Sen. Tim Richards

Maddy summarySR 154 is a Senate Resolution requesting the Office of the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the University of Hawaii Foundation. The resolution specifically asks the Auditor to evaluate how the Foundation manages over 7,000 donor gift accounts and $660 million in fundraising funds (from the "For UH For Hawaii" campaign) to ensure effective use of resources supporting University of Hawaii students and faculty. This procedural resolution does not change laws but directs an external review of the Foundation’s fund management practices. The audit would assess transparency and efficiency in handling donations dedicated to specific university programs and projects.

Maddy summarySCR 89 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to form a working group that will develop an educational pathway at University of Hawaii community colleges for meat processing careers. It directly affects students seeking entry-level jobs in meat processing and addresses a current workforce shortage that limits local ranchers' ability to process and sell their products. The working group must create a curriculum covering food safety, animal handling, processing techniques, regulatory compliance, hands-on training, and sustainable practices. The goal is to equip students with skills needed to support Hawaii's agricultural industry and reduce reliance on imported meat.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 155 requests the State Auditor to conduct a management and performance audit of the University of Hawaii's Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. The audit will examine how the office manages workforce pipelines from pre-school through college, aligns academic programs with Hawaii's job market needs, coordinates transfer agreements between universities and community colleges, and measures program success through performance metrics. This resolution does not create new laws but directs the Auditor to assess existing practices and provide recommendations for improvement. The findings must be reported to the Legislature by late 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 72) requests Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to form a working group that will develop an educational pathway at University of Hawaii Community Colleges for meat processing careers. The resolution directly affects students seeking entry-level jobs in meat processing and local meat processing facilities facing workforce shortages. The working group must create curriculum covering food safety, processing techniques, regulatory compliance, sustainability practices, and hands-on training to equip students with skills needed by the industry. The resolution does not create the program itself but asks for a plan to establish it, aligning with state goals for food security and local job growth.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 68) requests Hawaii's counties to allow using a portion of general excise and fuel tax revenue - collected by counties - to maintain privately-owned public roads. It specifically targets roads open to the public (used by emergency vehicles, school buses, and general traffic) that deteriorate due to public use but lack dedicated maintenance funding. The resolution does not create new taxes or mandate county action; it asks counties to authorize existing tax funds for road upkeep on these private roads. This aims to improve public safety and transportation on roads currently burdened with repair costs for private owners.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 52) requests Hawaii counties to allocate a portion of general excise and fuel tax revenue toward maintaining privately-owned roads open to the public. It directly affects county governments and private road owners who currently bear full maintenance costs for roads used by the public - including emergency responders and school buses. The resolution proposes that counties authorize using a percentage of collected taxes to fund repairs, addressing the current burden on owners and improving public safety. It does not create new law but urges counties to adjust existing tax policies for these roads. The resolution is non-binding and aims to align county practices with public safety needs on shared private roadways.

Maddy summarySCR 113 is a ceremonial resolution requesting the Governor of Hawaii to issue a proclamation designating Hawaii as a "Purple Heart State" on August 7, 2025 (National Purple Heart Day). It does not create new laws or policies but formally asks the Governor to honor service members who have received the Purple Heart medal - awarded for injuries or deaths in military service. The resolution cites Hawaii's legislative intent to recognize these veterans, following the practice of other states. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct impact on state programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 94) requests the Governor issue a proclamation designating Hawaii as a "Purple Heart State" on August 7, 2025 - the date recognized as National Purple Heart Day. It is a ceremonial gesture honoring military service members who have received the Purple Heart medal for injuries or deaths in combat. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely asks the Governor to formally acknowledge this designation. The bill directly affects no individuals or programs, as it is a symbolic resolution without legal force.

Part I: Renames the Department of Agriculture to the "Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity". Renames the Board of Agriculture to the "Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity" and amends the composition of the Board. Part II: Establishes and appropriates funds for a Deputy Director of Biosecurity. Part III: Changes references to the plant and animal declaration form to the "biosecurity form". Part IV: Authorizes and specifies conditions under which the Department may declare a biosecurity emergency, during which the Department and Governor may take certain actions to prevent the establishment or spread of pests and prohibited or restricted organisms. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Board to quarantine an area under certain conditions. Broadens the objectives and general actions of the Biosecurity Program. Part V: Requires the Department to establish and regularly update an invasive species dashboard. Authorizes pest management plans to address, contain, or eradicate pests. Part VI: Appropriates funds for positions for the Department. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Renames the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii as the Boxing and Combat Sports Commission of Hawaii. Amends the jurisdiction of the Commission to include combat sports contests. Prohibits no rules combat or similar combat sports contests. Repeals the existing Mixed Martial Arts Contests Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)