Bills & Legislation

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO FACILITATE AND ACCELERATE THE ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS TO DECARBONIZE HAWAIʻI'S TRANSPORTATION SECTOR AND SUPPORT THE STATE'S CLIMATE GOALS.

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

URGING THE STATE FOUNDATION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS TO ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATING PACIFIC ISLAND CULTURE AND ARTS.

WARD

RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS LOANS.

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the contracting of services for start-up business financing and support. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Greggor IlaganDemocrat

RELATING TO CIVIL IDENTIFICATION CARDS.

Makes the issuance or renewal of a civil identification card free of charge. Appropriates funds. Effective 6/30/3000. (SD1)

LAMOSAO

REQUESTING THE KO OLINA GOLF CLUB OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, TO IMPLEMENT MEASURES TO PREVENT GOLF BALLS FROM REACHING FARRINGTON HIGHWAY.

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE WATER CODE PENALTIES.

Adds a minimum penalty and maximum penalty per violation of the State Water Code and authorizes the Commission on Water Resource Management to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors the CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Increases maximum fines every five years from 2030 to 2045. Effective 7/1/2040. (SD1)

Mahina PoepoeDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Appropriates funds to establish grant specialist positions to assist farmers and ranchers in meeting the requirements to receive grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.

Phases in a ban on state departments and administratively attached agencies from purchasing lei that contain plant material grown and harvested outside the State. (SD1)

KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY

REQUESTING THE RECONVENING OF THE WORKING GROUP ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 18, H.D. 1 (REGULAR SESSION OF 2024) TO CONTINUE THE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS ISSUES RELATED TO WATER AND AIR CONTAMINATION AND REMEDIATION ARISING FROM THE OPERATION OF THE PUULOA RANGE TRAINING FACILITY.

REYES ODA

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO ISSUE A PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING HAWAII AS A PURPLE HEART STATE ON AUGUST 7, 2025.

Sam Satoru KongDemocrat

RELATING TO COFFEE LABELING.

Clarifies the labeling and advertising requirements for coffee that is grown and processed in the State. Defines "regional origin". Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

REQUESTING A STUDY EXAMINING HOW CERTAIN OTHER JURISDICTIONS PRODUCE FISCAL NOTES.

Kyle T. YamashitaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE ADEQUATE RESERVE FUND.

Amends the definition of "adequate reserve fund" by increasing the multiplier used to calculate its amount from the existing factor of 1, to unspecified amounts for calendar year 2026 and for calendar year 2027 and thereafter. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to conduct an actuarial study and report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Jackson D. SayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Executive Office on Aging. The tax credit applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)

Cory M. ChunDemocrat

REQUESTING THAT THE TAX REVIEW COMMISSION CONSIDER CERTAIN GOALS FOR AN EQUITABLE, EFFICIENT, AND ADEQUATE TAX POLICY STRUCTURE IN ITS DELIBERATIONS.

Kyle T. YamashitaDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH ORGANIZATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO COLLABORATE AND DEVELOP DATA DRIVEN ANALYSES OF THE IMPACTS OF TAX POLICIES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, MIGRATION PATTERNS, AND OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING PUBLIC POLICY.

Kyle T. YamashitaDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Makes an appropriation for the operation of an additional ambulance for the island of Hawaii to be based in Makalei. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

STRONGLY URGING THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION TO ALLOW FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON'S EXAMINATION IN THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE FOR PURPOSES OF ISSUING A LIMITED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON'S LICENSE, FOR THE SALE OF TIMESHARE PRODUCTS IN HAWAII, TO JAPANESE NATIONAL VISITORS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENHANCING JAPAN'S INVOLVEMENT IN AND SUPPORT OF THE HAWAII TOURISM INDUSTRY.

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE HOUSING.

Establishes an Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group within the Department of Agriculture to address the shortage and challenges of agricultural workforce housing in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO ANIMAL CRUELTY.

Increases the criminal penalties for the offenses of cruelty to animals in the first and second degree that involve pet animals. Increases the criminal penalty for a second or subsequent offense of causing injury or death to a service animal or law enforcement animal. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

For policies, contracts, plans, and agreements issued or renewed after 12/31/2025, requires insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services for persons undergoing medically necessary treatment that may cause iatrogenic infertility. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Clarifies an association board's authority with respect to calling electronic meetings, electronic voting, and mail voting. Clarifies that, in condominium elections, cumulative voting rights apply to all candidates regardless of whether they are nominated. Clarifies that individual votes are used in cumulative voting. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Linda IchiyamaDemocrat

REQUESTING HEALTH INSURERS AND MANAGED CARE PROVIDERS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE STATE TO PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES.

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE.

Directs the Office of Wellness and Resilience to collaborate with the Department of Human Services to, either directly or by contract, design, administer, and implement a program for trauma-informed organizational assessments and a training curriculum for the Department of Human Services Child Welfare Services Branch staff. Appropriates funds. Takes effect 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO SPORTS WAGERING.

Allows for the regulation of sports wagering by the Department of Law Enforcement. Establishes licensing requirements for sports wagering operators and sports wagering suppliers. Establishes a general excise tax to be levied on sports wagering operator licenses. Establishes the Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Special Fund to be administered and expended by the Department of Health. Specifies that legal sports wagering and fantasy sports contests shall not be considered contests of chance or gambling. Authorizes DLE to perform criminal history record checks on applicants and licensees relating to sports wagering. (SD2)

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII'S SPACE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INITIATIVE.

Appropriates funds for salaries and fringe benefits of positions for the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy's Space Science and Engineering Initiative Workforce Development Program, Maunakea Scholars Program, and Internship Program. Appropriates funds for office equipment and supplies, operational costs, and stipends for high school and college students. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY

RELATING TO AN EARLY LEARNING APPRENTICESHIP GRANT PROGRAM.

Establishes an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program to be administered by the University of Hawaii to provide financial support for early learning program service providers in the State to participate in state- or federally-approved early learning apprenticeship programs. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Andrew Takuya GarrettDemocrat

RELATING TO PRETRIAL RELEASE.

Requires bail to be set in an amount that the defendant can afford based on certain factors. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

David A. TarnasDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS.

Appropriates funds to be used by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for mercantile projects, as well as lump sum repair and maintenance, in fiscal year 2025-2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Mahina PoepoeDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the establishment of full-time equivalent permanent Makai Watch Coordinator positions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mahina PoepoeDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.

Clarifies the process for selecting a certified provider of rehabilitation services. Requires providers to automatically approve vocational rehabilitation services for an injured employee if those services will likely be required for suitable gainful employment. Requires providers to file an employee's vocational plan no later than ninety days after submitting an initial evaluation report, with certain exceptions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Scot Z. MatayoshiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.

Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to prioritize development of workforce rental and for-sale housing projects for qualified residents. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to adopt administrative rules. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE INDIVIDUAL HOUSING ACCOUNT PROGRAM.

For taxable years, beginning 1/1/2026, increases the maximum annual deduction for contributions to, and maximum account levels for, individual housing accounts. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.

Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS.

Increases the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program and staff. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT COST ITEMS.

Provides appropriations for collective bargaining cost items for the members of Bargaining Unit (14) and their excluded counterparts, including the cost of salary adjustments negotiated between the State and the bargaining unit representative for fiscal biennium 2025-2027. Declares the expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2025-2026 is exceeded. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT COST ITEMS.

Provides appropriations for collective bargaining cost items for the members of bargaining unit (11) and their excluded counterparts, including the cost of salary adjustments negotiated between the State and the bargaining unit representative for fiscal biennium 2025-2027. Declares the expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2025-2026 is exceeded. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Beginning 7/1/2028, authorizes a county to impose a mileage-based road usage charge on electric vehicles. Provides and requires a county to establish the rate of the road usage charge. Repeals the requirement for the Department of Transportation to establish county subaccounts within the State Highway Fund. Clarifies the disposition of funds for state mileage-based road usage charge. Clarifies the rate and calculation of the state mileage-based road usage charge. Specifies that rental motor vehicle companies may visibly pass the costs of the mileage-based road usage charges to the consumer. Expands allowable uses of the State Highway and Highway Funds. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT COST ITEMS.

Provides appropriations for collective bargaining cost items for the members of Bargaining Unit (10) and their excluded counterparts, including the cost of salary adjustments negotiated between the State and the bargaining unit representative for fiscal biennium 2025-2027. Declares the expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2025-2026 is exceeded. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

Makes an emergency appropriation out of the State Highway Fund to provide funds for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the Department of Transportation to enforce the Motor Carrier Law. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

ENCOURAGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EVALUATE AND EXPAND ITS CURRENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENTS.

Andrew Takuya GarrettDemocrat

RELATING TO HIGHWAY REVENUE BONDS.

Restores the revenue bond authorization for the Department of Transportation to issue Highway Revenue Bonds for highway capital improvement projects authorized in Act 164, SLH 2023, as amended by Act 230, SLH 2024. Takes effect 1/1/3000. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Allows authorized employees of the Department of Law Enforcement, in addition to county police departments, to perform certain actions in reviewing recorded images produced by automated speed enforcement systems. Appropriates funds from the State Highway Fund to the Department of Transportation to establish and implement the Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Establishes braille literacy as a policy of the State. Requires literacy assessments for eligible low vision and blind students to include braille instruction and the use of braille. Authorizes the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules. Establishes the Braille Literacy Resource Center. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires each county, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation, 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 each county to submit an initial proposal to the Director of Transportation. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals on 6/30/2027. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Chris ToddDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

Prohibits state or county grantees and officers and immediate family members of state or county contractors or grantees from contributing to candidate or noncandidate committees, candidates, or any person for any political purpose for the duration of the contract. Requires any unlawful contribution to be returned to the contributor or it will escheat to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. Requires disclosures of the names of any officers and immediate adult family members of a state or county contractor or grantee for contracts exceeding a certain amount. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat