Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO MEAT PROCESSING.

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop and implement a grant program to expand the meat processing capacity in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Greggor IlaganDemocrat

RELATING TO DEFERRED RETIREMENT FOR POLICE.

Establishes a deferred retirement option program to allow qualified officers who are eligible for retirement to continue working.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO RESILIENCY.

Establishes the Food and Beverage Supply Chain Resiliency Income Tax Credit to be administered by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Department of Taxation. Requires DBEDT to establish expedited permitting processes for food and beverage supply chain activities. Applicable to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

Authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt by rule, any federal rule or regulation relating to the public lands of the State as it existed on 1/1/2025 that it deems are in the public interest.

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER SYSTEMS.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to acquire all West Maui water systems by eminent domain and hold the water systems in trust for the County of Maui to manage.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO FIRE PREVENTION.

Establishes the Community Fuels Reduction Project to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Linda IchiyamaDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Requires eligible applicants of the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to be either governmental agencies or organizations that are required to use all financial surplus, excluding fees, to develop additional housing in the State. (SD1)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER CERTIFICATION SUBSIDY PILOT PROGRAM.

Establishes a one-year School Bus Driver Certification Subsidy Pilot Program within the Department of Education for the 20252026 school year. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates fund.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN BUSINESS MARKETING.

Appropriates funds for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to convene a working group regarding program design, implementation, and long-term viability of a Native Hawaiian Marketing Program to promote and support the success of businesses owned by Hawaiians through marketing and technical assistance. Effective 7/1/3000.

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO WORKFORCE HOUSING.

Establishes the Workforce Housing Regulatory Sandbox Program within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Establishes an advisory council within the Workforce Housing Regulatory Sandbox Program to advise on environmental and cultural practices within specific developments. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals 6/30/2030. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Luke A. EvslinDemocrat

RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.

Accelerates the deadlines for the required upgrades, conversions, or connections of priority level 1 and priority level 2 cesspools to 2035 and 2040, respectively. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR.

Requires a manufacturer of model year 2022 or later motor vehicles that utilize telematics systems to equip the vehicles with an inter-operable, standardized, and open-access platform across all of the manufacturer's makes and models. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to establish a motor vehicle telematics system notice. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EXPLORATION.

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a statewide environmental assessment for, and subsequently administer, a Geothermal Resources Characterization Program under the direction of the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii. Appropriates funds.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Requires the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to construct, establish, and operate a disease and 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 TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT.

Requires the Department of Human Resources Development, in collaboration with various state and county agencies, to establish a Transportation Demand Management Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO ENCAMPMENTS.

Prohibits the erection, placement, construction, or maintenance of an encampment within one hundred feet from the property line of a pre-K-12 public or private school or school facility on public or private property. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mike LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO PROPERTY.

Imposes an increased penalty upon any person who trespasses upon certain state or county lands when the person trespasses again by returning, within 30 days after the initial offense, to the same land at which the person committed the initial offense.

Samantha DeCorteRepublican

RELATING TO INTOXICATING LIQUOR.

Establishes when unannounced visits and inspections may be conducted. Repeals a category for dispenser licenses in which employees sit with patrons. Clarifies the investigator's and police officer's authority to enter a liquor premises if they are denied admittance.

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

RELATING TO DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER RECYCLING.

Allows the Department of Health to use money in the Deposit Beverage Container Deposit Special Fund to deploy reverse vending machines. Repeals certain exemptions for beverage dealers from the requirement to operate redemption centers. Allows for the establishment of regional centers for the redemption of refillable beverage containers but not as substitutes for dealers' means to receive deposit beverage containers. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO HIGHWAYS.

Authorizes the counties to sell or dispose of property bordering the ocean when the Department of Transportation requests the acquisition of the property for state highway purposes. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO VEHICLE TITLES.

Reduces the period in which a transferee is required to forward the certificate of ownership to the director of finance when a title of vehicle is transferred from thirty days to fourteen days. Allows a letter of attestation to the Director of Finance to act as an endorsed certificate for motor vehicle transfer.

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATING TO VESSELS IN STATE COMMERCIAL HARBORS.

Clarifies and expands the exemptions of certain vessels from the requirements for the securing of mooring lines in state commercial harbors. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO ENERGY FINANCING.

Authorizes the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund to be used to provide financial assistance to underserved ratepayers, in addition to other eligible borrowers. Appropriates funds into and out of the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund. (SD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE.

Restricts civil asset forfeiture to cases involving the commission of a felony offense where the property owner has been convicted of an underlying felony offense. Directs forfeiture proceeds to the general fund. Amends the allowable expenses for moneys in the Criminal Forfeiture Fund. Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purpose of the Hawaii Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Amends the deadline for the Attorney General to report to the Legislature on the use of the Hawaii Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Limits the transfer of certain forfeiture property to federal agencies. Establishes records requirements.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO HURRICANE RESISTANT CRITERIA.

Requires the State to consider hurricane resistant criteria when designing and constructing new state buildings, constructed on or after 7/1/2025, for the capability of providing shelter refuge.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO THE STATE PARKS SPECIAL FUND.

Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to expend the moneys from the State Parks Special Fund for programs aimed at environmental protection.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS ON DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES LANDS.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the removal of homeless encampments on state lands under the Department's control. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

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 THE DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER PROGRAM.

Increases the deposit and refund value for beverage containers from 5 cents to 10 cents under the deposit beverage container program.

AQUINO

RELATING TO COMPENSATION FOR COURT-APPOINTED REPRESENTATION.

Increases the rate of compensation and maximum allowable amounts per case for court-appointed counsel and guardians ad litem in family court proceedings.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO SERVICE ANIMALS.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to be responsible for all neighbor island inspection permit fees for service animals that are located in the State and are being transported for release at Kona, Kahului, or Lihue airports. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

Makes critical infrastructure information received or maintained by the Office of Homeland Security confidential, except in certain circumstances. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO CHILD CARE.

Requires the Judiciary to establish a three-year pilot program to provide free child care services to minor children of parties and witnesses who are attending court hearings in the first circuit. Requires the Judiciary to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE GAS TARIFF.

Requires gas utilities to file a proposed initial renewable gas tariff or tariffs with the Public Utilities Commission by August 31, 2025. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to approve or modify a renewable gas tariff within six months of receiving a proposed renewable gas tariff. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.

Establishes a Universal Representation in Immigration Proceedings Program within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Office of Community Services to provide access to legal representation, under certain conditions. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

AQUINO

RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.

Requires that any procurement change order that increases the contract cost by more than fifty per cent or substantially increases the scope of work be considered a new contract for procurement purposes.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS.

Requires the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to make all business registration applications available online. Requires all applications to contain certain contact information.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE.

Increases the fines for violating motor vehicle insurance requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO IMMIGRATION DETENTION FACILITIES.

Prohibits the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Board of Land and Natural Resources from disposing of or approving the use or setting aside of public lands for the establishment of any immigration detention facility. Prohibits state and county agencies from contracting with the federal government or processing any permit for this purpose.

Greggor IlaganDemocrat

RELATING TO THE SCHOOL FACILITIES AUTHORITY.

Clarifies that the School Facilities Authority is responsible for certain development, planning, and construction projects for prekindergarten, preschool, and child care facilities, as well as workforce housing. Allows the School Facilities Authority to use the Department of Education for certain recruitment and hiring responsibilities. Allows the School Facilities Authority to partner with public and private development agencies to develop prekindergarten facilities. Exclude School Facilities Authority Board workgroups and subcommittees from the Sunshine Law, except as it relates to permitted interactions.

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a statewide environmental assessment for, and subsequently administer, a Slim-Hole Resource Characterization Program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Establishes the Kamaaina Homes Program to provide funding to the counties to purchase voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or homebuyers.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO VEHICLE SAFETY.

Creates additional fines for any individual found operating a vehicle or moped without a current certificate of inspection. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER.

Requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal screenings for certain persons. Requires coverage for all colorectal cancer screenings in the State to be consistent with the Affordable Care Act Implementation Frequently Asked Questions published by the United States Department of Labor, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Department of the Treasury. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Cory M. ChunDemocrat

RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Establishes the Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force within the Hawaii Community Development Authority to update the Affordable Rental Housing Report and Ten-Year Plan maps, tier tables, and inventories of state lands suitable and available for affordable housing development. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Appropriates funds to establish grant specialist positions within the Department of Agriculture. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat