All Roll Calls
Yes: 35 • No: 0
HawaiiSB 23142025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)Senate
RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE.
Sponsored By: Karl Rhoads (Democratic)
Passed
Summary
Requires that whenever there is a difference between the English and Hawaii version of law that is material to its interpretation, priority shall be given to the language that aligns with the intent of the legislature as evidenced by legislative history, context, and purpose. Clarifies that Hawaiian shall not be required for public acts and transactions, but is welcomed. (SD1)
Hawaiian LanguageState LawPublic DocumentsJHA
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Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Karl Rhoads
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Stanley Chang
Democratic • Senate
Brandon J.C. Elefante
Democratic • Senate
Carol Fukunaga
Democratic • Senate
Mike Gabbard
Democratic • Senate
Jr. Ihara
Democratic • Senate
Angus L.K. McKelvey
Democratic • Senate
Joy A. San Buenaventura
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/10/2026
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 25 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/27/2026
The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The...
Yes: 5 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/3/2026
The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 5 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Pass First Reading
3/12/2026HouseReferred to JHA, referral sheet 17
3/12/2026HouseReport adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
3/10/2026SenateReceived from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 208) in amended form (SD 1).
3/10/2026HouseReported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3084) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading.
3/6/2026SenateOne Day Notice 03-10-26.
3/6/2026SenateThe committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
2/27/2026SenateThe committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-27-26 10:30AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.
2/23/2026SenateReported from HWN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2271) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC.
2/17/2026SenateReport adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC.
2/17/2026SenateThe committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HWN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Lamosao, Ihara, Keohokalole, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
2/3/2026SenateThe committee(s) on HWN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-26 1:10PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
1/30/2026SenateReferred to HWN, JDC.
1/26/2026SenateIntroduced and passed First Reading.
1/21/2026SenatePending Introduction.
1/15/2026Senate
Bill Text
Bill Text
Original
SB2314_SD1
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