Sen. Tim Richards

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Board of Land and Natural Resources to extend existing leases and subleases on Mauna Kea lands for an additional ten years. The bill directly affects the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, the University of Hawaii, and entities operating telescope observatories on the mountain. The resolution specifically requests the extension of the master lease agreement and all subleases currently in effect, which are set to expire on December 31, 2033. This action would allow continued astronomical research operations on the site under the existing legal framework established by Act 255 of 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Agribusiness Development Corporation to buy the fee simple interest in the Halaula Agricultural Parcel in north Kohala, Hawaii. The resolution directs the agency to complete the purchase of this specific land identified by tax map key (3) 5-3-7:15. A certified copy of the resolution will be sent to the Executive Director of the Agribusiness Development Corporation to implement the request. The measure is a procedural directive rather than a new law, focusing solely on authorizing a specific land acquisition action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the creation of a working group to address staffing shortages and security challenges at Hawaii state courts. The bill focuses on the Department of Law Enforcement's Sheriff Division, which is responsible for securing court facilities but faces persistent vacancies and increased duties without sufficient personnel. The working group will evaluate how to realign staffing levels with expanded responsibilities, improve recruitment and retention, and reduce reliance on private security contractors. Members will include top officials from the judiciary, law enforcement, human resources, and finance to develop structural solutions for long-term fiscal stability and public accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to work with state and local agencies to evaluate how much infrastructure capacity exists around transit-oriented development areas in Honolulu. The assessment will focus on sewer and water systems to determine what upgrades are needed to support future growth in these neighborhoods. This study aims to identify necessary improvements before new construction begins, ensuring that infrastructure can handle anticipated population increases. The resolution directs copies to relevant city and state officials to coordinate the evaluation process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the Governor to reactivate the Hawaii Health Authority and appoint members to develop a plan for transitioning Hawaii to a single-payer healthcare system. The bill directly affects the state's healthcare infrastructure by directing the Health Authority to create a transition strategy that would consolidate federal funding from Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE under a unified system. Key provisions include requesting a progress report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027 and transmitting the resolution to state officials. The document frames the proposal as a response to projected federal Medicaid cuts and cites potential administrative cost savings as a rationale for the system change.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the Agribusiness Development Corporation to purchase full ownership of a specific agricultural parcel in north Kohala, Hawaii. The bill directly affects the state's agribusiness agency and the Halaula Agricultural Parcel, aiming to support local farming and food security. It does not authorize new funding or change existing laws, but rather asks an agency to proceed with a planned land acquisition. The resolution is intended to help revitalize agriculture in the region and reduce reliance on imported food.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing not covered by the federal Fair Housing Act, specifically condominiums and planned communities. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations, assess the impact of accessibility gaps on aging in place, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset modification costs. The working group will include representatives from disability rights, consumer affairs, aging services, civil rights, and housing associations, and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to exempt agricultural businesses that practice diversified farming on former sugarcane lands within the Conservation District from needing permits or sight plan approvals. The bill aims to reduce regulatory burdens and processing delays that currently discourage farmers from using these lands for local food production. If adopted, the exemption would allow eligible agricultural enterprises to operate without undergoing the standard permitting process that can take up to 180 days to complete. The resolution does not change existing laws but requests an administrative adjustment to support food system resilience and land reuse goals.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations, which often fall outside federal Fair Housing Act protections. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations over accessibility modifications, assess how current laws address reasonable accommodations, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset the costs of necessary upgrades. The working group will include representatives from disability rights organizations, aging services, civil rights agencies, and housing associations, and must submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This initiative aims to gather data on how accessibility gaps affect residents' ability to age in place and identify practical solutions for improving housing accessibility in Hawaii.

Maddy summaryThis bill encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to offer a basic swimming course at either the primary or secondary education level. It directly affects students, parents, and the state education system by recommending the addition of water safety training to the curriculum. The resolution is based on concerns about Hawaii's high drowning rates and aims to provide equitable access to swimming skills for all children. It does not mandate the program but rather serves as an official recommendation to state education officials.