Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study whether mezzanine loans could help increase housing production in the state. Mezzanine loans are a type of financing that combines debt and equity features, allowing developers to borrow against a project's value without needing to provide as much upfront cash or ownership stake. The study would examine if this financing method could help developers build more homes while making better use of state housing funds. The department must complete the study and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not create new laws but requests research to inform future housing policy decisions.
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Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to create a plan for increasing bed availability at the Hawaii State Hospital for mentally ill criminal defendants and individuals recently released from the facility. The request stems from concerns that the hospital is currently at full capacity, with most patients being evaluated for fitness to stand trial, which limits options for those needing treatment within the criminal justice system. The resolution directs the advisor to develop a strategy for creating shelter placements for these specific populations and to submit a report with findings and potential new legislation to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure does not authorize funding or mandate immediate policy changes but serves as a formal request for planning and coordination among state agencies.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the Agribusiness Development Corporation to purchase full ownership of a specific agricultural parcel in north Kohala, Hawaii. The bill directly affects the state's agribusiness agency and the Halaula Agricultural Parcel, aiming to support local farming and food security. It does not authorize new funding or change existing laws, but rather asks an agency to proceed with a planned land acquisition. The resolution is intended to help revitalize agriculture in the region and reduce reliance on imported food.
Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing not covered by the federal Fair Housing Act, specifically condominiums and planned communities. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations, assess the impact of accessibility gaps on aging in place, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset modification costs. The working group will include representatives from disability rights, consumer affairs, aging services, civil rights, and housing associations, and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to work with the Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of hiring mental health professionals for every public school, with staffing ratios of one professional per 250 students or one per smaller school. The study will also examine guidelines for creating safe, quiet spaces on school campuses where students can access telehealth services during regular school hours. The resolution directs the Department of Education to complete this study and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure is a Senate Resolution, which means it expresses the Senate's position rather than creating immediate law.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations, which often fall outside federal Fair Housing Act protections. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations over accessibility modifications, assess how current laws address reasonable accommodations, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset the costs of necessary upgrades. The working group will include representatives from disability rights organizations, aging services, civil rights agencies, and housing associations, and must submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This initiative aims to gather data on how accessibility gaps affect residents' ability to age in place and identify practical solutions for improving housing accessibility in Hawaii.
Maddy summaryThis bill encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to offer a basic swimming course at either the primary or secondary education level. It directly affects students, parents, and the state education system by recommending the addition of water safety training to the curriculum. The resolution is based on concerns about Hawaii's high drowning rates and aims to provide equitable access to swimming skills for all children. It does not mandate the program but rather serves as an official recommendation to state education officials.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to introduce a basic swimming course at either the primary or secondary education level. The measure aims to address high drowning rates and water safety disparities by promoting access to swimming skills for students. It does not mandate funding or curriculum changes but serves as a formal recommendation to state education officials. The resolution is directed to the Superintendent of Education and the Chairperson of the Board of Education for their consideration.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Department of Education to fulfill its contractual obligations to doctoral-level educational psychology stipend recipients by establishing and funding appropriate Educational Psychologist positions. The bill asks the department to provide a detailed report on the number of program participants, existing positions, and how current job classifications align with the doctoral training and licensure requirements originally promised. It specifically seeks clarification on whether Mental Health Interventionist roles adequately reflect the specialized education and skills of these professionals, and requests a plan to expand positions statewide to meet both student mental health needs and workforce commitments. The resolution aims to ensure fiscal accountability and fairness to professionals who made multi-year service agreements based on specific job classifications and placement guarantees.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) report to the Legislature starting in 2027. The report must be delivered no later than 30 days before each regular legislative session and should include transparent findings on economic, social, and environmental welfare trends. Required components include an executive summary, detailed indicator results, methodology explanations, policy implications, and supporting data appendices. The resolution also directs the department to make the report available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs. This measure aims to provide lawmakers with a more comprehensive view of the state's progress beyond traditional economic metrics like GDP.