Sen. Angus McKelvey

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the creation of a task force to develop a statewide plan for studying the carrying capacity of marine life conservation districts in Hawaii. The task force will work with stakeholders from government agencies, universities, and local communities to design a framework for assessing how human activities affect these protected marine areas. It will also prioritize which districts need studies first, establish standards for conducting the research, and identify the funding and staffing needed to implement the program. The task force must submit its recommendations and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by the beginning of the 2027 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Department of Human Resources Development to work with state departments, agencies, and labor organizations to finish a review of how civil service positions are classified and paid. The request stems from high vacancy rates and upcoming retirements that threaten the state's ability to hire and keep qualified employees. The resolution directs the department to prioritize departments with the most unfilled or hard-to-fill positions during this review process. This action is part of a larger effort mandated by Act 180 to modernize the state's workforce management systems.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the U.S. Congress to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, which would eliminate the risk of federal enforcement actions against states and businesses that have legalized cannabis. It also requests federal support for states that are clearing criminal records of past cannabis offenses to help affected individuals access housing and employment. Additionally, the bill seeks to enable cannabis-related businesses to access full banking services, including deposit insurance, which are currently restricted under federal law. The resolution is directed at Hawaii's congressional delegation to advocate for these changes in Washington.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks county planning departments to create building permit requirements that support older adults, known as kupuna, in Hawaii. The bill would require private businesses and malls to set aside special hours for kupuna entry and increase the number of parking spaces designated for both disabled and non-disabled older adults. It is a request rather than a mandate, meaning counties would need to adopt these changes voluntarily through their existing planning processes. The resolution aims to improve community access for an aging population by addressing parking availability and business operating hours.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board to study how healthcare providers can better communicate with deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind patients. The study will examine interpreter availability, patient preferences, special needs in hospital and nursing facility settings, and legal requirements for communication services. Based on its findings, the Board will update existing guidance for healthcare providers and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by late 2027. This resolution does not create new laws but directs a study to improve communication access for individuals with hearing or vision disabilities in medical settings.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to create a working group to study how large data centers might affect the state's electric grid, utility rates, natural resources, and climate objectives. The proposed working group would include representatives from state agencies, electric utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations to examine potential policy safeguards. Key areas of study include ensuring data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades rather than existing ratepayers, protecting water resources used for cooling, and preventing increased greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution aims to proactively prepare Hawaii's isolated power system for future data center development while balancing economic growth with environmental protection and ratepayer fairness.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Governor to study whether Hawaii state agencies should manage their own hiring and recruitment instead of relying on the centralized Department of Human Resources Development. The bill addresses concerns that the current system causes long vacancies and staffing shortages, with over 4,000 positions vacant as of late 2025. If implemented, the proposed changes would allow individual departments to write job descriptions, review applicants, conduct interviews, and directly hire qualified candidates. The Governor must complete this evaluation and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not change current law but requests an administrative review of the hiring process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the State of Hawaii to recognize the importance of rangelands and pastoralists, particularly during the UN-designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026. The bill does not create new laws or funding but instead requests that state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and local organizations promote education and research on rangeland management while considering policies that support rancher livelihoods. It highlights that over 1 million acres of Hawaii's land are classified as rangelands, which support livestock production valued at over $50 million annually and provide ecological benefits like water conservation and carbon storage. The resolution formally asks the state to acknowledge the cultural and economic significance of ranching traditions and to encourage collaborative efforts to sustain these lands and the communities that depend on them.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board to study how deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals communicate in healthcare settings and to develop updated guidelines for providers. The study will examine interpreter availability, patient preferences, special needs for hospitalized patients, and legal requirements for effective communication. Based on its findings, the Board will revise existing guidance and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This action aims to improve healthcare access for individuals with communication disabilities by ensuring providers understand their specific needs and legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution expresses support for expanding tree canopy programs and installing shade trees in urban areas to reduce urban heat island effects across Hawaii. It requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, canopy coverage disparities, and opportunities for integrating shade trees into development and climate resilience planning. The resolution emphasizes prioritizing vulnerable communities, including children, older adults, and low-income neighborhoods, while also considering best practices for tree selection and maintenance. It directs copies to the Governor, relevant state officials, and county mayors to encourage coordinated action on urban forestry initiatives.