Sen. Angus McKelvey

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution urges Maui Health to work with partners to create a full-time medical residency program on Maui to address a critical shortage of physicians, which worsened after the 2023 wildfires. The bill specifically asks Maui Health to use available federal funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program and seek additional resources to establish the program in family medicine and internal medicine. It requires Maui Health to include local health centers in the planning process and submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027. The resolution is directed at healthcare administrators and stakeholders rather than imposing new laws or penalties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to form a working group to study how large data centers might affect the state's electric grid, utility rates, natural resources, and climate goals. The proposed group would include representatives from state agencies, utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations to examine potential impacts and policy options. Key areas of study include ensuring data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades, protecting ratepayers from higher bills, managing water usage, and maintaining Hawaii's clean energy objectives. The resolution is proactive, aiming to prepare regulatory frameworks before any large data center proposals are submitted to Hawaii.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and have made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian elected governor of any U.S. state, his leadership roles in national education and health policy, and his ongoing civic engagement as justification for the nomination. The bill directs the Senate to formally nominate him to the Aloha Order of Merit Committee and relevant state officials for consideration of induction.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to consider whether private dam owners have or are actively seeking liability insurance during safety assessments. The bill aims to make insurance coverage a recognized mitigation measure that could help owners meet safety standards and potentially qualify for state grant programs. It asks the department to relax certain restrictions on dams once insurance is verified and to avoid automatically classifying dams as high hazard based solely on engineering risk assessments. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but instead urges the department to adopt more flexible assessment practices for private dam owners facing financial and technical challenges.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests that Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources consider whether private dam owners have liability insurance when assessing dam safety. The bill aims to make insurance coverage a valid mitigation measure that could help relax certain regulatory restrictions on dams. It also asks the department to consider dams safe without requiring specific engineering reports unless there is a probable risk of human life loss, and to avoid classifying dams as high hazard based solely on engineering risk assessments. Additionally, the resolution urges the department to make grant program criteria more transparent and to allow applicants to seek clarification and appeal decisions regarding the Dam Improvement or Removal Grant Program.

Maddy summarySB 298 would allocate additional state funds to the Department of Human Services to expand Medicaid in-home care services. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries requiring in-home support, such as elderly or disabled individuals, by increasing access to these services. The bill's key provision is a funding increase for existing in-home care programs under Medicaid, effective July 1, 3000. It is currently pending committee review in the Health and Human Services committee.

Prohibits a procurement officer from disclosing a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score, except the summary of scores, during a debriefing requested by a non-selected offeror. Authorizes the disclosure of a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score after any protest is resolved and the contract is executed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Office of Wellness and Resilience, to design a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with Child Welfare Services. Specifies that the Department of Human Services shall implement and administer the pilot program. Allows the Department to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Transportation to institute proceedings to condemn certain lands in Lahaina to build a new access road from Keawe Street to the Kilohana and Kalaiola sites developed in the Villages of Leialii. Appropriates funds out of the Major Disaster Fund for the appraisals and other preparations for the condemnation proceedings. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySB 299 allocates state funds to the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, helping healthcare professionals repay student loans. It directly affects licensed healthcare workers (like nurses or doctors) who agree to work in underserved areas of the state. The bill provides financial assistance through the existing program, requiring participants to serve in designated high-need communities. The measure is currently under review by the Health and Human Services committee, with a public hearing scheduled for February 10, 2025. It is set to take effect on July 1, 3000.