Sen. Troy Hashimoto

Maddy summarySCR 25 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency and Department of Health to hold public meetings for all certificate of need applications involving proposed special treatment facilities in neighborhoods with community associations. It does not create new law but asks the agency to require public input during the review process for these specific healthcare facility proposals. The resolution also requests the agency adopt rules requiring applicants to appear before neighborhood boards as part of their application. This applies only to facilities seeking approval under the administrative review process (typically smaller projects), not the standard review process which already includes public meetings.

Requires insurers to provide advance written notice to policyholders and the Insurance Commissioner, with reasonable explanations and primary factors, of any policy cancellation, non-renewal, or proposed premium increase, if, upon renewal, premiums are scheduled to increase more than 10 per cent. Requires insurers that provide property insurance to file rate schedules and underlying criteria with the Insurance Commissioner. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to conduct periodic reviews of insurance rates and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to establish a Public Reporting and Dispute Resolution Program to handle complaints and appeals regarding premium increases. Requires insurers to provide premium discounts or credits to policyholders that implement disaster risk mitigation measures. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Narrows the scope of the definition of the term "development" in coastal zone management law by excluding reconstruction of certain lawfully constructed structures impacted by certain events. (SD2)

Allows captive insurance companies that are not risk retention captive insurance companies to apply to the Insurance Commissioner for certificates of exemption from examination after meeting certain requirements. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Amends the conditions, manner, and areas in which the Commission on Water Resource Management can declare and provide notice of water shortages and emergencies.

Maddy summarySB 1648 would require utilities to provide compensation to customers following power outages. It directly affects residential and commercial utility customers who experience service interruptions. The bill establishes specific requirements for when and how compensation is calculated and paid, though details like payment amounts aren't specified in the abstract. Currently pending committee review (CPN), the bill would take effect on July 1, 2050, if passed.

Prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle with, possession, purchase, installation, sale, offer for sale, or distribution of license plate flipping devices. Establishes a $2,000 fine for each separate violation. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Beginning 1/1/2026, requires insurers to notify policyholders of rate changes at least 30 days before the effective date of the rate change. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySR 15 is a Senate Resolution requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency and Department of Health to hold public meetings for all certificate of need applications involving proposed special treatment facilities (like mental health centers) in neighborhoods with community associations. Currently, smaller applications under administrative review skip public meetings unless requested, but this resolution seeks to require them for all such facilities in areas with community groups. It also asks the agencies to adopt rules requiring applicants to appear before neighborhood boards during the application process. This is a procedural request, not a new law, aimed at increasing community input into healthcare facility approvals.

Maddy summarySCR 27 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Auditor to audit the Department of Education's capital improvement project finances. It specifically asks for an examination of how the Department spends funds on school repairs and renovations since 2021, including project prioritization. The audit aims to assess fiscal accountability for the $2 billion in unspent capital funds as of January 2024. The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by October 2025. This procedural resolution does not create new law but seeks greater transparency in how school facility funds are managed.