Sen. Chris Lee

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the cost and scope of conducting a statewide survey of Mahu, LGBTQIA+, and QTPI+ communities in Hawaii. The study would explore how to design a culturally respectful data collection effort that estimates population size and examines issues like healthcare access, economic stability, housing, and experiences of discrimination. It also seeks recommendations on methodological approaches, privacy protections, community engagement strategies, and potential funding sources for such a survey. The final report with findings and timelines is to be submitted to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution formally acknowledges the public health risks associated with air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles in Hawaii. It highlights that traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects communities near major roadways, particularly impacting children, older adults, and lower-income populations. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options to improve air quality and protect public health. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize these issues and direct copies to relevant state officials.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study on the cost and scope of a statewide survey for Mahu, LGBTQIA+, and QTPI+ communities in Hawaii. The study would explore how to design a culturally responsive data collection effort that respects Native Hawaiian traditions and Pacific Islander knowledge systems while gathering information on health care access, economic stability, housing, education, and experiences with discrimination. The resolution outlines specific requirements for the study, including methodological recommendations, privacy protections, and opportunities for collaboration with community organizations and government agencies. The Legislative Reference Bureau is asked to submit findings and cost estimates to the Legislature by early 2027 to inform future policy decisions and resource allocation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health to create a Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to prepare Hawaii for potential new mental health treatments like MDMA-assisted therapy and psilocybin-assisted therapy. The proposed task force would include representatives from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, mental health professionals, legal experts, Native Hawaiian health organizations, and individuals with lived experience. The group is tasked with developing a statewide plan for clinical trials, workforce training, patient safety, and equitable access to these therapies once federal approval is granted. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2027. This resolution is a non-binding recommendation that does not change current laws but aims to guide future policy development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on the state's food manufacturing strengths and identify strategic export markets for local high-value products. The study will analyze competitive advantages, calculate minimum profit margins needed to offset Hawaii's high operational costs, and assess logistical barriers to international trade. It also directs the University of Hawaii to update its food innovation curriculum based on the findings and requires collaboration with state agencies to align workforce development programs and future facility planning with the study's recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution recognizes the public health risks posed by air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles and highlights how traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects communities near major roadways, including children, older adults, and lower-income populations. The document affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation choices to improve air quality and protect public health. It does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a formal acknowledgment of these health concerns and environmental justice issues to inform future policy decisions. Copies of the resolution are sent to state officials responsible for transportation and energy policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education to work together on a permanent program to increase tree coverage at public schools across the state. The bill aims to address heat exposure and improve conditions for students, particularly in lower-income communities where tree coverage is currently lower. It requests that the two agencies create a long-term plan for planting, maintaining, and selecting appropriate tree species while also supporting staff positions to manage the program. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal request for collaboration rather than a law that mandates specific actions.

Amends the leadership, membership, powers, and duties of the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Establishes the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission Coordinator. Beginning after 12/31/2026, requires all department and agency plans and decisions to consider recommendations made by the Commission and Coordinator. Appropriates funds for positions and other expenses. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the criminal offense of promoting an illegal electronic gambling device. Authorizes civil penalties and actions relating to premises on which an illegal electronic gambling device has been used. Allows the Attorney General, any county prosecuting attorney, any county police chief, or the Director of Law Enforcement to take certain actions against places used to commit certain offenses that qualify as a nuisance. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Authorizes the Land Use Commission to amend, revise, or modify a decision and order granting a district boundary amendment, or fine a petitioner, upon finding that a petitioner or its successors or assigns have not adhered to the conditions imposed by the Commission, regardless of whether there has been substantial commencement of use of the land. Defines "substantial commencement". Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)