Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC PACKAGING.

Beginning 1/1/2026, requires persons that provide single-use compostable plastic packaging or utensils for any food or beverages sold in the State to have on-site composting collection bins and ensure the collection and delivery of disposed single-use compostable plastic packaging or utensils to certain commercial composting facilities under certain circumstances. Requires the Department of Health to report to the Legislature before the Regular Sessions of 2026 through 2035.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER.

Establishes the Landfill Advisory Committee within the Department of Health. Requires the DOH, in consultation with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and each county's department of board or water supply to create maps of the State's drinking water aquifers. Prohibits the siting, construction, modification, or expansion of any waste or disposal facility for hazardous or solid waste on land that is near or above an aquifer as determined by the DOH in consultation with the affected county's department or board of water supply. Expands buffer zones from one-half mile to one mile around a waste or disposal facility. Establishes penalties. Expands the definition of buffer zone to include aquifers, hotel or tourist accommodations, and businesses.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a recognition program to incentivize schools to submit to the Department a plan for the school to reach the local farm to school meal goal of thirty per cent of food served in the school to consist of locally sourced products by 2030. Requires all department high schools to provide a plant-based meal option for school meals, under certain conditions.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER.

Part I: Establishes a WAI Policy Coordinator and other positions within the Commission on Water Resource Management for coordination of Red Hill WAI initiatives. Creates the Red Hill Remediation Special Fund. Requires reports to the Legislature, Governor, and Mayor and City Council of the City and County of Honolulu. Appropriates funds. Part II: Allows the Commission of Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel. Repeals the position of Deputy to the Chairperson of the Commission and establishes the position of Executive Director of the Commission. Amends the composition of the Commission and administratively attaches it to DLNR. Authorizes entities to challenge an emergency order of the Commission under certain conditions. Establishes fines for certain water use offenses. Amends the Commission's authority to declare water emergencies and issue orders to address them and declare water shortages and related notice requirements. Specifies that the nominating committee of the Commission shall include one person appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.

Prohibits the usage of synthetic substances in school meals at Department of Education and public charter schools. Defines "synthetic substances".

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.

Requires certain priority level 1 cesspools to be upgraded, converted, or connected before 1/1/2035. Requires priority level 2 and other cesspools to be upgraded, converted, or connected before 1/1/2040, rather than before 1/1/2050, with certain exemptions. Authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds. Appropriates funds.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER QUALITY.

Clarifies the level of environmental restoration owners and operators of underground storage tanks or tank systems that had a confirmed release must satisfy by requiring the removal of all jet fuel, including fuel additives and all compounds resulting from the degradation of jet fuel or jet fuel additives or the reaction of jet fuel or jet fuel additives with water or other chemicals. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that the detection of these contaminants in the vicinity of an underground storage tank or a tank system after a confirmed release is a result of the confirmed release.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO AN INTERSTATE COMPACT TO PHASE OUT CORPORATE WELFARE.

Adopts the Interstate Compact to Phase Out Corporate Welfare.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO PLANT-BASED FOOD AND DRINKS.

Requires state agencies to establish a Plant-Based-By-Default Program for food and drinks offered at state-operated prisons, state-licensed hospitals, and government-sponsored events. Requires the Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Comptroller, and Director of Health to submit annual reports to the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Effective 7/1/2026.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE.

Establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion. Requires each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to reduce all organic waste produced within the county by facilities generating more than a specified amount of organic waste per year in alignment with established state benchmarks. Appropriates funds.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO SOLID WASTE.

Requires municipal solid waste combustor ash to be disposed of only in a lined landfill. Prohibits the reuse of municipal solid waste incinerator ash for uses such as roadbuilding, fill, or construction.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO FEDERAL LAND.

Establishes an Advisory Committee convened by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Health to inventory lands owned by the United States government which may be reasonably transferred back to the State and to make recommendations on relevant land conditions and appropriateness of potential transfer. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO AN ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS LABORATORY.

Requires the Department of Health to construct, establish, and operate an environmental toxins testing laboratory to test samples submitted by the public for diseases; water, air, and soil quality; and complex testing. Requires a report to the Legislature. Authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds. Appropriates funds.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Establishes provisions for the storage and maintenance of a stock supply of bronchodilators at schools. Requires the Department of Education to establish a protocol for the storage, usage, and administration of bronchodilators. Establishes provisions regarding the administration of certain medications by a volunteer at Department of Education schools. Clarifies labeling requirements for bronchodilator prescriptions issued to the Department of Education for a stock supply of bronchodilators.

Michelle N. KidaniDemocrat

RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to include any individual or household whose monthly income is equal to or less than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level. Appropriates funds.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.

Raises the minimum age to enter into marriage from sixteen to eighteen years of age. Repeals the authority of parents and the family court to consent to a minor's marriage. Repeals spousal cohabitation after the parties attain legal age as an exception for an annulment based on nonage. Makes conforming amendments.

Michelle N. KidaniDemocrat

RELATING TO MANDATORY PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE AND CONSENT IN CONTRACTS TO PROVIDE CREMATION SERVICES.

Beginning 10/1/2025, requires mortuaries, cemeteries, and pre-need funeral authorities that contract to provide cremation services to provide written notice if precious metals are recovered after cremation and to obtain written consent before the sale or recycling of any recovered precious metals. Requires mortuaries, cemeteries, and pre-need funeral authorities that have contracted to provide cremation services to give certain notice of updated terms by 1/1/2026.

Carol FukunagaDemocrat

RELATING TO LAND.

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to exercise its power of eminent domain to acquire certain parcels. Appropriates funds for the acquisition of those parcels.

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO ACCESS TO WATER ON HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to work with the appropriate county board or department of water supply to provide access to potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian home lands; provided that any agreement between DHHL and that county board or department of water supply is made available to the public.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO AQUATIC LIFE.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to amend the definition of "aquarium purposes", in Hawaii Administrative Rules, to allow a bona fide aquaculture entity or scientific research entity to collect aquatic life without a permit so long as the aquatic life remains in the county in which it was collected while it is alive.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY PERMITS.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to update the online Wiki Permits service to include locations for which a right-of-entry permit for commercial activity is available via the service. Requires public input prior to the removal of any location from the list of available locations. Requires the Department to refund fees for right-of-entry permits if the permitted location is removed from the list of available locations before the commercial activity occurs.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO LAND USE.

Permits film production on lands that are zoned for agricultural use in counties with a population of less than five hundred thousand and that meet other conditions. Establishes the Agricultural Film Production Land Use Oversight Committee to monitor and enforce compliance with regulations on film permit activities on agricultural zoned lands.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO THE SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES FEE PROGRAM.

Establishes a Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Fee Program to be administered by the Department of Agriculture that, beginning 1/1/2026, imposes a fee on the distribution and sale of sugar-sweetened beverages in the State. Establishes the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Fee Special Fund. Requires moneys in the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Fee Special Fund to be expended for the Hawaii Healthy Food Incentive Program and administration of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Fee Program. Allows the Department to contract with a third-party to administer the program. Requires the Auditor to conduct a management and financial audit of the program. Requires the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture to adopt rules by 12/31/2025. Establishes criminal and civil penalties. Requires reports to the Legislature and the Governor. Appropriates funds.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Establishes a Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and other relevant stakeholders. Establishes the Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program Special Fund. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to adopt administrative rules. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO FIREFIGHTING.

Requires the State Fire Marshal to establish a Statewide Firefighting Helicopter Program. Appropriates funds for the State Fire Marshal to obtain helicopters, facilities equipment, drones, and supplies; hire and train staff; and do other things necessary to ensure that the Program is ready to begin providing aerial firefighting services on 7/1/2026.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO WILDFIRES.

Establishes the Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund and Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund Corporation within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to provide compensation for property damage resulting from catastrophic wildfires in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature and Governor. Appropriates funds.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO FOOD SUPPLY.

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to identify sites throughout the State that are suitable for the development of slaughterhouses. Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to plan, design, construct, and operate certain animal slaughterhouses throughout the State. Makes appropriations.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO THE LAPAKAHI MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICT.

Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules lifting the moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE.

Establishes the hike safe card program and search and rescue special fund to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses when the person or entity knowingly enters state, county, or private property, knowingly enters a hiking trail that is closed to the public, or violates applicable laws, provided that the closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device that gives reasonable notice of the closure. Exempts persons who possess a hike safe card from search and rescue cost reimbursement, under certain conditions. Requires counties and the State Fire Council to adopt ordinances or rules as necessary to pursue reimbursements. Raises the penalty for criminal trespass from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. Makes appropriations.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO MEAT PROCESSING.

Establishes a working group within the Department of Agriculture to develop a plan that creates an educational pathway in the University of Hawaii community college system to equip interested students with the necessary entry level knowledge, skill set, expertise, and advancement potential in the field of meat processing. Require reports to the Legislature.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to incorporate into their assessment process the possession of dam insurance or the active seeking of dam insurance by private dam owners, as part of their valid mitigation strategies, in conjunction with approved modifications or repairs. Authorizes the DLNR to relax any restrictions and stringent standards on a dam or appurtenance upon verification of certain insurance coverage. Authorizes the DLNR to consider a dam, reservoir, or appurtenance is safe absent certain documents. Shifts the burden of proof to the DLNR to find that a dam is categorized as high-risk. Establishes additional requirements for the DLNR and Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding the Dam and Appurtenance Improvement or Removal Grant Program.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO THE MINIMUM WAGE.

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Research and Economic Analysis Division to conduct a comprehensive study to assess the impacts of minimum wage increases on small businesses and the overall economic health of the State. Requires a report to the Legislature. Makes an appropriation.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO VEHICLES.

Allows all-terrain vehicle to drive on streets with posted speed limits of not more than forty-five miles per hour. Allows all-terrain vehicles to drive in the evening and night if they are equipped with headlights, tail lights, and while displaying a slow moving vehicle emblem. Allows drivers of all-terrain vehicles to wear a safety helmet with a securely fastened chin strap. Includes in the definition of "utility-terrain vehicle" a motor vehicle that accommodates one driver and one passenger sitting side-by-side, and up to six people in seat belts.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to develop a succession planning education program to educate and assist farmers and ranchers in the process of transitioning agricultural businesses to new owners. Requires the program to connect individuals interested in entering farming or ranching, or existing farmers or ranchers interested in expanding their business, with farmers and ranchers who have not yet identified a successor owner. Appropriates funds.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Renames the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program to the Electric Mobility Device Rebate Program. Expands eligibility and amends the maximum rebate amount.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT.

Requires the Hawaii Community Development Authority to prepare environmental impact statements for the Iwilei/Kapalama and University of Hawaii West Oahu transit-oriented development infrastructure improvement districts on the island of Oahu.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO MEAT PROCESSING.

Appropriates funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop, construct, and support facilities that can accommodate shock aging processes for meat products. Appropriates funds into and out of the Hawaii Agricultural Development Revolving Fund for programmatic funding relating to facilities using shock aging processes for meat products. Authorizes the Agribusiness Development Corporation to contract with existing and future slaughterhouses in the State.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

Requires newly installed or modified individual wastewater systems that are near the shoreline, or likely to pollute groundwater, to include denitrification capacity.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE CONVEYANCE TAX.

Establishes the Homeless Services Special Fund. Allows counties to apply for matching funds from the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund for certain housing projects. Increases the conveyance tax rates for certain properties. Establishes conveyance tax rates for multifamily residential properties. Establishes new exemptions to the conveyance tax. Allocates collected conveyance taxes to the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund, Homeless Services Special Fund and, and Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Amends allocations to the Land Conservation Fund and Rental Housing Revolving Fund.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Authorizes each county that has established a surcharge on state tax before 7/1/2015 to extend the surcharge until 12/31/2045, at the same rates, if the county does so before 1/1/2028; Provides that no county surcharge on state tax authorized for a county that has not established a surcharge on state tax before 7/1/2015, shall be levied before 1/1/2019, or after 12/31/2045; and Repeals certain conditions on the use of surcharges received from the State for counties having a population equal to or less than 500,000 that adopt a county surcharge on state tax.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to consider as a preference under chapter 201H, HRS, the proximity between the housing location and the applicant's place of employment; whether the applicant is a state or county employee; and whether the applicant is a returning resident that left the State to attend a university, college, or trade school and has graduated within the past two years. Requires, for any project developed or administered by the HHFDC under chapter 201, HRS, the HHFDC to set aside as a matter of preference an undetermined per cent of available units for state or county employees, when feasible. Requires HHFDC to determine the order of preferences and rank applicants accordingly, select applicants based on application date within the pool of similarly ranked applicants, and validate the preference status of applicants before occupancy of a unit. Authorizes HHFDC to adopt rules to establish additional eligibility criteria.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO INTOXICATING LIQUOR.

Allows direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees. Requires the liquor commission of each county to adopt rules and regulations.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO WAGES.

Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to issue an order of wage payment violation to employers in violation of the State's Wages and Hour Law. Establishes penalties, enforcement, and appeal procedures related to orders of payment violations. Amends the definition of "wage" under the State's Wage and Hour Law to clarify that it means compensation for labor or services rendered by an employee regardless of how it is calculated.

Henry J.C. AquinoDemocrat

RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Beginning 1/1/2026, requires kratom products to be registered with the Department of Health and imposes labeling requirements.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Requires all health insurers in the state, including Medicaid managed care programs, to cover annual mental health wellness examinations.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT.

Amends the definition of "employer" in state law that governs payment of wages and other compensation to include the State and counties when a provision in that law has no comparable provision in state law that governs public officers and employees.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO MINIMUM WAGE.

Beginning September 30, 2028, requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to annually calculate an adjusted minimum wage rate to within the nearest twenty-five cents using the Urban Hawaii Consumer Price index to take effect on January 1 of the following year unless the adjustment would result in a lower minimum wage rate.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO MEAL BREAKS.

Prohibits employers from requiring employees to work for more than five consecutive hours without a meal break unless otherwise provided in collective bargaining agreements. Establishes penalties.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO SEX TRAFFICKING.

Requires the Department of Education to offer training for teachers, educational officers, and school-based behavioral health specialists on sex trafficking prevention and response.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT.

Establishes a school capital improvement project modernization initiative in the School Facilities Authority to create a planning database for school facilities. Appropriates funds.

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat