All Roll Calls
Yes: 221 • No: 0
HawaiiSB 31372025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)SenateWALLET
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S AUTHORITY TO REGULATE FOOD, DRUGS, AND COSMETICS.
Sponsored By: Ronald D. Kouchi (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Removes duplicative food-related statutory material and aligns all food-related provisions under chapter 328, HRS. Ensures adequate statutory authority for permits, fees, inspections, and enforcement. On 6/30/2027, repeals the Sanitation and Environmental Health Special Fund and transfers any unexpended or unencumbered balance to the newly established Food Safety and Environmental Health Special Fund. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Department of HealthFood, Drugs, and CosmeticsConsolidation of Food SafetyChapter 328, HRSFood Safety and Environmental Health Special FundEstablishmentSanitization and Environmental Health Special FundRepealHLT, CPC, FIN
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Food producers get permit relief
Hand-pounded poi producers who sell directly to consumers do not need a certified facility or department permit. They must prepare poi near hand-washing facilities and follow health and safety rules. Qualifying crop and livestock processors get priority permit review at no extra cost, but priority does not guarantee approval.
More food safety help and oversight
The Department of Health runs a food safety education program with classes and workshops. It may study food safety after an outbreak investigation or at an operator’s request. The department must investigate food handling that appears unsafe and help the public get information and report concerns. It can also make rules on food, drugs, cosmetics, and related safety matters.
Food businesses face annual permits
Food businesses generally need a Department of Health permit or variance to handle food for sale. It lasts one year and must be renewed. Some food producers are exempt. The department director can set and collect permit and variance fees, but the law does not state the amounts.
State food safety funds change
The law creates a fund for food safety and environmental health work, using specified fees. Administration is capped at $140,000 per fiscal year and two full-time jobs. Any balance above $1,500,000 on June 30 goes to the general fund. On June 30, 2027, the old sanitation and environmental health fund ends, and its unspent or uncommitted balance moves to the new fund. The law also repeals several earlier health provisions whose practical effects are not described here.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ronald D. Kouchi
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/6/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 51 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/1/2026
The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS....
Yes: 2 • No: 0
House vote • 5/1/2026
The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments....
Yes: 4 • No: 0
House vote • 4/14/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 51 • No: 0
House vote • 4/7/2026
The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...
Yes: 11 • No: 0
House vote • 3/24/2026
Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC...
Yes: 48 • No: 0
House vote • 3/20/2026
The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 24 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/2/2026
The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The...
Yes: 13 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/18/2026
The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/18/2026
The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Act 108, 06/08/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1208).
6/8/2026SenateAct 108, on 06/08/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1208).
6/8/2026HouseReceived notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
5/8/2026SenateEnrolled to Governor.
5/8/2026SenatePassed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none.
5/6/2026SenatePassed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).
5/6/2026HouseReceived notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816).
5/6/2026HouseThe Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Kanuha; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) McKelvey.
5/1/2026SenateThe Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Takayama, Matayoshi, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none.
5/1/2026HouseReported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 224-26).
5/1/2026Senate48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26.
5/1/2026SenateReported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 224-26) as amended in (CD 1).
5/1/2026HouseForty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26.
5/1/2026HouseConference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 4:30PM in conference room 329.
4/30/2026HouseBill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Thursday, 04-30-26 4:30PM in conference room 329.
4/29/2026HouseReceived notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 720).
4/22/2026HouseSenate Conferees Appointed: San Buenaventura Chair; McKelvey, Kanuha Co-Chairs.
4/21/2026SenateRe-referred to HLT, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 30
4/20/2026HouseHouse Conferees Appointed: Takayama, Matayoshi, Keohokapu-Lee Loy Co-Chairs; Alcos.
4/20/2026HouseReceived notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 787).
4/20/2026SenateReceived from House (Hse. Com. No. 751).
4/16/2026SenateSenate disagrees with House amendments.
4/16/2026SenateReceived notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710).
4/16/2026HousePassed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate.
4/14/2026HouseReported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2112-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading.
4/10/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
Original
SB3137_CD1
SB3137_HD1
SB3137_HD2
SB3137_SD1
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