Sen. Tim Richards

Makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for places of public accommodation to deny a person with a disability full and equal enjoyment of, or information related to, their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations using information and communication technology intended for use by the general public as applicants, participants, customers, clients, or visitors. Establishes exceptions. Clarifies that a facility is considered a place of public accommodation regardless of whether its presence in the State is physical or digital. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 41 is a concurrent resolution encouraging Hawaii counties to develop their own biosecurity plans tailored to local needs. It does not create new laws but urges each county to prioritize its unique challenges with invasive species, such as habitat protection and agricultural impacts, through localized planning. The resolution specifically asks counties to collaborate with neighboring counties and state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It applies directly to all Hawaii counties, with copies sent to county mayors and state officials. (This is a procedural resolution, not a binding bill.)

Maddy summarySCR 94 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Agriculture and Maui County's Agriculture Department to address axis deer overpopulation. It specifically calls for making USDA-certified meat inspections more accessible and affordable for local hunters who want to process and distribute venison. The resolution also requests the creation of a joint task force to develop a program for processing locally-hunted deer meat and distributing it to the community, with a report due by November 2025. This resolution directly affects Maui residents, local hunters, and the state's agricultural departments, focusing on practical steps to utilize deer as a food source while managing overpopulation.

Maddy summarySCR 134 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) to prepare a detailed report on school meal costs. The bill requires the DOE to break down expenses (like ingredients, operations, and distribution) and provide meal statistics (full-price, reduced-price, free meals) for the 2024-2025 and future school years. This aims to increase transparency about meal production costs, which the DOE claims are $9.00 per meal, and prevent unnecessary price hikes like the proposed increase from $2.50 to $4.75 per meal. The report must be submitted to the Legislature by 2026.

Establishes an Audit Office within the Board of Education to audit operations and expenditures of the Department of Education. Exempts positions within the Audit Office from civil service law. Requires annual reports to the Governor and Director of Finance. Authorizes the Legislature to request a copy of the annual reports. Establishes positions within the Audit Office. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 90 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to assume responsibility for the routine maintenance and repair of the Kohala Ditch. This 26-mile irrigation system, built in 1906, supplies over five million gallons of water daily to farmers and ranchers in North Kohala, who have faced significantly higher costs and reduced production after a 2021 rockslide damaged the system. The resolution requires the ADC to develop a maintenance plan with community input and submit annual reports detailing repairs, system conditions, and recommendations to the Legislature. The bill does not allocate new funds but seeks to leverage the ADC’s existing mandate to support agricultural infrastructure and local food production.

Maddy summarySCR 139 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to designate Kunia, Leilehua Plateau, and Poamoho as the Central Oahu Agricultural Corridor. It also asks the ADC to create a prioritized list of agricultural infrastructure projects based on factors like potential production increases, costs, county plans, and land use. The resolution further requests the Department of Transportation to implement specific traffic safety measures (35 mph speed limit and "No Passing" zones) along designated roads. This resolution directs the ADC to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 2026. The request aims to support Hawaii’s goal of doubling local food production by 2030.

Maddy summarySCR 73 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report on developmental needs of children born during the 2019-2025 COVID-19 pandemic. The report must analyze pandemic-related developmental delays (including communication, emotional regulation, and social skills) and compounded trauma from events like the 2023 Maui wildfires, particularly affecting children aged 0-5. It requires specific sections on trauma-informed care strategies, existing support services across state agencies, wildfire recovery efforts, and recommendations for educators facing secondary trauma. The Office must submit the report by December 2026.

Maddy summarySCR 23 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to study implementing highway patrols and speed cameras on major freeways and highways in areas with frequent speeding. The resolution cites speeding as a leading factor in traffic fatalities and notes local law enforcement often lacks resources to address safety issues. It asks the departments to assess how collaborative efforts - using technology like speed cameras - could improve traffic safety without mandating any specific action. This resolution seeks only a study, not immediate policy changes or funding.

Maddy summarySCR 203 is a concurrent resolution requesting the University of Hawaii to study the feasibility of establishing an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and identify requirements for securing federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. It directs the university to assess its current research capabilities, evaluate potential benefits for Hawaii residents (especially considering the state's large Asian American and Pacific Islander population), and outline steps to meet federal grant criteria. The resolution requires the university to submit a report by December 31, 2025, including a phased plan with timelines for feasibility assessment and potential center development. This is a non-binding request focused on exploration, not policy implementation.