various hospital units and healthcare settings. The study will use existing state bills as a framework and incorporate guidelines from major professional nursing organizations, including those specializing in critical care, emergency, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. The Center for Nursing is asked to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature and Department of Health by early 2027, with the goal of providing data to help healthcare facilities implement safer staffing levels.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to form a working group to study how large data centers might affect the state's electric grid, utility rates, natural resources, and climate goals. The proposed group would include representatives from state agencies, utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations to examine potential impacts and policy options. Key areas of study include ensuring data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades, protecting ratepayers from higher bills, managing water usage, and maintaining Hawaii's clean energy objectives. The resolution is proactive, aiming to prepare regulatory frameworks before any large data center proposals are submitted to Hawaii.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 26) supports a request by the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group for additional time and resources to complete its work during fiscal year 2026-2027. The Working Group, established to protect Native Hawaiian cultural assets from misappropriation, needs more time for community consultations to develop culturally appropriate solutions. The resolution affirms the state’s constitutional duty to preserve Native Hawaiian rights and aligns with efforts to maintain cultural authenticity in Hawaii’s $5.6 billion creative industries sector. It does not create new law but formally endorses the Working Group’s resource and timeline needs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and have made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian elected governor of any U.S. state, his leadership roles in national education and health policy, and his ongoing civic engagement as justification for the nomination. The bill directs the Senate to formally nominate him to the Aloha Order of Merit Committee and relevant state officials for consideration of induction.

Amends the conditions and procedures of alternative dispute resolution methods for condominium-related disputes, including the use of evaluative mediation or binding arbitration. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD2)