Sen. Dru Kanuha

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation to treat flooding on Route 11 near Mile Post 60 as a high-priority safety project. The request focuses on a section of the highway that frequently closes due to water damage, which currently blocks the only road connecting two main towns and limits access to medical services and evacuation routes. To address this, the resolution directs the department to submit a detailed plan and budget for fixing the drainage issues by the start of the 2025 legislative session. Copies of this request will be sent to the state's transportation director and the mayor of Hawaii County.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges state and county officials to prioritize resources for coordinated efforts against Hawaii's rising fentanyl overdose crisis. The document highlights the severity of the epidemic, noting that fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs and is significantly more potent than traditional opioids. It calls for enhanced collaboration between government agencies, private partners, and community groups to improve prevention, education, and access to life-saving treatments like naloxone. The resolution also points to existing initiatives, such as the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force, as models for successful interagency cooperation in addressing drug-related deaths.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the United States Geological Survey to update its 1992 lava-flow hazard map for Hawaii Island by conducting new topographical surveys, specifically within the highest-risk Zones 1 and 2. The bill requests that these updated assessments incorporate elevation differences to better reflect the specific risks to residential areas and infrastructure on the volcano's south flank. By requesting this data, the resolution aims to provide emergency management agencies and local residents with more accurate information regarding potential volcanic threats. The Senate will officially send a copy of this request to the USGS Director to initiate the review process.

Expands the counties' authorization to exercise the same powers as the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation for purposes of developing, constructing, financing, refinancing, or providing mixed-use developments. Applies to bond proceeds expended by a county after 12/31/2023. Sunsets 6/30/2028. (CD1)

Clarifies the authority of the counties to use county surcharge on state tax revenues for housing infrastructure costs for county-appropriated housing infrastructure costs. (CD1)

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.

Appropriates funds to support the State's response to the August 2023 wildfires that affected the County of Maui. Makes an appropriation to the One Ohana Bank Trust Account to compensate victims of the 2023 Maui wildfires. Temporarily lifts various restrictions on the use of funds for Maui wildfire response. Appropriates moneys. Declares that the appropriations exceed the state general fund expenditure ceiling for 2023-2024. Requires reports to the Legislature. (CD1)