This 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.
This 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.
This 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.
This 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.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to create an advisory committee focused on developing recommendations for alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oʻahu. The bill builds on existing research from the Breaking Cycles Study, which examined trauma-informed design, cultural integration, and community-based approaches to incarceration reform. The proposed advisory committee would explore how to implement these alternative models, particularly considering the unique cultural and environmental context of the Halawa site for a new correctional facility. This resolution does not mandate specific actions but asks the oversight commission to form a committee to study and propose ways to incorporate restorative justice principles into the state's correctional system.
This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to form an advisory committee to develop recommendations for implementing alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models at a new jail on Oʻahu. The proposed committee would include representatives from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, community organizations, Native Hawaiian health providers, and local stakeholders to guide the planning of the new facility. The resolution directs the committee to incorporate findings from a 2022-2024 study that emphasizes culturally grounded, trauma-informed approaches rooted in Native Hawaiian practices. The advisory committee is specifically asked to consider how the new jail can integrate traditional cultural elements, community engagement, and restorative justice principles in its design and operations.
This bill establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and Yamagata Prefecture in Japan to strengthen existing cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties. The resolution encourages collaboration in specific areas including sustainable tourism, agriculture and food security, education and workforce development, clean energy, and cultural exchange. It authorizes the Governor to work with Yamagata officials to create memoranda of understanding and implement pilot programs focused on culinary exchanges, joint cultural events, student and professional exchanges, and sustainable development initiatives. The bill directs that copies be sent to relevant state and federal officials to facilitate the partnership.
This Senate Resolution asks the Workforce Development Council to create a long-term statewide workforce strategy by 2045 that aims to help all residents find careers enabling them to learn, work, and thrive in Hawaii. The proposed strategy would be included in the State Unified Plan and would focus on improving work-based learning opportunities, expanding living-wage jobs, reducing underemployment, and strengthening partnerships between industries and education providers. It seeks to address concerns about high living costs and limited employment opportunities that have led many residents to consider leaving the state. The resolution directs the council to develop specific plans and measurable goals to guide state and county efforts toward these shared workforce objectives.
This 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.
This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to conduct a study compiling recommended safe patient staffing ratios for various hospital units and healthcare settings. The study will use existing state bills as a framework and incorporate standards from major professional nursing organizations such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the Society of Pediatric Nurses. The Center is asked to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature and Department of Health by late 2026, with results published on an online dashboard. The resolution also urges healthcare facilities to consider implementing the compiled staffing standards to improve patient safety and nurse retention.
This Senate Resolution establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and Yamagata Prefecture in Japan to strengthen collaboration in trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. The resolution outlines specific pilot programs for culinary and agricultural exchanges, culinary tourism showcases, education and workforce development, and sustainable development initiatives. It directs the Governor to work with Japanese officials to create memoranda of understanding that will guide future cooperation in areas like food security, climate resilience, and rural revitalization.
This Senate Resolution from Hawaii requests that the U.S. President and Congress provide Ukraine with additional weapons to defend against Russian attacks and reclaim territories recognized under international law. The bill does not have the power to authorize funding or change federal policy, as it is a non-binding resolution that serves only to express the state's position. It highlights the ongoing conflict's humanitarian impact and calls for continued U.S. support to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and security. The resolution also urges President Trump to negotiate the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.
