Sen. Stanley Chang

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges all state and county agencies in Hawaii that handle construction projects to create public websites showing payment information for contractors and subcontractors. The bill asks these agencies to display details about job progress, payments made, and retained funds within one year of the resolution's adoption. It specifically thanks the Public Works Division for its existing transparency efforts and requests agencies unable to comply explain their barriers to the Legislature. While the resolution does not mandate immediate legal changes, it sets a timeline for agencies to report on their progress and consider future legislation to improve payment transparency in public construction.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests that the federal government provide supplemental funding to increase pay for adult corrections officers working for Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The bill aims to address severe staffing shortages and high turnover rates by using federal money to improve compensation, including base pay and retention incentives. It does not directly change state law or spending but serves as a formal appeal to federal officials for financial assistance to support public safety workforce stability.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges state agencies that own or control land in West Maui to actively manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risks in Lahaina and surrounding communities. The bill asks agencies like the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Department of Education to clear hazardous vegetation, create defensible space, and maintain emergency access routes on their properties. It emphasizes that these actions should follow existing state laws and address concerns that unmanaged grasses and fuels contributed to the 2023 Lahaina wildfires. The resolution does not create new legal requirements but serves as a formal request for agencies to prioritize fire safety measures on public lands near populated areas.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide an update on the findings of a 2022 proof-of-concept study titled Breaking Cycles, which explored alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models for the Oahu Community Correctional Center. The bill asks the department to report on how the study's recommendations have been incorporated into plans for a new correctional facility and to include feedback from incarcerated individuals, staff, families, and community stakeholders. The Department must submit this report to the Legislature at least 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session begins, with any proposed legislation included in the submission. This measure focuses on oversight and information gathering rather than implementing specific policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Department of Accounting and General Services to form a working group to study delays in state building permit approvals from county departments. The bill directly affects state agencies and county permitting offices by establishing a collaborative group to investigate why state projects face long approval times. The working group will include representatives from various state departments and county officials to explore ways to streamline permitting processes specifically for state projects. Members must submit their findings and recommendations to the Legislature by 2028, potentially including proposed legislation to address the identified issues.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks state agencies to use bi-level lighting systems in all new state buildings starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting adjusts brightness based on motion detection to reduce energy waste from lights staying on at full intensity. The resolution directs copies to various state officials and agencies responsible for construction and facility management. This measure aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact through a specific building design requirement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution clarifies that affordable housing credits issued under Hawaii's housing laws are permanent assets that remain valid until they are used to fulfill affordable housing obligations, rather than having expiration dates. The bill directly affects county governments, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, and developers who rely on these credits to build affordable housing units. It requests that counties align their administrative policies and memoranda of agreement with state law to ensure these credits are not restricted by time limits or other conditions not authorized by statute. The resolution aims to protect the value and transferability of these credits to encourage continued private investment in affordable housing projects.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs. The book would include various housing types like accessory dwelling units and mid-rise buildings, incorporating culturally appropriate and climate-responsive features such as natural ventilation and lanais. By using these pre-reviewed designs, developers could access streamlined permitting processes, reducing delays and costs while maintaining safety and quality standards. The resolution also asks for a design competition to gather innovative plans and collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders to develop the book. Once completed, the pattern book and its approved designs would be made publicly available for use in housing projects.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution clarifies that affordable housing credits issued in Hawaii are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to fulfill housing obligations, rather than having expiration dates. It directs county governments to align their administrative policies with state law to ensure these credits retain their full value and transferability without time-based restrictions. The resolution also requests that future agreements between counties and housing agencies avoid adding conditions that could limit the credits' utility or lifespan. This measure aims to provide long-term stability for developers participating in affordable housing programs while ensuring counties recognize these credits as permanent financial tools.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws cover decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The Commission would examine if existing rules can properly handle complaints about bias in areas like hiring, housing, and credit checks, and identify any legal or practical challenges in enforcing protections against algorithmic discrimination. The study will also consider whether new guidance or complaint processes are needed to help people understand their rights when facing automated decision-making. The Commission must submit its findings and any recommended laws to the state legislature by early 2027.