Bills & Legislation

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.

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC HOUSING.

Requires the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to develop and implement a comprehensive safety plan that includes the use of safety technologies for all public housing statewide. Requires the Authority to adopt policies that protect civil liberties and safeguard data and engage with public housing residents regarding the use of safety technologies. Appropriates funds.

Shirley Ann TemploDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes a new bracket for higher-income earners for taxable years beginning after 12/31/2029.

Mahina PoepoeDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes a surcharge on taxable income exceeding $1,000,000 to provide funding, if approved by the Legislature, for the State Medicaid Program.

Tina Nakada GrandinettiDemocrat

RELATING TO PET ANIMALS.

Prohibits insurers from refusing to issue or renew, canceling, restricting, otherwise terminating, or charging higher rates for a commercial general liability insurance policy, homeowners insurance policy, renters insurance policy, or dwelling fire policy based on the breed of any dog that is kept on the insured premises.

Shirley Ann TemploDemocrat

RELATING TO CHILD WELL-BEING.

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish and administer a Hawaii Rx kids program to improve the economic stability of households with very young children who reside in the State through a one-time payment and several monthly payments.

Jeanne KapelaDemocrat

RELATING TO DIGITAL FINANCIAL ASSET TRANSACTION KIOSKS.

Establishes limits on transactions through digital financial asset transaction kiosks. Requires operators of digital financial asset transaction kiosks to use blockchain analytics and tracing software to prevent fraud; make certain disclosures; provide receipts to customers; provide full refunds under certain circumstances; and provide live customer service and a dedicated communications line for the Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection, Department of Law Enforcement, and county police departments.

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

Imposes a statewide limitation on consumer fireworks, except by permit for use at cultural events.

Linda IchiyamaDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC MEETINGS.

Requires certain information to appear at the beginning of notices for public meetings.

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO LIQUOR LICENSES.

Provides that the Liquor Commission or other licensing agency of each county shall deny the renewal of certain current liquor licenses upon receipt of sufficient protests.

Greggor IlaganDemocrat

RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS.

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 information related to their services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations by requiring use of information and communication technology that is not accessible to the person. Establishes exceptions.

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO SERVICE ANIMALS.

Requires sellers or providers of emotional support animals, as well as those issuing verifications of a disability-related need for an emotional support animal, to provide written notice of certain laws relating to emotional support animals. Requires persons or businesses that sell or provide certificates, vests, or identification tags that identify an animal as an emotional support animal to provide to the buyer or recipient written notice of certain laws relating to emotional support animals. Establishes penalties.

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PARKING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.

Provides that people who are blind or deaf are eligible to apply for and receive a disabled paid parking permit.

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO FORECLOSURES.

Authorizes the public sale of a foreclosed mortgaged property or unit on a state website to be developed and maintained by the Judiciary. Requires the public notice of the public sale of the mortgaged property or unit to include the date, time, and website address of the sale if the sale is to be held on a state website. Appropriates funds.

Scot Z. MatayoshiDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER RETENTION.

Directs the University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology to conduct a study that identifies, analyzes, and evaluates possible methods to capture, retain, and store rainwater and storm water runoff for counties with a population of more than five hundred thousand. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

Prohibits the harvesting of aquatic life for commercial aquarium purposes, regardless of the method of collection.

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO THE FUEL TANK ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Requires the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee to hold at least one regular meeting during each calendar quarter. Appropriates funds.

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.

Authorizes geological subsurface characterization activities conducted by a public research institution under certain conditions. Clarifies that boreholes or test holes drilled for the purposes of geological subsurface characterization are distinct from water well exploration and geothermal or mineral exploration. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, to designate the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center of the University of Hawaii, or a successor entity, as the repository for data collected from any geological subsurface characterization activity. Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to designate a repository or be the repository for any scientific data collected from any geological subsurface characterization activity on lands it holds in trust. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to amend its exemption list to specify that certain geological subsurface characterization activities shall be exempt from the environmental review process or shall only require an exemption notice. Requires the University of Hawaii to amend its exemption list to specify that certain geological subsurface characterization activities shall be exempt from the environmental review process or shall only require an exemption notice. Requires the Department of Health to amend its rules related to hazardous waste and hazardous waste management for consistency with federal regulations to specify that certain waste products generated by geological subsurface characterization activity are exempt from hazardous waste management requirements. Requires that the first site where a borehole or test hole is drilled shall be on lands owned by DHHL. Establishes the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center within the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology of UH Manoa. Appropriates funds.

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS.

Increases the mandatory minimum jail sentence for a first conviction of knowingly or intentionally violating a temporary restraining order from forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Requires mandatory mental health counseling for a first conviction of knowingly or intentionally violating a temporary restraining order.

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations, and health plans under the State's Medicaid managed care program to provide coverage for biomarker testing.

Cory M. ChunDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII SPACE COMMISSION.

Establishes the Hawaii Space Commission within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to promote innovation in the fields of space exploration and commercial aerospace. Appropriates moneys.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO PORT WORKERS.

Establishes the Port Worker Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Department of Transportation regarding management of state-owned and state-managed ports. Requires the Department to conduct meetings to solicit input from port workers on methods to improve ports and problems faced by port workers.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO IDENTITY THEFT.

Includes fraudulent impersonation or false depiction through artificial intelligence or materially deceptive media in the offenses of identity theft.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.

Increases the contract award value that triggers required proof of vendor compliance from $2,500 to $6,000.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to identify and preserve historically significant areas within state harbors and place educational displays at the areas for public awareness.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO TOURISM.

Establishes and designates the Corporation for the Stewardship of Hawaii Tourism, a nonprofit organization, as the official destination stewardship organization for the State. Repeals the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to develop and implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Establishes a one-year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS.

Requires a condominium association to make available on an internet site the association's general ledgers, project information form (RR-105C), and statement of accounts at no cost to a unit owner or the unit owner's authorized agent. Reduces the reasonable fee a condominium association may charge to provide copies of association documents from $1 per page to 75 cents per page.

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

Prohibits the use of fireworks in the presence of a minor under the age of sixteen unless the person has a valid permit and complies with safety requirements.

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE BOATING FACILITIES.

Establishes the State Boating Facility Management Lease Program within the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources to lease management of the entire Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Repeals provisions relating to the leasing of certain fast and submerged lands of Ala Wai Boat Harbor. Requires annual reports to the Legislature.

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

RELATING TO THE COUNTIES.

Authorizes the counties to close public lands when necessary to protect public health, ensure public safety, or preserve natural or cultural resources.

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND PROTECT THE INHERENT AND INALIENABLE RIGHT OF ALL PEOPLE TO CLEAN WATER AND AIR, A HEALTHFUL ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE AND HEALTHY NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS AND BEACHES.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate and healthy native ecosystems and beaches, shall be protected and shall not be infringed.

Mahina PoepoeDemocrat

RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Prohibits merchants from imposing credit card processing fees or convenience fees, under certain conditions. Ensures that payment processing costs are reasonable and transparent. Prohibits merchants from imposing surcharges on debit card transactions. Effective 1/1/2027.

Mahina PoepoeDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RIGHT TO FARM.

Amends the definition of "farming operation" by including customary and traditional subsistence farming conducted by native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and excluding concentrated animal feeding operations and business entities with unclear or non-transparent ownership or beneficiary structures. Establishes additional criteria for farming operations to meet in order to be protected against nuisance claims. Clarifies the purpose and intent of the Hawaii Right to Farm Act.

Amy A. PerrusoDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE PLANNING ACT.

Establishes green infrastructure objectives, policies, and priority guidelines for state facility systems, infrastructure, and transit projects in the Hawaii State Planning Act to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Adds a definition of "green infrastructure". Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to submit a report to the Legislature making recommendations for implementing green infrastructure objectives, policies, and priority guidelines.

Lisa MartenDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Establishes the Pro-Housing Score Program to evaluate each county's performance in expanding housing opportunities and reducing regulatory barriers. Requires the counties to publish their respective pro-housing scores online and HHFDC to publish certain related information and data on a public dashboard. Establishes criteria for deeming a county noncompliant. Establishes builder's remedies for certain housing projects in transit-oriented development areas. Specifies that if a county is deemed noncompliant, the planning director or an equivalent county officer responsible for land use approvals are responsible for approving or denying certain affordable housing development applications. Establishes procedures for certain transit-oriented development housing project appeals. Appropriates funds.

Luke A. EvslinDemocrat

RELATING TO FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF AGRICULTURAL LAND.

Prohibits foreign entities from owning, leasing, or holding a controlling interest in more than an unspecified number of acres of agricultural land. Limits the lease term for agricultural land by foreign entities. Requires foreign entities that own or lease interest in agricultural lands to file an annual report with the Department of Agriculture. Appropriates funds.

Amy A. PerrusoDemocrat

RELATING TO THE PUBLIC LAND TRUST WORKING GROUP.

Appropriates moneys to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to facilitate the hiring of necessary staff and the purchase of equipment and professional services on behalf of the public land trust working group.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII REGARDING THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC TRUST LANDS.

Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii prohibiting live-fire training exercises on public trust lands.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO PENALTIES.

Establishes enhanced terms of imprisonment for burglary and theft offenses, which shall apply when the value of the property exceeds certain dollar amounts. Increase penalties for habitual property crime offenders. Establishes the selling of stolen property as a theft offense.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO BRIBERY.

Adds to the offense of bribery the offering or accepting of any pecuniary benefit because of any action previously taken by a public servant in the person's official capacity.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO TIME LIMITATIONS ON CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS.

Provides that for any offense based on misconduct by a public servant, the appliable period of limitations for a criminal prosecution shall not commence until discovery of the offense by law enforcement.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Hawaii Department of Transportation to identify any roadways other than Makakilo Drive that may be used as emergency egress routes in Makakilo. Requires the Department to plan for, design, and construct an emergency egress route in Makakilo under certain circumstances. Appropriates moneys.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FARM TO SCHOOL PROCUREMENT.

Requires the Department of Education to establish rules for the procurement of goods and services related to the administration of food programs at public schools that incorporate a geographic preference for unprocessed locally grown and locally raised food products.

Amy A. PerrusoDemocrat

RELATING TO THE BUDGET.

Requires the Governor to submit a recommended budget for deferred repair and maintenance and capital improvements on existing state-owned buildings and infrastructure.

Chris ToddDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the City and County of Honolulu to transfer to the State the City and County of Honolulu's authority to construct a Makakilo Drive extension. Appropriates moneys.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT.

Transfers land from the City and County of Honolulu to the Department of Transportation to complete the Makakilo Drive Extension project. Establishes the Makakilo Drive Extension Task Force to coordinate the project. Authorizes use of the Hawaii green infrastructure special fund to support sustainable design elements of the project. Appropriates funds.

Kanani SouzaRepublican