Sen. Angus McKelvey

Maddy summaryHawaii's SCR 56 is a resolution urging the U.S. government to develop a national biodiversity strategy. It highlights Hawaii's status as home to over 550 endangered species (25% of the U.S. total) and its receipt of only 3% of federal conservation funding. The resolution specifically requests the U.S. establish a strategy that sets conservation targets, coordinates federal agencies, and promotes equitable conservation efforts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to address the biodiversity crisis threatening ecosystems, cultural practices, and community well-being.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 164) requests the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules permitting rodeos on lands legally zoned for agricultural use. It directly affects ranchers, event organizers, and communities seeking to host rodeos on working farmland. The key provision is a formal request for the Department to create specific regulations allowing these events, rather than directly authorizing them. The resolution cites Hawaii's historical paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture as context but does not change existing land-use laws. It is a procedural request, not a binding law.

Establishes the Agricultural Enforcement Program within the Department of Law Enforcement. Establishes the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 88) requests Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to create a pilot program testing microbial algae-based soil products on farms. It specifically targets small to medium-sized farms (10-100 acres) with certain crop types, soil health issues, or organic operations. The program requires collaboration with the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and mandates a report to the legislature by 2026 detailing findings and potential long-term use of these products. The goal is to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, improve soil health, and support sustainable agriculture without imposing new regulations.

Makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for places of public accommodation to deny a person with a disability full and equal enjoyment of, or information related to, their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations using information and communication technology intended for use by the general public as applicants, participants, customers, clients, or visitors. Establishes exceptions. Clarifies that a facility is considered a place of public accommodation regardless of whether its presence in the State is physical or digital. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 41 is a concurrent resolution encouraging Hawaii counties to develop their own biosecurity plans tailored to local needs. It does not create new laws but urges each county to prioritize its unique challenges with invasive species, such as habitat protection and agricultural impacts, through localized planning. The resolution specifically asks counties to collaborate with neighboring counties and state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It applies directly to all Hawaii counties, with copies sent to county mayors and state officials. (This is a procedural resolution, not a binding bill.)

Maddy summarySCR 94 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Agriculture and Maui County's Agriculture Department to address axis deer overpopulation. It specifically calls for making USDA-certified meat inspections more accessible and affordable for local hunters who want to process and distribute venison. The resolution also requests the creation of a joint task force to develop a program for processing locally-hunted deer meat and distributing it to the community, with a report due by November 2025. This resolution directly affects Maui residents, local hunters, and the state's agricultural departments, focusing on practical steps to utilize deer as a food source while managing overpopulation.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review of proposed state projects and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants under certain circumstances. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to publish a draft of its proposed rules and later present its proposed final rules to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 7/1/2032. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the County of Maui to complete the transfer of Hui Roads (including Hui Road F) from the Judiciary to the County, as agreed in a prior state-county agreement. It aims to resolve long-standing ownership confusion that has left these roads unmaintained and unsafe. The resolution encourages the County to allocate funds for immediate repairs and ongoing maintenance of the roads.

Maddy summarySCR 90 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to assume responsibility for the routine maintenance and repair of the Kohala Ditch. This 26-mile irrigation system, built in 1906, supplies over five million gallons of water daily to farmers and ranchers in North Kohala, who have faced significantly higher costs and reduced production after a 2021 rockslide damaged the system. The resolution requires the ADC to develop a maintenance plan with community input and submit annual reports detailing repairs, system conditions, and recommendations to the Legislature. The bill does not allocate new funds but seeks to leverage the ADC’s existing mandate to support agricultural infrastructure and local food production.