Sen. Stanley Chang

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Department of Accounting and General Services to study the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the State Architect within the state government. The proposed office would be led by a licensed architect responsible for reviewing all state construction projects to ensure they meet building codes and safety standards. The study will analyze specific requirements such as reviewing design plans, issuing approvals for traditional construction projects, assigning inspectors to observe construction work, and determining staffing needs. The department must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026, which could inform future legislation on establishing this new office.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the State Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a separate law that requires health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing for diagnosing and treating diseases. The assessment will examine how mandating coverage for this type of personalized medical testing affects patients, healthcare providers, and insurance costs. The Auditor must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session. This procedural measure ensures the mandated coverage requirement is reviewed before it takes effect, following state law requirements for such health insurance mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of three perpetual, non-exclusive easements on state-owned submerged land in Waialae, Honolulu, to allow a resort company to maintain existing drainage infrastructure. The easements cover approximately 12,700 square feet and grant the company the right to use, operate, repair, and maintain drainage outfalls that extend from the Kahala Hotel onto state land. A one-time payment based on fair market value will be determined by an independent appraisal and approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The resolution requires approval from the Governor and the Legislature to comply with state law governing the use of submerged state lands.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution directs Hawaii's Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed law that would expand health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis, treatment, and applied behavioral analysis services. The bill specifically addresses a current system that restricts coverage to individuals under 14 years old and caps annual benefits at $25,000, which the resolution seeks to remove. By requesting this assessment, the legislature aims to gather data on how eliminating these age and cost limitations would affect healthcare access and public finances before finalizing any changes. The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days before the 2027 session begins. This procedural step ensures informed decision-making regarding the expansion of mandated health insurance benefits for autism-related services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Auditor of Hawaii to assess the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for brief cognitive assessments for individuals aged 50 and older. The resolution is tied to House Bill 1702, which proposes requiring insurers to cover these assessments to help detect early signs of cognitive decline and dementia. The Auditor must prepare a report analyzing potential costs, benefits, and effects on different populations, particularly groups at higher risk such as Native Hawaiians and individuals with Down syndrome. The report must be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2027 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed bill that would expand health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis and treatment. The measure would remove the current age limit of fourteen years and eliminate the $25,000 annual cap on applied behavioral analysis services, directly affecting individuals with autism and their families. The Auditor is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature within twenty days before the 2027 session begins. This procedural step ensures an assessment is completed before any changes to insurance mandates are finalized.

Requires the Auditor to conduct a financial audit of each charter school under the State Public Charter School Commission. Requires a report to the Legislature. Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on the Auditor's recommendations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySCR 4 is a procedural resolution requesting Hawaii's Auditor to assess the social and financial impacts of Senate Bill 46 (2025), which proposes requiring health insurance to cover annual mental health wellness examinations. The resolution directs the Auditor to analyze both the societal effects (e.g., access to care for mental health conditions) and financial implications (e.g., costs to insurers/policyholders) of this mandated coverage. It requires the Auditor to submit a report to the Legislature by January 2027, as mandated by Hawaii Revised Statutes §23-51 before such coverage can be enacted. This resolution does not change insurance requirements but seeks data to inform future legislative decisions on SB 46.

Authorizes governmental bodies and public employees to procure project management services through non-governmental third-party contracts under certain conditions. Appropriates funds to establish a Special Project Branch within the Public Works Division of the Department of Accounting and General Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Part I: Requires drivers of vehicles approaching stationary motor vehicles stopped in any location on the roadway, shoulder, or roadside to slow down and make a lane change if necessary. Part II: Prohibits the operation of a pickup truck with a passenger seated in the bed or load-carrying area on roadways with posted speed limits of forty-six miles per hour or higher and roadways with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction. Provides certain exemptions from passenger restrictions. Increases the minimum age to ride in the bed or load-carrying area of a pickup truck while in operation from twelve years of age to eighteen years of age. 0Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)