Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.

Establishes factors under which officers may arrest and detain persons without a warrant for petty misdemeanors and violations, and requires officers to document the justification for the arrests. Amends the circumstances under which officers may issue citations in lieu of arrest. Requires officers to issue citations in lieu of arrest for certain petty misdemeanors and violations, unless public safety or flight risks are present or the alleged offense involves operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or the abuse of family or household members. Requires the Judiciary to promulgate a standardized citation form and updates the required information for citations. Requires the Criminal Justice Research Institute to submit reports. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO SENTENCING.

Limits the maximum term of imprisonment for misdemeanors, or for offenses punishable by up to or not exceeding one year, to three hundred sixty-four days. Allows individuals previously sentenced to a one-year term of imprisonment to apply to the court for a sentence modification to conform to the new limit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO PRETRIAL RELEASE.

Requires certain factors to be considered when determining a defendant's financial ability to afford bail.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO LIQUOR.

Requires an advertisement for liquor or alcohol to include a cancer-risk warning. Establishes guidelines for cancer-risk warnings included in advertisements for liquor or alcohol. Establishes penalties for an advertiser that fails to include a compliant cancer-risk warning in an advertisement for liquor or alcohol. Effective 1/1/2027.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO FIREARMS.

After 7/1/2026, prohibits firearms with the capacity to fire ammunition of fifty caliber or higher with exceptions.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO ELECTION WATCHERS.

Specifies that each qualified political party may have one election watcher. Allows the news media to act as election watchers. Allows the clerk to permit additional election watchers. Specifies conditions for election watchers while serving. Effective 8/9/2026.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.

Requires the submission and retention of environmental product declarations for state construction projects.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO BRIBERY.

Establishes the offense of failure to report bribery by a state elected official as a misdemeanor. Requires a state elected official who knows of or witnesses the conferring, offering, solicitation, or acceptance of a pecuniary benefit in violation of the bribery statute to report the conduct to the Department of the Attorney General, a county prosecuting attorney, a law enforcement agency, the State Ethics Commission, or a county ethics board within sixty days. Defines "state elected official". Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO TAX HAVEN ABUSE.

Effective 1/1/2028, requires corporations to include in their income the income of all foreign subsidiaries to the State; applies the State's apportionment formula to determine the share of reported profits subject to the appropriate tax, which shall be deposited into the state general fund; and requires corporations to report all profits, losses, revenues, and inter-company transactions made and all taxes paid in other states. Establishes penalties for violations. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO LICENSURE.

Authorizes the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to issue a temporary license to engage in the practice of dealing and fitting of hearing aids to high school students enrolled in a structured training program.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO FARM EMPLOYEE HOUSING.

Authorizes farm cluster housing on certain agricultural land within agricultural districts. Requires the counties adopt ordinances to allow farm cluster housing.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Exempts agricultural inputs from the general excise tax. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO DOG ATTACKS.

Clarifies owner liability and increases penalties and enforcement mechanisms for dog attacks on livestock.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO BUILDING PERMITS.

Exempts certain agricultural buildings, structures, and appurtenances from building codes and permitting requirements.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO DUE PROCESS.

Requires state agencies to provide an affected person with written notice containing certain information before taking final administrative actions that materially and adversely affect the person's protected liberty or property interest. Prohibits a state agency from implementing a final adverse action until the completion of any timely requested contested case proceeding unless the state agency makes certain written findings. Requires state agencies to take certain steps to ensure impartial decision-making. Requires each state agency to submit an annual report to the Legislature and make the report available on the agency's website. Requires a claim against the State for a violation of a procedural due process requirement to be satisfied from the operating budget of the state agency whose action or omission gave rise to the violation and not from the general fund. Clarifies that reporting of due process rights violations is protected under the State's Whistleblowers' Protection Act.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO NON-AGRICULTURAL PARK LEASES.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to extend the term by thirty years of any lease covering a non-agricultural park no greater than twenty-five acres and with fewer than fifteen years remaining in the term.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes an income tax credit for medically related travel expenses not covered by insurance. Sunsets 1/1/2031.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Exempts any agricultural enterprise practicing diversified agriculture on lands formerly used for commercial sugarcane production within the conservation district from any permitting and site plan approval requirements established for lands in a conservation district.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Repeals the sunset date of Act 45, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, thereby making permanent the authority of the counties to share in facilitating the development, construction, financing, refinancing, or other provision of mixed-use developments, including low- and moderate-income housing projects, and issue county bonds for this purpose.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO SENTENCING.

Amends repeat offender sentencing provisions to allow sentencing courts, under certain circumstances, to sentence defendants in class C felony cases to probation with appropriate terms and conditions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.

Increases the maximum term for leases of public lands to ninety-nine years. Prohibits commercial leases and government use agreements of public lands at rates below market rate, with exceptions.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.

Defines compounded prescription drugs for the purposes of the State's Workers' Compensation Law. Limits dispensing of prescription drugs by physician to 30 days after the industrial injury and requires all prescription drugs to be obtained through the employer's pharmacy benefit manager thereafter. Requires prescription drugs not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as compounds, to be identified as compounds when listed on the treatment plan and when billed, and be supported by a statement of medical necessity documenting the case of medical need for a compound drug over an FDA-approved over-the-counter or prescription drug of similar therapeutic effect. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)

Les Ihara Jr.Democrat

RELATING TO SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL.

Clarifies eligibility and improves accountability for the use of Safe Routes to School funds. Repeals the position of safe routes to school program coordinator. Repeals certain requirements for county programs.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires newly installed or modified individual wastewater systems that are near the shoreline or on highly porous soils to include denitrification capacity. Requires the Department of Health to provide appropriate reductions in requirements to leach fields and wastewater systems with denitrification capacity.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO CIVIC EDUCATION.

Establishes a Civic Education Grant Program to provide support to public middle and intermediate schools in providing civic education to students through department approved programming. Establishes a Civic Education Trust Fund. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Les Ihara Jr.Democrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM.

Requires the Board of Regents to grant a waiver on all tuition for qualifying native Hawaiian and Hawaiian students enrolled within the University of Hawaii System.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO CONSERVATION ENFORCEMENT.

Appropriates funds for equipment for the Hawaii Island Branch of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO DIGITAL ASSET CHARTERS.

Establishes within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of Financial Institutions, beginning 1/1/2027, a digital asset charter program for licensing, regulating, and overseeing digital asset companies and digital asset business activities. Authorizes companies that participated in the Hawaii Digital Currency Innovation Lab to temporarily continue digital asset business activities without a charter in certain circumstances. Appropriates moneys from the compliance resolution fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND DISPOSITIONS.

Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to consult with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs before approving a long-term lease of public lands to another government, governmental agency, utility, or renewable energy developer. Prohibits the Board from extending leases allowing the live-fire training and bombing of public lands, except for a one-time extension of up to five years to phase out existing leases allowing the live‑fire training and bombing of public lands. Excludes lands set aside to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands or lands designated for return to the State from the one-time extension.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND DISPOSITIONS.

Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to extend the term of all leases of public lands to the United States Military that expire in 2028, 2029, 2030, or 2031 for a period of five years to allow the Military additional time to complete and submit an environmental impact statement for the leased public lands.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

Clarifies that the importation of any item or material infested or infected with an insect or other animal, disease, or pest is prohibited. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to adopt rules to designate certain restricted articles to require a compliance agreement prior to importation. Clarifies that the State is not responsible for any economic loss or damages related to any actions by the Department under chapter 150A, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Authorizes the Department to administratively inspect any article imported or moved into the State from the continental United States or between the islands of the State. Authorizes the Department to compel the quarantine of certain non-agricultural items or materials. Allows for certain interim rules adopted by the Department to be effective for up to two years. Clarifies penalties for various quarantine and import law violations. Appropriates funds to establish one full-time equivalent position within the Department to assist the Plant Industry Division Administrator in drafting, reviewing, and updating certain administrative rules. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO SOCIAL MEDIA.

Requires a digital application store provider to verify the age of users, require parental consent for users under sixteen years of age to download or purchase, or make a purchase on, a social media platform, and distribute that information to social media platforms. Requires social media platforms to obtain the age information from digital application store providers, determine whether parental consent has been provided for young persons, and take reasonable steps to identify young person users through their algorithms. Effective 1/1/2077. (HD2)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO BAIL.

Allows a court to consider relevant evidence and make a determination to grant, deny, or set conditions of bail. Requires that a defendant is to be presumed entitled to bail unless certain conditions are met. Requires a court to set aside the forfeiture of bail if the defendant voluntarily appears before the court or is surrendered by the surety or bail agent within ninety days after a failure to appear. Requires a court to obtain the consent of the surety or bail agent to reinstate bail. Clarifies qualifications for bail agents, insurers, and sureties. Clarifies the process for the discharge of bail agents, insurers, and sureties. Allows a court discretion to determine whether the forfeiture of bail is appropriate. Requires a motion by the principal to set aside an order of forfeiture to provide the surety or insurer with prompt notice affording opportunity to join the motion. Allows courts discretion to reinstate a bond or recognizance or return the bond or recognizance to the appropriate party after vacating a judgment of forfeiture.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO STAFFING STANDARDS AT HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.

Requires each hospital to establish a Hospital Registered Nurse Staffing Committee by 9/1/2026. Requires the Staffing Committee to adopt and file a Staffing Committee Charter with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations by 1/1/2027. Requires the Department to develop a Hospital Registered Nurse Staffing Plan Form by 1/1/2027. Requires each Staffing Committee to adopt and file a Staffing Plan, including minimum registered nurse staffing standards, with the Department by 7/1/2027, and annually thereafter. Requires hospitals to implement their Staffing Plan by 7/1/2027, and post the Staffing Plan and staffing schedules in publicly accessible areas. Requires Staffing Committees to receive, review, evaluate, and respond to reports and complaints regarding deviations from the Staffing Plan. Establishes a variance process allowing hospitals to temporarily deviate from their minimum registered nurse staffing standards. Establishes an enforcement framework to be administered by the Department, including review of Staffing Plans, complaint investigations, administrative appeals, and civil penalties for violations. Prohibits retaliation against certain persons who report staffing concerns or participate in enforcement proceedings. Increases the membership of the Center for Nursing Advisory Board to include three elected officers or governing board members of a labor organization representing registered nurses in the State. Requires the Center for Nursing to develop and maintain an online dashboard of staffing standards recommended by certain professional specialty organizations. Requires the Department to adopt rules. Appropriates funds.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Clarifies that condominium associations may apply any payment from or on behalf of an owner to amounts due by the owner under a money judgment in favor of the condominium association.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Clarifies that condominium associations that have obtained title to a unit through foreclosure may retain rental income received prior to the appointment of a commissioner in a subsequent foreclosure, but the association may be required by a court to remit rental income received after the appointment of a commissioner to be held until an order of distribution is entered by the court. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES II, III, AND XVII OF THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE THE ELECTORATE WITH THE POWER OF INITIATIVE.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to provide the state electorate with the power to propose statutory and constitutional amendments by initiative and to approve or reject those amendments by ballot, as provided by law.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO INITIATIVE POWER BY THE PEOPLE.

Establishes provisions allowing registered voters to propose statutory and constitutional amendments by initiative and to approve or reject those amendments by ballot, as provided by law. Clarifies requirements and procedures for the initiative petition, the initiative measure, and the ballot containing the initiative measure. Requires the Attorney General to review all initiative petitions for validity and to provide a summary and explanation for each initiative measure in the digital voter information guide. Requires the Chief Election Officer to certify every Attorney General-approved initiative petition for sufficient number of valid signatures. Clarifies conflicts between initiative measures and contrary or similar bills. Requires the Office of Elections to adopt rules. Takes effect upon ratification of a constitutional amendment authorizing the electorate to propose ballot initiatives and to approve or reject them as provided by law.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

Establishes restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence, algorithms, or other software tools for purposes of decision-making in health insurance utilization reviews. Requires a licensed health care provider to review all adverse actions by the health carrier.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO LANDFILL UNITS.

Beginning 7/1/2026, prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of a landfill unit, or any component of a landfill unit, within the no-pass zone in a county with a population greater than five hundred thousand, with certain exemptions.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO CESSPOOL CONVERSIONS.

Establishes and appropriates funds for a cesspool conversion loan special fund, to be administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, to provide low-interest loans to eligible homeowners for the upgrade, conversion, or connection of cesspools.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO LICENSING.

Removes the barrier requiring applicants for professional or vocational licensing to be United States citizens, United States nationals, or persons with work visas. Allows applicants to provide individual tax identification numbers in lieu of social security numbers if all other requirements are met.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

By January 1, 2027, requires each law enforcement agency operating in the State to maintain a publicly available policy on the visible identification of law enforcement officers. Adds law enforcement officers to covered public servants who may request any government agency, person, or organization to not make publicly available on the Internet certain covered personal information.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO HOTELS.

Requires hotelkeepers to provide adequate notice of service disruptions to third-party vendors and prospective and current guests under certain conditions. Prohibits hotelkeepers from imposing any fee, penalty, or other charge and from retaining any deposit of a guest who cancels a reservation if a service disruption is likely to exist during the period of the reservation. Requires any hotelkeeper that violates or causes another person to violate this Act to forfeit to the injured party three times the amount of the sum charged in excess of what the hotelkeeper is entitled to.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

By January 1, 2027, requires each law enforcement agency operating in the State to maintain a publicly available policy on the visible identification of law enforcement officers. Requires all law enforcement officers in the State to visibly display identification including certain information while performing enforcement duties. Exempts officers performing undercover duties from the visible display of identification requirements.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Prohibits law enforcement agencies from possessing or acquiring military equipment obtained through the United States Department of Defense Law Enforcement Support Office.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Prohibits a law enforcement officer and law enforcement agency from making certain requests for assistance from federal law enforcement agencies with exceptions. Establishes requirements and limitations for law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with federal law enforcement agencies.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat