Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Rachele LamosaoDemocrat

RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS.

Establishes a Language Access Education and Workforce Development Program at the University of Hawaii. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Rachele LamosaoDemocrat

RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Requires the Department of Human Services to adjust the minimum certification periods for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits households, participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project, and report to the Legislature. Implementation effective 7/1/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO CONSERVATION.

Establishes the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to protect and expand populations of endangered species and other native wildlife in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO CURRENCY.

Authorizes cash transactions to be rounded up or down to the nearest five cents, except for cash transactions that total $0.01 or $0.02, which are to be rounded up to $0.05. Exempts transactions in which payment is made by demand or negotiable instrument, electronic fund transfer, check, gift card, money order, credit card, or other like instrument or method. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires that the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board submit three nominees for its Executive Director to the Board of Education. Requires the Board of Education to appoint an Executive Director from the nominees on the list, subject to advice and consent of the Senate. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

Affirms student-athletes' rights to engage in name, image, and likeness activities for compensation. Requires the University of Hawaii to adopt policies governing institutional name, image, and likeness agreements and other aspects of name, image, and likeness activity consistent with federal law, rules by an intercollegiate athletics governing body such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and Title IX. Requires the University to provide independent advisors to student-athletes. Establishes certain transparency and accountability requirements in the administration of institutional name, image, and likeness activities. Provides protections and educational support for student-athletes who enter into name, image, and likeness agreements. Sunsets 6/30/2030. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

Requires the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2050. (HD1)

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATING TO THE FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK.

Requires the Food and Product Innovation Network to integrate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework. Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to establish key performance indicators for the Food and Product Innovation Network, develop a market access strategy, align and harmonize state branding initiatives, and report certain data to the Legislature. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate or adapt enterprise zone incentives in all counties to better support the Food and Product Innovation Network. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO MEDICAID.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to increase funding for certain Medicaid home- and community-based services, including residential services offered in community care foster family homes and expanded adult residential care homes. Requires the Department to obtain matching federal funds and to pursue additional funding sources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENTS.

Requires the Department of Education to establish an updated plan for maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for administrative and support services provided to students with special needs. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

CONVENING A WORKING GROUP TO ESTABLISH A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE TO SUPPORT SANCTUARIES AND OTHER CONSERVATION-RELATED INITIATIVES FOR ENDANGERED AND OTHER SPECIES.

Chris LeeDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING STATE-OWNED OR STATE-CONTROLLED WAREHOUSE AND LOGISTICS FACILITIES NEAR PORTS, HARBORS, AND AIRPORTS TO REDUCE MATERIAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PUBLICLY FINANCED HOUSING PROJECTS.

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO JOINTLY DEVELOP A FARMER-TO-INSTITUTION COORDINATION PLAN THAT IS ALIGNED WITH THE AINA KITCHEN NETWORK ROLLOUT.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ASSESS THE SERVICES AND FUNDING NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF COMPLEX PATIENTS WHO HAVE TWO OR MORE DIAGNOSES THAT INCLUDE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS, MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS, OR CHRONIC PHYSICAL ILLNESSES.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

URGING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS TO ADOPT SHARED GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE PLANNING, FINANCING, AND UNDERTAKING OF EFFORTS FOR THE RESTORATION, IMPROVEMENT, AND MAINTENANCE OF THE BEACHES, SHORELINE, AND COASTAL AREAS OF WAIKIKI.

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONVENE A SHARED DECISION MAKING COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN TO ESTABLISH A K-12 KAIAPUNI SCHOOL IN KAPOLEI.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO MAKE CERTAIN JUDGMENTS, CONSIDERATIONS, AND DECISIONS WHEN MAKING ANY DETERMINATION RELATING TO A GENERATIONAL ENERGY COMMITMENT FOR THE STATE.

Chris LeeDemocrat

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS ON THE BEST PATHS TO MAXIMIZE COST REDUCTION AND MINIMIZE FINANCIAL RISK TO HAWAII RESIDENTS WHILE MEETING STATE GOALS.

Chris LeeDemocrat

CONVENING A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS EVENT TICKET SCALPING IN HAWAII.

Chris LeeDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO COLLABORATE WITH STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

ESTABLISHING THE HAWAII HEALTH PLAN WORKING GROUP TO DESIGN AND RECOMMEND A BASIC, AFFORDABLE HAWAII HEALTH PLAN AVAILABLE TO EVERY RESIDENT OF THE STATE.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

URGING THE DIVISION OF BOATING AND OCEAN RECREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP A PROGRESSIVE ENFORCEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS IN PARKING LOTS UNDER ITS JURISDICTION; ENSURE PROPER USE OF PARKING AREAS BY INTENDED USERS; AND IMPROVE THE PREVALENCE AND CLARITY OF SIGNAGE REGARDING PARKING REGULATIONS, FEES, AND PENALTIES.

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO STRENGTHEN MENSTRUAL HEALTH EDUCATION INITIATIVES AND TO ADOPT A COMPREHENSIVE MENSTRUAL CYCLE CURRICULUM.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.

Requires DOH to submit a reorganization plan to the Legislature to consolidate the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions with the Homeless Programs Office under a single centralized entity. Specifies the contents of the reorganization plan and the dates by which the draft and final plan and timeline for reorganization must be submitted to the Legislature. Requires the consolidated entity to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriate funds. Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for the Kauhale Initiative and related capital improvement projects. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

RELATING TO THE BUDGET.

Establishes the Defeasement Trust Fund within the Department of Budget and Finance for the defeasement of tax-exempt bonds to allow private use of state facilities financed by tax-exempt bonds. Requires the Department to consult with bond counsel before defeasement. Appropriates moneys in and out of the Defeasement Trust Fund for defeasement of certain tax-exempt bonds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

RELATING TO DEAF INDIVIDUALS.

Authorizes deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that a deafness designation appears when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS.

Requires the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to adopt rules on digital accessibility for places of public accommodations that are consistent with certain federal regulations. Specifies that a violation of the rules is an unlawful discriminatory practice. Establishes it as an unlawful discriminatory practice for a place of public accommodation to deny a person with a disability full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations, or information related thereto, by requiring the use of information and communication technology that is not accessible to the person with a disability. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF WELLNESS AND RESILIENCE.

Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to develop a comprehensive plan by 6/30/2027 for the establishment of a Kakou Pilot Program to support families and children in need. Requires the Office to submit preliminary and final reports to the Legislature on the plan and identify an administering agency or agencies for the pilot program. Authorizes the administering agency or agencies to expend Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program funds for the purposes of the Kakou Pilot Program if the Legislature authorizes the establishment of the pilot program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO KUPUNA HOUSING.

Repeals the sunset date for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna. Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna and for positions to support the program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a one-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program. Authorizes the Pilot Program to be conducted for fifth graders at Kalihi public elementary schools to be integrated into existing curricula. Requires a report to the legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

RELATING TO FERAL CHICKENS.

Appropriates funds to each county to facilitate the receipt, handling, and humane disposition of feral chickens that have already been caught. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Rachele LamosaoDemocrat

RELATING TO MARINE AFFAIRS.

Declares that the State is an ocean cluster. Establishes the Office of Marine Affairs and Marine Affairs Governing Board within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Establishes and appropriates funds for the Marine Affairs Coordinator position. Repeals the powers and duties of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism over marine affairs. Transfers the employees and functions of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs to the Office of Marine Affairs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER.

Appropriates funds to the Office of the Public Defender for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) Deputy Public Defender III position. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE FUNDS.

Transfers to the general fund the excess balances of various non-general funds and programs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Requires homeowners insurance policies to permit an insured who sustains a total loss from a peril for which a state of emergency was declared to (1) apply additional living expenses benefits toward the lease of a housing unit to serve as the insured's temporary primary residence; (2) pay an advance of at least four months of additional living expenses benefits; and (3) provide additional living expenses benefits for a minimum of twenty-four months, subject to policy limits. Provides for extensions of additional living expenses benefits under certain conditions. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO PROPERTY INSURANCE.

Requires homeowners insurance producers to notify policyholders that they may submit information regarding improvements made to the insured residential property, which shall then be submitted to the homeowners insurer. Requires homeowners insurers to reevaluate the replacement cost estimate based on the information submitted by a policyholder, and offer the policyholder the option to purchase additional coverage to cover the full amount of the replacement cost estimate. Establishes an administrative penalty. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO THE MAUI WILDFIRE EXPOSURE STUDY AND MAUI HEALTH REGISTRY.

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain services provided by the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO A CLEAN FUEL STANDARD.

Requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules by 1/1/2028 governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Requires reporting and public informational session requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Requires operators of conversational artificial intelligence services in the State to issue certain disclosures to account holders and users. Requires operators to develop protocols to prevent the production of suicidal ideations in account holders and users. Establishes protections for account holders and users of conversational artificial intelligence services. Establishes protections for minor account holders and users of conversational artificial intelligence services. Beginning 1/1/2028, requires operators to submit annual reports to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs containing certain information. Allows the Department of the Attorney General and Office of Consumer Protection to bring a civil action against operators who violate certain requirements. Establishes that violations are to be considered unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO CULTURE AND ARTS.

Establishes the Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for administrative purposes only. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for an Executive Director position and Specialist position within the Office of Community Culture and Innovation. Establishes the Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO CULTURE AND ARTS.

Establishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program to honor individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to the State and serve as inspirations to others. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO MEDICAL DEBT.

Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop, implement, and administer a Medical Debt Acquisition and Forgiveness Program to acquire and forgive outstanding medical debt for residents of the State, subject to the availability of program funds. Requires a report to the Legislature before the Regular Session of 2027. Appropriates funds subject to a matching private funds requirement. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO PROPERTY CONVEYANCE.

Restructures the conveyance tax to a marginal rate system for the sale of properties with residential use, adjusts the tax for multifamily properties to reflect value on a per-unit basis, and applies a cost-of-living adjustment to conveyance tax rates. Establishes the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Subaccount within the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Allocates a portion of conveyance tax collections to the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Subaccount and Hawaiian Home Lands Infrastructure and Housing Special Fund. Establishes and appropriates funds out of the Hawaiian Home Lands Infrastructure and Housing Special Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

Requires a county with a population of no greater than three hundred thousand, in collaboration with the Hawaii Community Development Authority, to establish a Summer Streets Pilot Program that closes vehicular traffic and repurposes roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, and other community-driven activities. Requires the Hawaii Community Authority to select the county for the pilot program. Authorizes the county to consult with the Department of Health. Requires the county to submit an initial proposal to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires all health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations in the State, including Medicaid managed care programs, to cover the cost of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies under certain conditions. Allows the Departments of Health and Human Services to accept and expend funds from public and private sources to support the expansion of access to continuous glucose monitors. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PROCUREMENT.

Exempts from the Hawaii Public Procurement Code procurements by the Department of Education of any amount of local edible produce and packaged food products that do not cost more than five per cent of non-local alternatives. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RETENTION OF BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE.

Specifies the types of cases in which evidence must be retained post-conviction and the process by which evidence may be disposed of earlier than the standard period of retention, which includes a procedure for defendants to oppose the disposal of biological evidence by filing an objection with the court. Authorizes the court, upon motion of a defendant or prosecutor or on the court's own motion, to order the retention of biological evidence in any felony case for a certain period under certain circumstances. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT.

Clarifies that untaxed tobacco products are subject to forfeiture as contraband, without regard to the procedures set forth in Hawaii's asset forfeiture law in the same manner as untaxed cigarettes. Confirms the authority of the Department of Taxation and the Department of the Attorney General to inspect and seize tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. Amends the fine for corporations that unlawfully sell or purchase packages of cigarettes without stamps. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PROTECTIVE ORDERS.

Requires notification to the security forces of each branch of the military when a protective order is issued in a case involving a military-affiliated individual. Requires the Judiciary, Department of Law Enforcement, and county police departments to establish certain policies and procedures. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat