Sen. Chris Lee

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to form a working group that will study ways to grow blue carbon projects in Hawaii. Blue carbon refers to carbon stored in coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses, which help reduce greenhouse gases. The proposed group will include government officials, elected representatives, community leaders, and experts to review current efforts and international models. Their main tasks are to evaluate existing programs, create a standard way to measure carbon savings, and suggest new policies for expansion. The group must submit its findings and any proposed laws to the Legislature by the start of the 2025 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks relevant groups to update a 1990 study that examined the economic benefits of Hawaii's international activities outside of tourism. The request aims to reassess how Hawaii can participate in global affairs using current data rather than relying on outdated information from over three decades ago. The Senate will send copies of this request to the Governor and the President of the East-West Center to facilitate the update process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Sister-State Committee to recommend establishing a sister-state relationship between Hawaii and the Spanish province of the Balearic Islands. The bill highlights significant similarities between the two regions, including comparable populations, heavy reliance on tourism, and shared challenges like housing shortages and environmental concerns. It notes that both areas are exploring similar policies to manage visitor impact and promote sustainability, suggesting a partnership could facilitate the exchange of ideas on these issues. If the committee recommends the relationship, the Legislature may formally adopt it through a concurrent resolution or session law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks relevant stakeholders to update a 1990 study that examined the economic value of Hawaii's non-tourist international activities. The primary goal is to reassess how Hawaii can better participate in global affairs by providing current data on these economic contributions. The bill directs copies of this request to the Governor and the President of the East-West Center to initiate the review process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu to work with the state government to create more community gardening spaces for residents. The bill highlights that gardening offers health benefits like stress reduction and access to fresh food, which is especially valuable in Honolulu's densely populated neighborhoods. It notes that current demand for garden plots has outstripped supply, citing a long waitlist at the Ala Wai Community Garden as an example of this need. The resolution directs copies of the request to the Mayor and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to facilitate the collaboration.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the U.S. Congress to take immediate action to support middle- and lower-income households by addressing several critical national issues. The bill specifically requests that Congress implement universal affordable health care, enact gun control measures, invest in mental health resources, fund public health initiatives, and improve traffic safety infrastructure. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal recommendation to the federal government and the President. The document highlights concerns about economic hardship, housing shortages, and social disparities as the primary reasons for these requests.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu to work with the state to create more community gardening spaces for residents. The bill highlights the health and environmental benefits of gardening, such as reduced stress, access to fresh food, and cleaner air, while noting that current demand for these spaces exceeds supply. It specifically points to the long waitlists at existing gardens like the Ala Wai Community Garden as evidence of the need for expansion. The resolution directs copies to local and state officials to encourage cooperation on increasing the availability of these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of special license plates to honor Duke Kahanamoku, a celebrated Hawaiian figure. It allows the state to issue these commemorative plates to vehicle owners who wish to display them. The legislation does not mandate participation but provides the legal framework for the Department of Transportation to produce and distribute these plates.

Renames the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program to the Electric Mobility Rebate Program. Expands eligibility and amends the maximum rebate amounts. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the driver's license examination to test the applicant's knowledge of the dangers that larger motor vehicles present to pedestrians and bicyclists. Requires persons who commit the offense of excessively speeding or habitually driving while intoxicated to retake and pass the driver's license examination for each offense. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)