Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish rules allowing the sale and distribution of fine mesh nets in the State to protect plants from invasive species. Requires DOA to establish a program to provide certain monofilament netting free of charge to the public to slow the growth and spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO ELECTIONS.

Imposes a fee on the total amount of independent expenditures made by a noncandidate committee during an election period. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO DEFAMATION.

Protects individuals who make claims of sexual misconduct from defamation lawsuits unless the claims were proven to be made with malice. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMUNITY LAND TRUSTS.

Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to establish a five-year community land trust equity pilot program to provide community land trusts with a line of credit to fund the acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of housing for low- to moderate-income households and report to the Legislature regarding the pilot program. Appropriates funds from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for the establishment of the pilot program. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO PRIVACY.

Prohibits the sale of geolocation information and internet browser information without consent. Prohibits the sale of data collected through eavesdropping or through an application operating in the background of a device that uses the device's microphone. Establishes exemptions for lawful investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies, customer proprietary network information, and certain telecommunication carriers. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.

Prohibits certain octopus aquaculture.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Prohibits the sale of tickets at higher price than the original price charged by the primary venue ticket provider for events held in the State. Repeals provisions relating to ticket brokers. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO CONTROLLED-ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for the development of a controlled-environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience's Magoon research and teaching site in Manoa, Oahu. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

Expands the protections established under Act 2, SLH 2023, to include gender-affirming health care services. Clarifies jurisdiction under the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act for cases involving children who obtain gender-affirming health care services. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO HATE CRIMES.

Defines "reported hate crime". Requires reporting of all possible reported hate crimes to appropriate authorities, including consistent documentation and analysis of such incidents. Requires law enforcement officers to receive annual training to identify, investigate, and document hate crimes and possible hate crimes. Requires the Attorney General to establish or update guidelines, protocols, and training materials for the reporting and investigation of hate crimes and possible hate crimes. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE PROCEEDS.

Requires mortgage servicers to comply with certain requirements regarding the disbursement of insurance proceeds for residential real estate that has been destroyed or damaged. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE PROTECTIONS.

Requires insurers offering homeowners insurance policies to comply with certain minimum requirements in cases of losses of owner-occupied residences due to a catastrophic disaster. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO MEDICAID.

Directs the Department of Human Services to adopt rules to expand Medicaid eligibility to all children in the State from birth to age 5 without regard to household income. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE OF LAST RESORT.

Establishes the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Program, which shall be established in and administered by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to ensure that residents in high-risk areas can purchase affordable and comprehensive property insurance coverage for their residential properties. Authorizes the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to issue revenue bonds in amounts authorized by the Legislature, in which case the Premium Stabilization Fund shall be established by the Director. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Establishes requirements for insurers relating to claims for additional living expenses under homeowners insurance policies, including situations where losses are incurred during a state of emergency. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Exempts from the state general excise tax the sales and gross proceeds from sales of construction rebuilding materials for residential and commercial properties in federally declared disaster areas. Applies only to rebuilding materials purchased between 7/1/2025 and 12/31/2028. Requires a third party to issue the certification for projects qualifying for the exemption for disaster construction rebuilding materials. Sunsets on 12/31/2028. Effective 1/1/2026. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Requires, no later than 1/1/2028, the Department of Transportation to adopt rules governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Prohibits a person from operating a moped or electric motorcycle in certain areas designated for bicycles. Renames the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program to the Electric Mobility Device Rebate Program. Expands eligibility for the rebate program and amends the maximum rebate amounts. Reduces the deadline to submit an application to six months from the date of purchase. Requires applicants who are enrolled in a school, community college, or university to demonstrate a financial need to be eligible for an additional assistance rebate. Exempts certain class 3 electric bicycles from registration requirements. Establishes a cap for the Electric Mobility Device subaccount and requirements for transferring funds into the subaccount. Amends the age requirement for required helmet use from 16 to 18 years of age. Prohibits a person under the age of fifteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Establishes rules for electric bicycle operation. Allows use of electric bicycles on public sidewalks, subject to certain conditions. Prohibits individuals under 18 years of age from operating an electric motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Changes the term "motor scooter" to "motor-driven vehicle". Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

Amends the membership of the Hawaii Community Development Authority to include the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the Chairperson's designee.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.

Part I: Renames the Department of Agriculture to the "Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity". Renames the Board of Agriculture to the "Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity" and amends the composition of the Board. Part II: Establishes and appropriates funds for a Deputy Director of Biosecurity. Part III: Changes references to the plant and animal declaration form to the "biosecurity form". Part IV: Authorizes and specifies conditions under which the Department may declare a biosecurity emergency, during which the Department and Governor may take certain actions to prevent the establishment or spread of pests and prohibited or restricted organisms. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Board to quarantine an area under certain conditions. Broadens the objectives and general actions of the Biosecurity Program. Part V: Requires the Department to establish and regularly update an invasive species dashboard. Authorizes pest management plans to address, contain, or eradicate pests. Part VI: Appropriates funds for positions for the Department. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

RELATING TO VEGETATION MANAGEMENT NEAR UTILITY LINES.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to create and annually update a wildfire hazard map. Requires private and public property owners to trim grasses within certain proximities of public rights of way and utility lines, enforced by the State Fire Marshal as to State-owned land and the applicable county fire department as to privately owned land. Authorizes electric utility companies to enter private or public property to trim or remove hazardous vegetation. Appropriates funds. Effective 6/1/2050. (SD2)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES.

Prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle with, possession, purchase, installation, sale, offer for sale, or distribution of license plate flipping devices. Establishes a $2,000 fine for each separate violation. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT.

Requires the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Transportation to develop a plan for a Comprehensive Transportation Demand Management Program to reduce vehicle emissions and miles traveled by single-occupancy vehicles. Establishes two permanent full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) co-administrator positions, one in the Department of Accounting and General Services and one in the Department of Transportation. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2491. (SD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE.

Requires that the Hawaiian version of a law be held binding if the law in question was originally drafted in Hawaiian and meets certain criteria. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS.

Allows an activity or operation that is permitted or authorized under the ocean recreation and coastal areas program chapter and renewed within twelve months preceding the initiation of proceedings to determine whether the activity or operation is subject to environmental review, to continue operation for one year while the appropriate agency makes the determination and conducts any necessary environmental review. Allows a person with oversight of the activity or operation to renew the appropriate permits while under the environmental review process. Sunsets 6/30/2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO DIGITAL EQUITY.

Establishes and appropriates funds for a digital navigator pilot program to offer technical assistance with computers and electronic devices for the members of the public Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Henry J.C. AquinoDemocrat

RELATING TO MEDICAL DEBT.

Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience to conduct a study on the cost and feasibility of establishing a program to acquire and forgive medical debt owed by certain households in the State. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 12/31/2050. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Establishes a two-year Mental Health Emerging Therapies Pilot Program within the Office of Wellness and Resilience. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO YOUTH FEES AND FINES.

Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act. Limits court-ordered community service for a minor to no more than seventy-two hours. Repeals certain penalties imposed on parents, guardians, or other persons associated with unaccompanied children in streets and unmarried minors in dance halls. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY.

Requires employers in the food service industry to allow their employees an unpaid rest period of 30 consecutive minutes for a certain number of consecutive hours of working time. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

Prohibits foreign nationals, foreign corporations, and foreign-influenced business entities from making contributions, expenditures, electioneering communications, or donations for election purposes. Requires every for-profit business entity that contributes or expends funds in a state election to certify that the entity was not a foreign corporation or foreign-influenced business entity when the contribution or expenditure was made. 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 nationals, foreign corporations, or foreign-influenced business entities. Exempts entities engaged in transporting cargo and subject to section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO ANIMAL ENDANGERMENT.

Allows animal control officers, law enforcement officers, and firefighters to enter an unattended vehicle to protect the health, safety, or well-being of a pet animal that is endangered by being left or confined in an unattended vehicle. Allows private citizens to retrieve a pet animal that has been left in an unattended vehicle, under certain circumstances. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires self-service stations to put Public Utilities Commission-approved labels on gas dispensing equipment to advise consumers on the effects of fossil fuel consumption to human health and the environment.

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO CULTURE AND ARTS.

Establishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program to honor individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to Hawaii and serve as inspirations to others. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for the purchase of a land parcel in Kau for agricultural development. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review of proposed state projects and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants under certain circumstances. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to publish a draft of its proposed rules and later present its proposed final rules to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 7/1/2032. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE CENTER FOR NURSING TO COMPILE A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF RECOMMENDED SAFE PATIENT STAFFING RATIOS FOR ALL NURSING SPECIALTIES AND SUBSPECIALITIES ACROSS ALL HEALTH CARE SETTINGS, AND TO MAINTAIN A REPOSITORY FOR THIS INFORMATION.

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

ENDORSING WAIKIKI AS A WORLD SURFING RESERVE.

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

NOMINATING JOHN D. WAIHEʻE III FOR INDUCTION INTO THE ALOHA ORDER OF MERIT.

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

REQUESTING THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO RECOMMEND TO THE GOVERNOR, FOR INCLUSION IN THE STATE UNIFIED PLAN, A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE WORKFORCE STRATEGY TO ENSURE THAT ALL PEOPLE OF THE STATE HAVE A PATHWAY TO A CAREER THAT ENABLES THEM TO LEARN, WORK, AND THRIVE IN THE STATE AND CONTRIBUTE TO A VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMY GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY VALUES BY 2045.

Mike LeeDemocrat

AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND INSTALL SHADE TREES IN URBAN AREAS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS ACROSS THE STATE.

Lisa MartenDemocrat

ENCOURAGING THE STATE TO EXAMINE REQUIRING AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS IN ALL STATE-OWNED BUILDINGS AND PURSUE EXISTING AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR PROGRAMS.

Trish La ChicaDemocrat

SUPPORTING THE USE OF THE DWELLING UNIT REVOLVING FUND TO FUND PREDEVELOPMENT COSTS FOR ANY GOVERNMENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT THROUGH INTERIM LOANS TO EXPEDITE THE DELIVERY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO HAWAII'S RESIDENTS.

Luke A. EvslinDemocrat

REQUESTING THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL TO DEVELOP AND ADOPT BASIC SHELTER STANDARDS TO ENABLE LOW-COST, RAPID-DEPLOYMENT HOUSING SOLUTIONS.

Luke A. EvslinDemocrat

REQUESTING THE PLANNING OR PLANNING AND PERMITTING DEPARTMENT OF EACH COUNTY TO ESTABLISH KUPUNA-FRIENDLY BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR PARKING ACCESSIBILITY AND PRIVATE BUSINESSES OPERATING HOURS.

Cory M. ChunDemocrat

URGING THE COUNTIES TO ACT ON ANY BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION FOR MODIFICATION OF A RESIDENCE THAT IS PRESCRIBED BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND FOUND BY THE COUNTY TO BE ESSENTIAL TO THE SAFETY OR HEALTH OF AN OLDER ADULT OR PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WITHIN FORTY-FIVE DAYS OF RECEIPT OF A COMPLETE APPLICATION.

Cory M. ChunDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CORRECT, UPDATE, AND COMPLETE ITS ADMINISTRATIVE RULES GOVERNING THE DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAM AS RECOMMENDED BY THE AUDITOR'S REPORT NO. 25‑06.

Tyson K. MiyakeDemocrat

URGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO ESTABLISH A MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION TASK FORCE.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO COORDINATE THE TRANSFER OF SMALL BOAT HARBORS BACK TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND TO ESTABLISH A MANAGEMENT TEAM TO DEVELOP TRANSITION PLANS.

Tyson K. MiyakeDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD TO STUDY THE HEALTH CARE SETTING COMMUNICATION NEEDS OF, AND DEVELOP GUIDELINES FOR, INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF, HARD OF HEARING, OR DEAF-BLIND.

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat