Maddy summaryThis is a concurrent resolution (not a bill), passed by Hawaii's Senate and House, expressing support for Taiwan's international engagement. It endorses Taiwan's participation as an observer in four international organizations: the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The resolution also supports U.S.-Taiwan trade negotiations under the 21st Century Trade Initiative and commemorates Hawaii's 32-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan, including mutual cooperation in tourism, education, and disaster response (like Taiwan's $500,000 aid after the 2023 Maui wildfires). The resolution urges U.S. officials to advance these positions and is addressed to the President, Congress, and U.S. Secretary of State.
Sponsored bills
Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for State Enterprise Zone Program purposes to include retail sales of tangible personal property manufactured and sold in the enterprise zone to the final consumer, the processing of value-added agricultural products grown within an enterprise zone, the provision of professional services by health care professionals in health-care-related sectors, the use of advanced manufacturing to produce products, or the development of cybersecurity technology. Extends the eligibility period of the state business tax credit and general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones from 7 years to 9 years. Extends the eligibility period of the general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones engaged in the manufacturing of tangible personal property or the producing or processing of agricultural products from 10 years to 12 years. Makes the extension of the state business tax credit eligibility period applicable to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025. Makes the extension of the general excise tax exemption eligibility period take effect on 1/1/2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySB 298 proposes to appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services. These funds are specifically designated to increase financial support for Medicaid in-home services, directly affecting individuals who receive these services. The bill aims to enhance the resources available for in-home care through Medicaid. It is currently set to become effective on July 1, 3000.
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 69 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency to convene a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Working Group. The group will evaluate policies to lower drug costs for patients and improve healthcare access, focusing on four key areas: which state agency should oversee PBMs, required reporting, fair pharmacy audit procedures, and protections against under-reimbursed medications. The working group will include representatives from insurance, pharmacy associations, state agencies, and pharmacy benefit managers. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, but the resolution itself does not enact new laws.
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.
Requires a detailed budget summary to contain all required information without referring the reader to other portions of the budget or reserve study. Excludes the good faith defense for associations whose boards adopt a budget that omits the required detailed budget summary. Clarifies a unit owner's standing and the association's burden of proving substantial compliance. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Concurrent Resolution (not a law), requesting the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Maui County Public Works to work with the Kihei Community Association on planning and building the Kihei Mauka Road. The resolution aims to address traffic congestion and flooding on South Kihei Road by collaborating with the community group to develop an alternative route that aligns with local needs and the Kihei-Makena Community Plan. It specifically calls for regular community consultations to incorporate feedback and address environmental concerns during the project's planning and implementation.
Requires mortgage servicers to comply with certain requirements regarding the disbursement of insurance proceeds for residential real estate that has been destroyed or damaged. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySCR 57 is a Hawaii Senate resolution urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program to address insurance shortages in disaster-prone areas. It directly affects homeowners, businesses, and agricultural producers struggling with unaffordable or unavailable coverage due to climate-driven disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. The resolution proposes a federal reinsurance backstop that would cover extreme catastrophic losses only (after private insurers pay initial claims), operate on a state opt-in basis, and include safeguards to protect taxpayers. It also requests Congress provide incentives like premium discounts for disaster-resistant building to reduce long-term costs. This is a non-binding request to Congress, not a law.