Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS.

Requires hourly rate or salary ranges to be disclosed on job listings for full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal employees. Removes the exemption for employers having fewer than fifty employees.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

Clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Clarifies and limits the suspension of laws and access to records during an emergency. Defines "catastrophic harm" and "severe weather warning". Amends the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency" under emergency management laws. Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and county councils to terminate a local state of emergency. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE VI, SECTION 3, OF THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO INCREASE THE MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE FOR STATE JUSTICES AND JUDGES.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory retirement age for justices and judges from seventy to seventy‑five years of age. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to convene a Bona Fide Farmer Working Group to develop multi-tiered, matrix-based definitions for the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity". Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to conduct a study of agricultural markets for Hawaii farmers. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for the one-year study of agricultural markets for Hawaii farmers. Appropriates funds to establish positions to collect agricultural data and conduct data analysis for public consumption. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO WASTEWATER SYSTEMS.

Increases the number of bedrooms an individual wastewater system may serve from five to six. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO LAND USE.

Permits film production on certain lands zoned for agricultural use under certain conditions, including obtaining land use special permits. Establishes the Agricultural Film Production Land Use Oversight Committee within the Creative Industries Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish film permit application requirements and processes, facilitate the issuance of special permits for film production on agricultural zoned parcels, and advise and make recommendations relating to the regulation of film productions on agricultural zoned lands. Requires DBEDT to adopt rules. Requires DBEDT to consult with state and county agencies to issue permits for film production within an agricultural district using the consolidated film permit process under certain circumstances. Includes temporary filming activities as a permissible conditional accessory use of lands within the agricultural district. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE.

Establishes the Search and Rescue Special Fund. 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. Requires an administrative appeal hearing for an individual subject to cost reimbursement to contest the assessment. 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 under certain circumstances. Imposes a fine on a person convicted of criminal trespass onto public parks and recreational grounds. Appropriates funds.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO VETERINARIANS.

Establishes the Veterinarian Workforce Development Special Fund. Establishes the Veterinarian Workforce Development Loan Repayment and Scholarship Program to support qualified veterinarians committed to or currently working in veterinary medicine in the State. Authorizes the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine to enter into agreements, including memoranda of understanding, with the University of Hawaii, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, and accredited out-of-state schools to increase the availability of accredited veterinary programs and licensure opportunities to residents of the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HALAULA AGRICULTURAL PARCEL.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for the purchase of the Halaula Agricultural Parcel for agricultural development.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO BEEKEEPING.

Clarifies the registration process for beekeepers with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to provide guidance and support to registered beekeepers to help beekeepers adhere to certain industry standards and best management practices. Establishes a limitation on liability for any registered beekeeper who follows industry standards and best practices. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO LAND USE.

Authorizes plant and animal sanctuaries with ancillary functions and related support and visitor facilities, rodeos, and rodeo activities on lands that are zoned for agricultural use. Requires the applicable department that owns, manages, controls, or leases the land used for rodeos or rodeo activities to adopt rules to restrict the scale of rodeo activities. Defines the terms "rodeo or rodeo activities" and "plant and animal sanctuaries". Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Authorizes large landowners to petition the Land Use Commission to allow the development of elderly housing on portions of agricultural lands.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

Standardizes annual independent financial audits for public charter schools. Authorizes sanctions for noncompliance with independent financial audits. Requires the Board of Education, the Public Charter School Authorizer, and Auditor to review the annual independent financial audits. Allows the Auditor to conduct its own financial audit if a public charter school is a high risk for insolvency. Requires for 2026-2027, the Auditor to conduct its own one-time financial audit of each charter school in addition to the annual independent financial audits and requires a report to the Legislature. Requires State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on Auditor's recommendations in the one-time financial audits. Appropriates moneys.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to incorporate into their assessment process the possession of dam liability insurance or the active seeking of dam liability insurance by private dam owners, as part of their valid mitigation measures, in conjunction with approved modifications or repairs. Prohibits the DLNR from classifying a dam as high hazard based only on its engineering risk assessment results. 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-hazard. Establishes additional requirements for the DLNR and Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding the Dam and Appurtenance Improvement or Removal Grant Program.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO MEDICAL DEBT.

Prohibits a health care provider or medical creditor from filing a civil lawsuit to collect medical debt from a patient whose household income is less than or equal to five hundred percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Prohibits a health care provider or medical creditor from engaging in certain debt collection practices. Prohibits a health care provider or medical creditor from selling medical debt. Prohibits a health care provider whose income exceeds a certain threshold from denying non-emergency medically necessary care to patients.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO NUISANCE.

Establishes liability for any individual who keeps, feeds, or harbors chickens, ungulates, or felids that cause damage to the private property of another individual. Requires the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to conduct a study to determine whether feral chickens should be classified as an invasive species.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII PATIENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ACT.

Revises the Hawaii Patients' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities Act by: (1) Establishing new provisions on telehealth parity, prior authorization timelines, and automated decision systems; (2) Enhancing medical data protection and privacy standards; (3) Expanding the insurance commissioner's enforcement authority; and (4) Improving network adequacy, internal and external appeals procedures, and reporting requirements.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Establishes the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Pilot Program. Requires the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and appropriate community organizations to develop and administer the program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Authorizes the Agribusiness Development Corporation to acquire by condemnation any real property or interest in real property, except public lands, under certain conditions. Prohibits any real property acquired by the Corporation by condemnation from subsequently being transferred or taken for any other public use without the Corporation's consent. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO THE NORTH KOHALA KYNNERSLY EAST SITE LAND PARCEL.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for the Agribusiness Development Corporation to purchase the North Kohala Kynnersly East Site Land Parcel for agricultural development. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER CARRIERS.

Transfers the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation. Makes conforming amendments. Appropriates funds.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO VEHICLES.

Allows an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle to drive in the evening and night if they are equipped with headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, and while displaying a slow moving vehicle emblem. Allows drivers of all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles to wear a safety helmet with a securely fastened chin strap, rather than require. 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. Includes "all-terrain vehicle" and "utility terrain vehicle" in the definition of "motor vehicle" under the State's motor vehicle insurance law. (SD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for full-arch dental implants that are medically necessary.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to quarantine any business or other area that is known or reasonably suspected to be infested or infected with any pest. Authorizes the Department to establish interim rules governing the transportation of any material into and within the State known to harbor or transport a high-impact invasive species or pest. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO DISPOSABLE ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES.

Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO RIGHT-OF-ENTRY PERMITS.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources establish, maintain, and update a public database of each right-of-entry area eligible for a right-of-entry permit. Requires DLNR to develop and publish on its website criteria for the addition of a right-of-entry area to the public database or the removal of a right-of-entry area from the public database. Requires DLNR to notify the public and seek public input before the addition of a right-of-entry area to the public database or the removal of a right-of-entry area from the public database. Authorizes DLNR to remove right-of-entry area from the database without advance public notice in the case of an emergency. Requires DLNR to establish and maintain a public changelog documenting each addition to, or removal from, the public database. Requires DLNR to notify a permittee whose access to a right-of-entry area has been revoked before the date of permissible use. Requires DLNR to establish an administrative hearing and review process. Allows permittees whose access has been revoked to seek reimbursement. Requires DLNR to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Hawaii Film Office. Requires DLNR to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Requires DLNR to revise the terms and conditions of its Wiki Permits service. Requires DLNR to ensure that all Wiki Permits forms, digital interfaces, and permit workflows are consistent. Appropriates funds.

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation or a county to accept a complete application seeking certain exemptions within 30 days. Requires HHFDC to process an application and bring it before the Corporation's Board of Directors within 120 days of accepting the application. Requires county agencies to process an application and bring it before the county's legislative body within 120 days of accepting the application. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL HEMP.

Establishes an Industrial Hemp Program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity that includes education and support for non-cannabinoid industrial hemp cultivation and use. Establishes the Industrial Hemp Program Advisory Board to develop a strategic plan to establish and expand the processing infrastructure and commercialization of industrial hemp. Requires the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to support research and development focused on local adaptation, sustainability, and economic development goals. Requires DAB to promote partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners, cooperatives, and aina-based programs. Adopts state building codes for hemp-based materials, including hempcrete. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards IIIDemocrat

RELATING TO VEHICLE TITLES.

Requires the county Director of Finance to issue a temporary, three-year title to an applicant in cases where no prior title exists, the prior owner is unable to provide one, or the Director is otherwise not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle. Requires the applicant to provide a surety bond and certain documentation to the Director. Allows for a right of action against the surety bond and temporary title. Requires the temporary title to convert to a full title after three years unless a suit has been instituted against the temporary title.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT.

Adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to regulate the practice of telepsychology and temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology by psychologists across state boundaries in the performance of their psychological practice. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules to implement and administer the Compact. Implementation effective January 1, 2028. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.

Authorizes a person to remove their name from a certificate of registration from a motor vehicle if that person is party to a divorce decree that states that title to the motor vehicle was granted to the other party.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING.

Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program at public schools classified as rural or underserved. Requires the Department of Education to administer the program and report findings to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE-OWNED HISTORIC PROPERTIES AND INHERITED LANDS.

Establishes the State-Owned Historic Properties Preservation Plan Working Group within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to ensure the preservation of state-owned historic properties and inherited lands. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish and conduct a Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Program. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit a report to the Legislature and adopt administrative rules. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS.

Establishes a Business Activity Water Catchment System Working Group within the Department of Health to assess the feasibility of allowing business owners in the State to utilize filtered water collected by water catchment systems for business activities. Requires the Business Activity Water Catchment System Working Group to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the Regular Session of 2028 and dissolve on 6/30/2028. Appropriates funds.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO CLAIMS AGAINST HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

Part II - Requires health care professionals, and courts and agencies in receipt of the filing, to report to the respective licensing board any legal or administrative complaint, claim, or action for damages filed against the health care professional within thirty days of receipt of the filing. Requires review by the licensing boards. Requires filings against physicians, osteopathic physicians, or podiatrists to be reported to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Requires self‑insured health care providers and professional liability insurers for health care providers to report to the Insurance Commissioner any medical tort claims filed with the court and requires the Insurance Commissioner to forward certain information to the appropriate professional board or the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Part III – Extends the time frame by which a medical tort action can be brought and establishes additional tolling conditions. Increases the cap on damages recoverable for pain and suffering in medical tort actions.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.

Establishes a three-year Health Coverage Continuity Pilot Program to be administered by the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, to subsidize the cost of certain health insurance deductibles for eligible individuals. Authorizes the Department to contract with a nonprofit health insurer or community-based organization to operate the Pilot Program; provided that the Department shall allow the operator to access state-backed reinsurance or risk stabilization support for the operation of the Pilot Program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals 6/30/2029. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE PLANS FOR WORKERS.

Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, in consultation with the Insurance Commissioner, to establish and implement a five-year voluntary Nontraditional Workforce Portable Health Care Benefit Plan Pilot Program that offers high deductible health plans or catastrophic health plans to nontraditional workers who are ineligible for health benefits provided by the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund or prepaid health care plans under the Prepaid Health Care Act. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules for this purpose and seek federal approvals as necessary. Specifies that implementation is contingent upon and only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO CHILD CUSTODY.

Allows licensed mental health counselors to be appointed as child custody evaluators. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a School Bus Driver Recruitment Grant Program. Establishes a School Bus Driver Recruitment Special Fund. Establishes a Repayment Signing Bonus Program. Establishes a School Bus Driver Outreach and Pathway Program. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Repeals biomass from the renewable portfolio standard definition of "renewable energy".

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO THE FUEL TANK ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Requires the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee to hold at least one regular meeting during each calendar quarter. Requires the Advisory Committee to hold one regular meeting each year that convenes outside of normal business hours. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATED TO TOXIC CHEMICALS.

Requires state agencies that monitor environmental toxins and pollutants to establish environmental action levels (EALs) to ensure the preservation of a safe environment. Prohibits modifications to EALs unless certain procedural requirements are met. Establishes a process to allow any resident to petition for modifications to an established EAL. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

Establishes a PFAS Working Group within the Department of Health to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT.

Requires certain wastewater treatment works to test sewage sludge and any other residual material intended for land application for the presence of PFAS. Requires the Director of Health to adopt rules for the monitoring, sampling, testing, and data collection of sewage sludge and other residual material at wastewater treatment works that contain PFAS. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat