Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO COMMUTING.

Requires the Director of Human Resources Development, in consultation with the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission, State Energy Office, and Department of Accounting and General Services to develop a comprehensive Commuting Choice Benefit Program regardless of mode of transportation for all state employees in the executive branch and to recommend a similar program for state employees of the other branches. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO THE TAXATION OF LIQUOR.

Increases the liquor tax and adjusts it for future inflation.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO VOTING.

Requires the Office of Elections to include a notice to voters that a digital and print voter information guide is available. Requires the notice to be in thirty-two-point font and enclosed as a separate insert with each ballot. Requires the Office of Elections to maintain a notice on its website providing certain information about the voter information guide. Requires the Office of Elections to make the digital voter information guide available to the public no later than twenty-one days before the primary election and no later than fifty days before the general election. Appropriates funds. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO CLIMATE-FRIENDLY INSURERS.

Establishes requirements for certain insurers to address climate-related financial risk by limiting underwriting and investment in fossil fuel projects and by requiring reporting, certification, and regulatory oversight. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Health, to define certain terms by rule or guidance. Establishes the Climate-Friendly Insurers Special Fund. Appropriates funds.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

Requires a candidate or any individual authorized to receive contributions on behalf of a candidate or noncandidate committee to deposit the monetary contribution or other campaign funds into a depository institution within seven days of its receipt. Requires any elected official, candidate, candidate committee, or other individual required to file an organizational report who receives a contribution from a lobbyist to deposit the contribution within seven days of its receipt. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO OWNERSHIP OF AGRICULTURAL LAND.

Beginning 1/1/2026, prohibits certain entities from owning, purchasing, or acquiring ownership of agricultural lands.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO ELECTIONS.

Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes presidential preference primary elections for the 2028 election cycle. Appropriates funds.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Eliminates the home mortgage interest deduction for second homes not used as a primary residence under Hawaii income tax law. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC MEETINGS.

Defines "business day" as used in Part I of Chapter 92, HRS, governing public meetings. Clarifies that board packets, if created, shall be made available for public inspection in the board's office during regular business hours, no later than three full business days before the public meeting. Defines "regular business hours".

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INTIMATE IMAGES.

Enacts the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act (Modified). Effective 1/1/2077. (SD2)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

Provides that the period of limitations for criminal prosecutions under campaign finance laws commences upon discovery of the offense by the Campaign Spending Commission, rather than being limited to five years from the violation date or report filing date. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO PEDESTRIANS.

Establishes that fines for pedestrian violations under chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, shall not exceed $25. Requires state and county agencies to revise applicable schedules of fines, rules, and procedures to comply with the monetary limit.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO ATTACHMENT AND EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY.

Increases the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. (SD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO CAPITAL GAINS.

Taxes capital gains income at the same rate as ordinary income.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO PURCHASE OF SERVICE CONTRACTS BY THE JUDICIARY.

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires contracts for services awarded to community-based organizations by the Judiciary in support of fulfilling the Judiciary's statutory mandate to individuals, families, and communities in the State to include certain protections against inflation. Appropriates funds to the Judiciary to increase the contract price in existing contracts for certain services provided by community-based organizations in support of fulfilling the Judiciary's statutory mandate to individuals, families, and communities in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.

Amends the definition of "historic property" to require that the property meets the criteria for inclusion in the Hawaii Register of Historic Places or has important value to Native Hawaiians or other ethnic groups of the State due to associations with cultural practices once carried out, or still carried out, at the property or associations with traditional beliefs, events, or oral accounts that are important to history, traditional practices, and cultural identity.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FIFTEENTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

Appropriates funds for capital improvement projects in the 15th senatorial district.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO PESTICIDES.

Requires quarterly rather than annual reporting of all use of restricted use pesticides. Amends the contents of reports to include specific geospatial data and information and increased detail on the amount of restricted use pesticides used. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to develop an online reporting tool for restricted use pesticides. Appropriates funds.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO CENTRALIZED ACCESS TO RESOURCES.

Requires and appropriates funds for the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to develop, implement, and maintain a centralized resource website to connect residents to support and resources to address affordability, health, safety, and the impacts of climate change.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE.

Excludes from the definition of "development", as it applies to special management areas, the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of an electric vehicle charging system as a minor structure. Includes the Public Utilities Commission in the development and implementation of plans to meet the long-term goals for zero-emissions transportation in the State. (SD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO CHARITABLE SOLICITATION.

Establishes prompt payment and financial reporting requirements for professional solicitors that sell donated or collected non-perishable tangible property on behalf of charitable organizations. Prohibits professional solicitors that sell donated or collected non-perishable tangible property from failing to prominently disclose certain information on any collection bin, container, or receptacle used to receive donated or collected property; comply with prompt payment and financial reporting requirements; and include certain terms in contracts with charitable organizations. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.

For taxable years beginning 1/1/2026, establishes a tiered nonrefundable tax credit for qualified taxpayer insurers that offer one or more federally qualified health savings account-eligible high deductible health plans in the State, under certain conditions, and increasing the tax credit to incentivize more plans being written for residents in rural medically underserved areas of the State. Requires qualified taxpayer insurers to match up to a certain amount of a policyholder's first-time contribution into a health savings account. Sunsets 12/31/2030. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITIES.

Requires licensure for individuals managing common interest community associations for compensation. Clarifies that common interest community association manager licensure is distinct from real estate licensure. Establishes the qualifications, continuing education, and standards of conduct required for common interest community association manager licensure. Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to administer licensure of common interest community association managers. Clarifies exemptions for licensure requirements. Appropriates funds.

Carol FukunagaDemocrat

RELATING TO ENERGY-EFFICIENCY PORTFOLIO STANDARDS.

Extends the State's energy-efficiency portfolio standards from 2030 to 2045. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to establish interim goals and clarifies procedures.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

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 brief cognitive assessments for individuals fifty years of age and older.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.

Requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to honor a patient's written assignment of benefits to a substance use disorder treatment provider. Prohibits health insurance policies, plans, contracts, and agreements from including anti-assignment clauses that restrict or invalidate a patient's right to assign benefits. Authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to adopt rules and take enforcement action to ensure compliance. Deems violations to be unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the business of insurance. Requires insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to furnish an explanation of benefits to the assigned provider upon request. Effective 1/30/2050. (HD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract or form a partnership with private parties to assist with the maintenance and management of sunscreen dispensers at all state beaches, as well as publicize that the mineral-based sunscreen in these dispensers is more protective of the coral reefs of the State. Appropriates funds for the installation, maintenance, management, and operation of non-chemical sunscreen dispensers on all state beaches. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO CANNABIS.

Establishes the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate all aspects of the cannabis plant. Contingent upon specific changes at the federal level or a state constitutional amendment, legalizes the personal adult use of cannabis and decriminalizes certain marijuana-related offenses. Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes taxes on cannabis sales. Adds new traffic offenses relating to the consumption or possession of marijuana or marijuana concentrate. Transfers the personnel and assets of the Department of Health and assets of the Department of Agriculture relating to cannabis and hemp to the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office. Establishes various positions within state entities. Appropriates funds.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Removes the prohibition against qualified residents for Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation-approved projects holding a majority interest in land and removes the requirement that qualified residents demonstrate financial viability or ability to pay rent. Amends exemptions from statutes, ordinances, charter provisions, and rules for certain housing projects developed by the Corporation that satisfy certain conditions, including requirements related to employment, owner-occupancy, and deed restrictions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO ZONING.

Prohibits the counties from imposing certain lot requirements on lots zoned for housing on parcels of land located within the urban district for purposes of subdivision, development, or the issuance of a building permit, with certain exemptions. Allows the counties to establish a petition process for neighborhoods, subdivisions, or other geographically contiguous areas to establish or retain certain requirements or specifications. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD.

Requires the Disability and Communication Access Board to study the health care communication needs of patients who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or deaf-blind. Requires a report to the Legislature 20 days prior to the 2027 Regular Session.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

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. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

Clarifies that for campaign committee reports, the date a candidate receives a check from a third-party website or the date the deposit is made by the third party is the reporting date for contributions aggregating more than $100 in an election period. Clarifies that for contributions by lobbyists prohibited during a legislative session, the date of a violation is the date of the acceptance or the date where the agreement of acceptance of a contribution occurred and not the date of deposit.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

Appropriates funds to establish a bachelor's degree program in American Sign Language interpretation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus with a multi-year plan to include a master's degree program for interpreter training. (SD1)

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.

Authorizes dispensaries to sell viable cannabis seeds to qualifying patients or their primary caregivers; provided that not more than 10 seeds per month may be purchased by, or on behalf of, the qualifying patient. Repeals existing statutory language that authorizes the Department of Law Enforcement to: (1) inspect a qualifying medical cannabis patient's medical records held by the health provider who issued a written certification for the qualifying patient; and (2) suspend or revoke a health provider's ability to issue written certification for medical cannabis if the provider refuses the foregoing inspection, or if the medical records do not comply with the medical use of cannabis law. Requires the Department of Health to adopt any necessary rules. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Requires electronic smoking device and e-liquid manufacturers to certify to the Department of Attorney General annually that the manufacturer received a Marketing Granted Order from the federal Food and Drug Administration and that the manufacturer is in compliance with federal regulations and state laws. Requires the Department to compile and make public a directory of all electronic smoking device and e-liquid manufacturers and products duly certified. Establishes penalties for manufacturers that fail to comply with the certification requirements and for other parties that sell products that are not in the directory. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO COMPASSIONATE ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.

Allows terminally ill patients and qualifying patients over sixty-five years of age with chronic diseases to use medical cannabis within specified health care facilities under certain conditions. Requires enforcement by the Department of Health. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO COFFEE LABELING.

Clarifies the labeling and advertising requirements for coffee that is grown and processed in the State. Defines "regional origin".

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests. Appropriates funds.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE FUEL.

Expands the provisions of the renewable fuels production tax credit.

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO EMERGENCY EROSION MITIGATION.

Replaces the current statutory prohibition on private shoreline hardening with a policy directing the minimization of these structures. Establishes a clear, time-limited statutory framework for emergency permits within the conservation district, including defined standards for permit duration and extension.

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

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.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO A GENERAL EXCISE TAX EXEMPTION FOR AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE.

Provides a general excise tax exemption for the sale of material, parts, or tools used for aircraft service and maintenance or for the construction of an aircraft service and maintenance facility. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO LIMITED-PROFIT HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS.

Establishes an organizational, tax, and regulatory framework for limited-profit housing associations. Establishes the Limited-Profit Housing Council to oversee limited-profit housing associations. (SD1)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO PROPERTY.

Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to establish and maintain a Registry of Agents available for public access on the Office of Consumer Protection's website. Requires an absentee owner or landlord to register any agents managing a property on the owner's or landlord's behalf with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Prohibits an absentee owner or landlord from designating a tenant as an agent. Requires members of a condominium association who live outside the State or on another island of the State from where the unit is located to provide the association's board with the contact information of a designated on-island agent for the unit, which shall be included on the address list maintained by the association. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Jr. IharaDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXES.

Excludes the sale of a motor vehicle to a lessor of rental motor vehicles for use as a rental motor vehicle as a sale at wholesale. Imposes the maximum allowable excise tax on the use of tangible personal property in the State for the importation or purchase of a motor vehicle by a lessor of rental motor vehicles for use as a rental motor vehicle. Establishes a Teacher Temporary Hazard Pay Special Fund to pay a temporary hazard pay bonus to certain eligible teachers. Beginning 7/1/2026 until 7/1/2030, deposits the additional tax revenue generated by this Act into the Teacher Temporary Hazard Pay Special Fund.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO STUDENT TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a student bus fare rate system that includes free bus passes for students whose household qualifies the student for free lunch or reduced price lunch under the free and reduced price lunch program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.

Requires an employer to file a response, either accepting or objecting to a treatment plan, within seven days of receipt. Imposes a monetary penalty if an employer does not file a response within the seven-day period. Clarifies that a treatment plan is deemed accepted if an employer fails to file certain documents within the seven-day period.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

Specifies that operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver is a misdemeanor for a first offense, or any offense not preceded within a ten-year period. Specifies and imposes additional sentencing and probation requirements for a person convicted of a misdemeanor operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant offense. Upgrades the offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver to a class C felony under certain conditions. Specifies and imposes additional sentencing and probation requirements for a class C felony offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver. Prohibits a deferred acceptance of guilty plea for persons convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

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.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat