Sen. Stanley Chang

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 5) requests the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to study establishing a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award Program for artisans and craftspersons. The study would examine the feasibility of creating an award system modeled after France's "Meilleur Ouvrier de France," focusing on preserving traditional trades, recognizing skill mastery (not competition), and promoting cultural heritage. It would identify key industries to include, assess costs, and develop recommendations for a potential program. The Department must submit its findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature by January 2027. This resolution does not create the award program but initiates a study to determine if one would be viable.

Maddy summarySCR 9 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii counties to freeze property taxes on the primary residences of homeowners aged 75 and older. This would directly assist elderly homeowners, who face financial strain from Hawaii's high cost of living and fixed incomes, by reducing a major recurring expense. The freeze would apply only to primary residences and end if the property is sold, transferred, or the homeowner is no longer the owner. The resolution is addressed to county officials to encourage voluntary action but does not require counties to implement the policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and have made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian elected governor of any U.S. state, his leadership roles in national education and health policy, and his ongoing civic engagement as justification for the nomination. The bill directs the Senate to formally nominate him to the Aloha Order of Merit Committee and relevant state officials for consideration of induction.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to consider whether private dam owners have or are actively seeking liability insurance during safety assessments. The bill aims to make insurance coverage a recognized mitigation measure that could help owners meet safety standards and potentially qualify for state grant programs. It asks the department to relax certain restrictions on dams once insurance is verified and to avoid automatically classifying dams as high hazard based solely on engineering risk assessments. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but instead urges the department to adopt more flexible assessment practices for private dam owners facing financial and technical challenges.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests that Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources consider whether private dam owners have liability insurance when assessing dam safety. The bill aims to make insurance coverage a valid mitigation measure that could help relax certain regulatory restrictions on dams. It also asks the department to consider dams safe without requiring specific engineering reports unless there is a probable risk of human life loss, and to avoid classifying dams as high hazard based solely on engineering risk assessments. Additionally, the resolution urges the department to make grant program criteria more transparent and to allow applicants to seek clarification and appeal decisions regarding the Dam Improvement or Removal Grant Program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to evaluate how large private trusts, particularly those formed under Chapter 554G, are currently registered and reported. The bill directs the department to assess existing oversight requirements for trustees and trust companies, determine if current laws allow for asset-based reporting without exposing confidential beneficiary details, and recommend whether new transparency mechanisms are needed. The department must submit a report with findings and potential legislative proposals to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This resolution aims to improve state oversight of trust structures while maintaining privacy protections for individuals who create these financial arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to study how large private trusts, particularly those created under Chapter 554G of the state statutes, are currently registered and reported. The bill directs the department to review existing rules for trustees and trust companies, assess whether current laws allow for tracking the number and size of these trusts, and determine if new reporting requirements are needed for trusts with significant assets. The department must provide a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by late 2026, focusing on creating transparency without exposing confidential beneficiary information. This measure is a procedural request for an administrative evaluation rather than a law that immediately changes how trusts operate.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to submit a report on its farm-to-school program and local food procurement efforts. The bill requires the department to detail how its purchasing aligns with state regional kitchen investments and to provide data on current local food buying levels across different islands and product categories. It also requests information on barriers preventing local farmers from participating in school meals, the status of federal grant applications, and recommendations for improving procurement processes. The report aims to help the legislature understand how well the state is utilizing public investments to support local agriculture and food security.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to submit a detailed report to the Legislature on its farm-to-school program and local food procurement efforts. The report should cover current local food purchasing levels, how school meal operations align with regional kitchen infrastructure, and any barriers preventing small and mid-sized farms from participating. It also asks for information on the Department's use of federal farm-to-school grants and a plan for future grant participation. The goal is to gather data that can help coordinate statewide efforts to strengthen local food supply chains and support local agriculture.

Authorizes a registered pharmacist under contract with a covered entity for purposes of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program to supervise the filling or receipt of a prescription via telehealth in certain circumstances. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)