Bills & Legislation

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

Proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution to provide that freedom of speech protected under the Hawaii State Constitution does not include the expenditure of money to influence elections. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Exempts affordable housing projects that are financed by a nonprofit community development financial institution certified by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation as utilizing less than a certain amount from the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund from prevailing wage provisions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Luke A. EvslinDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

Allows the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to utilize the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund as collateral when the Department acts as an eligible borrower for a loan agreement under section 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, as amended. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mahina PoepoeDemocrat

RELATING TO OHANA ZONES.

Establishes the Ohana Zones Program as a program within the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions. Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to exempt ohana zones projects from general excise taxes. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Establishes a working group within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to identify existing mixed-use developments in Maui County that could be acquired by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation for use as affordable housing and commercial rental leases. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

Prohibits foreign entities and foreign-influenced business entities from making contributions, expenditures, electioneering communications, or donations for election purposes. Allows every business entity that contributes or expends funds in a state election to certify that the entity is not and will not be a foreign corporation or foreign-influenced business entity if the entity intends to make contributions or expenditures within an election cycle. Specifies that if the conditions that determine whether a business entity qualifies as a foreign‑influenced business entity are held unconstitutional by a final judgment, including all appeals, the Campaign Spending Commission is required to establish revised conditions that are constitutional. Requires noncandidate committees making only independent expenditures to obtain a statement of certification from each top contributor required to be listed in an advertisement avowing that no funds were derived from foreign entities or foreign-influenced business entities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIME.

Establishes a permanent Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State. Establishes the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for committing certain property crimes on agricultural property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE FINANCES.

Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to utilize revenue bonds when securing a line of credit or other instrument of indebtedness for the Bond Volume Cap Recycling Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION ACT.

Clarifies that Act 130, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, shall take effect on either the date of the Secretary of the Interior's notification letter to the Congressional Committee Chairpersons that this Act meets none of the criteria in title 43 Code of Federal Regulations section 48.20, or on the date that the United States Congress approval becomes law. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCING.

Increases the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program and staff. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII CONFERENCE CENTER REVOLVING FUND.

Establishes the University of Hawaii Conference Center Revolving Fund to facilitate the administration of the revolving fund for conference center programs among various campuses and operating units of the University of Hawaii System. Repeals the Conference Center Revolving Fund and the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Community College Conference Center Revolving Fund. Lapses all appropriations and encumbrances of the Conference Center Revolving Fund, University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Community College Conference Center Revolving Fund to the University of Hawaii Conference Center Revolving Fund. (CD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO TAX ADMINISTRATION.

Permanently exempts the software developer supervisor in the Department of Taxation and the data privacy officer and tax business analysts in the Office of the Director of Taxation from civil service. (SD2)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO NUISANCES.

Clarifies that the Department of Health has the legal authority and obligation to prevent and address nuisances that affect public health or environmental health, or both. Repeals definition of "nuisance" to include toxic materials used in or by-products of methamphetamine drug labs and odors and filth resulting from feeding feral birds. (SD2)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO TAX LIENS.

Requires the Department of Taxation to: (1) State the assessment date on certificates of tax lien; and (2) Issue certificates of discharge when the tax liability on which a lien is based has been satisfied or has become unenforceable by lapse of time. Effective 1/1/2027. (CD1)

Kyle T. YamashitaDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Amends the definition of draft beer used in liquor tax laws to mean beer in an individual container of five gallons or more. Effective 1/1/2026. (CD1)

Kyle T. YamashitaDemocrat

RELATING TO MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTION PERMITS.

Requires all applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to successfully complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the Department of Transportation. Clarifies that a person shall not operate a motor vehicle in connection with the driving training course without a valid temporary instruction permit unless it is a motorcycle that is being used for training purposes on an enclosed state certified training range. (CD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO MORTGAGES.

Clarifies that a mortgage does not exist independent of the debt it secures and shall not be independently enforceable from the debt. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Tina Nakada GrandinettiDemocrat

URGING THE CAMPAIGN SPENDING COMMISSION TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY AND WITHIN ITS POWER TO ENSURE CANDIDATE COMMITTEES' FULL COMPLIANCE WITH STATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS.

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

REQUESTING THE HAWAIʻI CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION TO EXAMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF EXISTING STATE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS TO ALGORITHMIC AND AUTOMATED DECISION SYSTEMS.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF CORPORATE INCOME REPORTING STRUCTURES, INCLUDING THE TREATMENT OF FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY INCOME, TO INFORM LONG-TERM FISCAL PLANNING.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

SUPPORTING THE REACTIVATION OF, AND URGING THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO, THE HAWAII HEALTH AUTHORITY TO PLAN FOR A TRANSITION TO A MAXIMALLY COST-EFFECTIVE SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR THE STATE, TO BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER WAIVERS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED TO CAPTURE ALL MAJOR SOURCES OF FEDERAL FUNDING FLOWING TO THE STATE THROUGH MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND TRICARE.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

SUPPORTING THE REQUEST BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA FACULTY SENATE FOR A COMMITMENT FROM UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII LEADERS TO REMAIN STEADFAST IN VIGOROUSLY DEFENDING ANY AND ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY, OR STAFF WHO MAY BE ATTACKED FOR EXERCISING THEIR RIGHTS TO ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND FREE SPEECH.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

SUPPORTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ALL CYCLES OF THE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW BY THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, WHERE APPLICABLE TO THE STATE.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

REQUESTING HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE STATE TO ADHERE TO AND BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ISSUING TIMELY REIMBURSEMENTS OF HEALTH CARE CLAIMS PURSUANT TO THE STATE'S CLEAN CLAIMS STATUTE.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

URGING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO HOLD AT LEAST TWO PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS AND RECEIVE INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY OR POTENTIAL MAJOR ENERGY PROJECTS BEFORE APPROVING MAJOR ENERGY PROJECTS THAT WOULD BE HOSTED IN THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES TO CONVENE A COOPERATIVE WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS STATE PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE COUNTY PERMITTING.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

URGING ALL STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT TO IMPLEMENT PROMPT PAYMENT TRANSPARENCY MEASURES AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES FOR ITS EFFORTS.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

URGING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THE FIRE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF MAUI RELATING TO FIRE HAZARDS, BRUSH CLEARANCE, FUEL BREAKS, ROADSIDE VEGETATION CLEARING, AND EMERGENCY ACCESS.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

URGING STATE AGENCIES THAT OWN OR CONTROL LAND IN WEST MAUI TO IMPLEMENT AND ENFORCE AGGRESSIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, FUEL REDUCTION, DEFENSIBLE SPACE, AND EMERGENCY ACCESS MEASURES TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK TO LAHAINA AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

URGING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO ADOPT ORDINANCES THAT ESTABLISH WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE SAFETY STANDARDS FOR PLANTATION TOWNS AND OTHER HIGH-RISK COMMUNITIES, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE COUNTY OF KAUAI'S ORDINANCE NO. PM-2025-425, RELATING TO THE PLANTATION CAMP DISTRICT WILDFIRE AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE, AND OTHER STATE AND NATIONAL WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE BEST PRACTICES.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ENGAGE WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND OTHER FEDERAL AND MILITARY PARTNERS TO EXPLORE ESTABLISHING A MILITARY-CIVILIAN TRAUMA PARTNERSHIP TO STRENGTHEN THE HAWAII TRAUMA SYSTEM.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED PLAN TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

REQUESTING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CONGRESS TO SUPPLY UKRAINE WITH THE WEAPONS NEEDED TO FULLY DEFEND ITSELF AGAINST RUSSIAN ATTACKS AND RETAKE ITS TERRITORY AS RECOGNIZED BY INTERNATIONAL LAW.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

URGING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO TAKE ACTION TO RELEASE ALL FEDERAL RECORDS RELATED TO THE JEFFREY EPSTEIN INVESTIGATIONS WITH LIMITED REDACTIONS SOLELY TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY AND SAFETY OF VICTIMS.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL HAWAII GENUINE PROGRESS INDICATOR REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE NO LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE CONVENING OF EACH REGULAR SESSION, BEGINNING WITH THE REGULAR SESSION OF 2027.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO EVALUATE REGISTRATION, REPORTING, AND TRANSPARENCY MECHANISMS FOR TRUSTS FORMED UNDER CHAPTER 554G, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES, AND OTHER LARGE PRIVATE TRUSTS.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO MEET THE CRITERIA NECESSARY TO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZE CHEERLEADING AS A TITLE IX SPORT IN HAWAII.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A PROPOSAL FOR A TIERED, COORDINATED, AND STANDARDIZED BELL SCHEDULE FRAMEWORK FOR DEPARTMENT SCHOOLS.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S PROCESS FOR ESTABLISHING, CLASSIFYING, AND APPROVING ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROGRAM POSITIONS, AND ITS SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION OF COMPLEX AREA SUPERINTENDENTS.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK IN THE OFFICE OF FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS THAT IMPROVES RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR MONITORING ALL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE PROJECTS.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION MICRO-CREDENTIAL PILOT PROGRAM DEVELOPED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND THE HAWAII STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REISSUE REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE JOB ORDER CONTRACTING PROGRAM CONTRACTORS AND PREQUALIFIED SMALL CONTRACTORS TO ENSURE THE CONTINUITY OF THE FUTURE SCHOOLS NOW PROGRAM.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO CONSIDER OFFERING OLELO HAWAII MICRO-CREDENTIALS FOCUSING ON THE NIIHAU DIALECT.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

URGING THIS BODY TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE SUPPORT SYSTEMS AVAILABLE TO STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS AND DETERMINE WHETHER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRALIZED PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL DISTRICT OR SIMILAR SERVICE COOPERATIVE WOULD PROVIDE IMPROVED SUPPORT TO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

REQUESTING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO REVISE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS TO INCLUDE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A STANDALONE FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

REGARDING COMPLETION OF THE WORK OF THE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION OF 2026, SUBSEQUENT TO ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat