Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the State of Hawaii to recognize the importance of rangelands and pastoralists, particularly during the UN-designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026. The bill does not create new laws or funding but instead requests that state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and local organizations promote education and research on rangeland management while considering policies that support rancher livelihoods. It highlights that over 1 million acres of Hawaii's land are classified as rangelands, which support livestock production valued at over $50 million annually and provide ecological benefits like water conservation and carbon storage. The resolution formally asks the state to acknowledge the cultural and economic significance of ranching traditions and to encourage collaborative efforts to sustain these lands and the communities that depend on them.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution expresses support for expanding tree canopy programs and installing shade trees in urban areas to reduce urban heat island effects across Hawaii. It requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, canopy coverage disparities, and opportunities for integrating shade trees into development and climate resilience planning. The resolution emphasizes prioritizing vulnerable communities, including children, older adults, and low-income neighborhoods, while also considering best practices for tree selection and maintenance. It directs copies to the Governor, relevant state officials, and county mayors to encourage coordinated action on urban forestry initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop a student-led program focused on coral reef protection. The program would engage students in educating the public about reef-safe sunscreen choices (mineral-based alternatives) at state beaches, addressing barriers like cost and awareness. It specifies the initiative must be voluntary, non-enforcement, and based on scientific research, with student-led outreach and educational materials. The resolution also requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit a 2027 report to the Legislature detailing collaborative efforts and recommendations for advancing reef protection.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 17) expresses the Hawaii State Senate's strong support for the County of Hawai'i's development of the Kealakehe Regional Park project. The resolution urges the county to secure funding, collaborate with community groups, and report progress by 2027. It directly affects the County of Hawai'i and benefits the West Hawai'i community by supporting a planned 190-acre park featuring athletic fields, cultural spaces, and recreational facilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally endorses the project's goals to address growing community needs for accessible recreation.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 21) requests the Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation's East Hawai'i Regional Health Care System to study establishing a rural health clinic or similar access point in Volcano, Hawaii. The resolution directly affects Volcano residents and visitors, who currently lack nearby primary care, emergency stabilization, and consistent medical services due to geographic isolation and hazards. The study must examine potential sites, operational models (like part-time care or telehealth), staffing, costs, partnerships with local groups, and benefits for emergency response and chronic care. The East Hawai'i Region must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 18) requests the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation's East Hawaiʻi Regional Health Care System to study establishing a rural health clinic in Volcano, Hawaiʻi. It directly affects Volcano residents - who currently lack nearby primary care, emergency services, and face geographic barriers - and visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The study must examine potential clinic sites, operational models (like part-time care or mobile clinics), costs, staffing, and partnerships with local groups. The resolution does not create new services but asks for a feasibility report to be submitted to the Legislature by late 2026.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 19) is a ceremonial recognition of the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Ahuʻena Heiau, a historically significant Hawaiian temple site. It affirms the site's role as the religious, political, and cultural center during Kamehameha the Great's reign (1812-1819), where pivotal events like the abolition of the kapu system occurred. The resolution expresses appreciation to community members, cultural practitioners, and organizations (including Ahuʻena Heiau, Inc.) who contributed to the site's preservation. As a commemorative measure, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any group, serving solely to honor the site's historical importance.
Maddy summarySCR 20 is a concurrent resolution expressing the Hawaii State Legislature's support for the County of Hawaiʻi's development of the Kealakehe Regional Park project. The resolution urges the County to secure funding, pursue phased development, and collaborate with community stakeholders, while requiring a progress report to the Legislature by 2027. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally endorses the park project, which aims to provide athletic fields, cultural spaces, and recreational facilities for North Kona residents. The resolution directly affects the County of Hawaiʻi's park planning efforts and community groups supporting the project.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 7) affirms Hawaii's support for hospitals providing emergency medical care - including abortion services - when medically necessary to stabilize pregnant patients under federal law (EMTALA). It directly addresses hospitals in Hawaii, urging all facilities (including religiously affiliated ones) to uphold EMTALA’s requirement to deliver life-saving care for conditions like hemorrhage or ectopic pregnancy. The resolution responds to recent federal policy shifts causing confusion about EMTALA’s application, reinforcing that hospitals must not delay or deny such care. It does not create new legal requirements but formally aligns Hawaii’s healthcare system with existing federal standards.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 7 affirms Hawaii's support for the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), which requires hospitals to provide life-saving emergency care - including abortion services when medically necessary - to stabilize pregnant patients experiencing medical emergencies. The resolution urges all Hawaii hospitals, regardless of religious affiliation, to uphold EMTALA's requirements and ensure no pregnant patient faces delays or denials of timely emergency care. This is a declaratory statement of policy, not a new law, aimed at reinforcing existing federal standards and clarifying Hawaii's commitment to reproductive healthcare access during medical emergencies.