Sen. Angus McKelvey

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Department of Law Enforcement to expand an existing agricultural enforcement pilot program to the islands of Kauai and Maui. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and farmers across Hawaii who face challenges from agricultural crimes such as trespassing, theft, and vandalism. The key provision is a formal request to extend the pilot program's scope from its current locations on Hawaii and Oahu to include Kauai and Maui, aiming to strengthen enforcement efforts in those areas. This resolution does not create new laws or penalties but instead asks the department to apply an already established program to additional islands.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Agribusiness Development Corporation to buy the fee simple interest in the Halaula Agricultural Parcel in north Kohala, Hawaii. The resolution directs the agency to complete the purchase of this specific land identified by tax map key (3) 5-3-7:15. A certified copy of the resolution will be sent to the Executive Director of the Agribusiness Development Corporation to implement the request. The measure is a procedural directive rather than a new law, focusing solely on authorizing a specific land acquisition action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create artificial intelligence literacy curricula and programs for public schools. The bill aims to address the growing use of AI tools by students while ensuring they receive formal instruction on how to use these technologies responsibly and effectively. Key provisions include defining AI concepts, teaching ethical considerations, and incorporating local context related to Hawaii's history and culture. The Department of Education must submit the developed curriculum plans to the Legislature at least twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session begins.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the creation of a working group to address staffing shortages and security challenges at Hawaii state courts. The bill focuses on the Department of Law Enforcement's Sheriff Division, which is responsible for securing court facilities but faces persistent vacancies and increased duties without sufficient personnel. The working group will evaluate how to realign staffing levels with expanded responsibilities, improve recruitment and retention, and reduce reliance on private security contractors. Members will include top officials from the judiciary, law enforcement, human resources, and finance to develop structural solutions for long-term fiscal stability and public accountability.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Governor of Hawaii to establish a backup plan for filling the Chief Election Officer position if it becomes vacant. The bill directs the Governor to appoint an acting officer from within the Office of Elections, following a specific order of succession based on current staff roles like election support services or counting center operations. This measure aims to ensure there is always someone authorized to manage and certify election results, preventing disruptions during critical election periods. The resolution applies specifically to state election administration and does not change existing laws but rather requests an executive action to clarify succession procedures.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Legislative Reference Bureau to study whether Hawaii should replace its current appointed Chief Election Officer with an elected Secretary of State to oversee elections. The study will examine existing laws governing election officials and outline the legal steps needed to make such a change, including any new legislation required. The bureau must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This proposal does not implement the change itself but rather initiates research to determine if and how the current election oversight structure could be altered.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to create curriculum plans and programs teaching artificial intelligence literacy in public schools. The proposed curriculum would cover AI fundamentals, ethical use, best practices for academic and professional settings, and how AI relates to Hawaii's history, environment, and culture. The resolution requires the Department to submit these plans to the Legislature at least 20 days before the 2027 session begins. This measure responds to the growing use of AI tools by students nationwide and aims to prepare students for future workforce demands while addressing concerns about misuse and educational equity.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to work with the Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of hiring mental health professionals in public schools. The study would examine staffing ratios, such as one professional for every 250 students or one per school with fewer students, and analyze guidelines for creating safe telehealth spaces during school hours. The resolution directs the departments to prepare a report with findings and recommendations for the Legislature by late 2026. This measure is a non-binding request for information gathering rather than a law that immediately changes policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to work with state and local agencies to evaluate how much infrastructure capacity exists around transit-oriented development areas in Honolulu. The assessment will focus on sewer and water systems to determine what upgrades are needed to support future growth in these neighborhoods. This study aims to identify necessary improvements before new construction begins, ensuring that infrastructure can handle anticipated population increases. The resolution directs copies to relevant city and state officials to coordinate the evaluation process.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural request asking Hawaii's Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for proton beam cancer therapy. It directly affects health insurers, patients, and the state legislature by requiring a formal impact assessment before any related legislation can be considered. The resolution specifically directs the Auditor to analyze House Bill No. 2145, which would require insurers to cover medically necessary proton beam therapy starting January 1, 2027. The report must be completed and submitted to the legislature within 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session convenes, providing data to inform future policy decisions.