Sen. Chris Lee

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution creates a working group to study how Hawaii could establish a state-recognized nonprofit organization to support arts and culture programs. The group will examine successful models from other states, review governance structures, and develop recommendations for a nonprofit that could host artist residencies and educational initiatives. The working group will include representatives from relevant legislative committees and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and must submit its findings to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not create the nonprofit itself but sets up a process to determine how such an organization could be structured and funded.

Maddy summaryThis bill convenes a working group to study how Hawaii could create a state-recognized nonprofit organization to support arts and culture initiatives. The group will examine successful models from other states, analyze governance structures, and develop recommendations for a nonprofit that could host artist residencies and educational programs. Members will include committee chairs, representatives from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and subject matter experts. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days before the start of the 2027 and 2028 sessions.

Establishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program to honor individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to the State and serve as inspirations to others. (HD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to form a working group focused on reducing construction and demolition waste in Hawaii. The group will bring together representatives from government agencies, private industries, and community organizations to develop strategies for increasing material reuse and supporting a circular construction economy. Members will include leaders from construction, demolition, real estate, and waste management sectors, along with community groups focused on environmental justice and workforce development. The working group is tasked with identifying solutions to reduce landfill dependency, creating policy recommendations, and submitting annual reports to the Legislature with any proposed legislation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to conduct an independent analysis of energy options that would reduce costs and financial risks for residents while meeting state renewable energy goals. The resolution calls for two separate evaluations to compare different strategies, including the potential impacts of importing liquefied natural gas versus expanding renewable energy and long-duration battery storage. The analysis is expected to cover energy planning through 2055 and assess how different paths affect consumer costs beyond the state's 2045 renewable energy target. This measure aims to ensure that future energy decisions are based on thorough, objective comparisons rather than assumptions that may limit the scope of available solutions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure investment. The resolution aligns with global water observances and partners with plumbing and water industry organizations to encourage public participation in water-related education and advocacy activities. It directs copies of the resolution to state and county officials responsible for water management and encourages residents to support water resource initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution encourages Hawaii state agencies to prioritize the security and resilience of critical infrastructure systems such as communications, water, energy, and food supplies. It requests that agencies work to reduce the state's dependence on imported goods and minimize exposure to foreign influence, supply disruptions, and cybersecurity risks. The resolution directs these agencies to consider infrastructure security in all future plans and projects. Certified copies of the resolution are to be sent to various state officials including the Governor and heads of key departments. This document serves as a non-binding recommendation rather than creating new laws or mandates.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages Hawaii state agencies to prioritize the security and resilience of critical infrastructure systems such as communications, energy, water, and food supply. It directs agencies to reduce dependence on imported goods and minimize exposure to foreign influence, supply disruptions, and cybersecurity risks. The resolution requests that all state plans and decisions consider infrastructure security and resilience, particularly given Hawaii's geographic isolation and reliance on global supply chains. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal expression of legislative intent to guide state agency priorities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution establishes a working group to study how Hawaii could create a state-recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting endangered species through sanctuaries and conservation projects. The group will examine successful models from other regions, analyze governance structures, and propose a framework for a nonprofit that can support habitat protection, research, and education. Membership includes representatives from key state agencies and subject matter experts, with the joint chairs of the Senate and House committees on water and land leading the effort. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2027, without creating any immediate laws or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure investment. The measure encourages state residents to participate in educational programs and aligns local efforts with global water advocacy events like World Water Day. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic designation to promote water resource management and infrastructure awareness across the state.