Sen. Troy Hashimoto

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 32) requests Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to collaborate with the Department of Transportation. It proposes using existing inmate work furlough programs - where eligible inmates gain work experience before release - to assist with state highway and roadway maintenance tasks like pothole repair and vegetation control. The resolution aims to support inmate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism by providing work experience while addressing workforce needs for road maintenance. It does not create new law but asks state agencies to explore this partnership.

Allows an activity or operation that is permitted or authorized under the ocean recreation and coastal areas program chapter and renewed within twelve months preceding the initiation of proceedings to determine whether the activity or operation is subject to environmental review, to continue operation for one year while the appropriate agency makes the determination and conducts any necessary environmental review. Allows a person with oversight of the activity or operation to renew the appropriate permits while under the environmental review process. Sunsets 6/30/2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 16 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Health to form a task force focused on developing minimum professional standards for community health worker (CHW) training programs. The task force must include representatives from each county's CHWs, health institutions (like the Hawaii Public Health Institute), housing authorities, healthcare associations, and community organizations. The resolution requires the task force to submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026, no later than 20 days before the 2026 legislative session begins. This bill directly affects CHW training programs across Hawaii by initiating a process to establish standardized training requirements.

Maddy summarySCR 22 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HEMA) to work with county emergency agencies to create outreach programs specifically for kupuna (Hawaiian elders aged 65+). It directly affects Hawaii's elderly population, which makes up over 19% of the state's residents and faces higher vulnerability during disasters due to health limitations and limited access to technology. The resolution asks HEMA to collaborate with city and county emergency management agencies to develop initiatives that inform kupuna about emergency preparedness. This is a procedural request, not a law, focused on improving communication and safety resources for an at-risk group.

Establishes the Future Career and Technical Education Teacher Scholarship Program to be administered by the Department of Education to facilitate the recruitment and retention of career and technical education teachers in Hawaii public schools. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Amends the conditions and procedures of alternative dispute resolution methods for condominium-related disputes, including the use of evaluative mediation or binding arbitration. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD2)

Establishes a three-year Residential Landlord-Tenant Code Working Group within the Judiciary. Requires an initial report to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2026 and a final report no later than 7/1/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 21 is a concurrent resolution (not a law) requesting Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide separate mental health counseling services for correctional facility staff. It directly affects correctional staff members, who face mental health risks from trauma exposure in their work. The resolution asks the department to use its operating funds to make these staff-specific services available - distinct from inmate mental health resources - potentially by hiring additional counselors. It does not mandate the action but urges the department to prioritize staff mental health through this request.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 48) requests the Governor, State Building Code Council, county building departments, mayors, and housing committee chairs to develop a strategy for updating Hawaii's building codes. It addresses confusion caused by recent proclamations that suspended code updates and left contractors with unclear directives, potentially compromising public safety. The strategy must include stakeholder input and assess how to implement updated codes that align with national standards while addressing local needs. This procedural resolution does not change codes itself but aims to create clarity for safe, efficient construction across the state.

Specifies that the School Facilities Authority is not eligible as a housing developer for the purposes of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)