Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Exempts the sale of groceries and nonprescription drugs from the general excise tax. Incrementally increases the general excise tax over four years, with the increased proceeds during certain fiscal years to be deposited into the general fund. Removes the state income tax on unemployment compensation benefits. Doubles the standard deduction for individuals earning less than $100,000 and joint returns earning less than $200,000. Repeals the incremental increases on standard income tax deduction amounts. Increases the minimum income threshold and exemption amount for the low-income household renters' income tax credit. Removes the tax liability for the first $100,000 of individual income earned. Establishes the Maui Recovery Special Fund to be used for recovery programs related to the 2023 Maui wildfires. Appropriates funds. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024.

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to establish and administer a two-year school librarian pilot program to provide funding for qualifying schools to hire librarians. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.

Short form bill relating to biosecurity.

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Exempts from the general excise tax amounts received by a nurse entrepreneur for health care-related goods and services purchased under Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE.

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO PRIOR AUTHORIZATION.

Establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for prior authorization process in the State, including disclosure and notice requirements for utilization review entities regarding their prior authorization requirements and restrictions; qualifications and criteria for prior authorization review and appeals personnel; prior authorization process for non-urgent and urgent health care services, including the time frame by which utilization review entities must render a decision; adverse determination and appeal processes; prohibition of prior authorization for emergency health care services and medication for opioid use disorder; payments to health care providers; length and duration of prior authorizations; and exemptions for certain health care providers. Requires health insurers to utilize NCPDP SCRIPT Standard electronic prior authorization transactions by 1/1/2026. Requires utilization review entities to submit annual reports to the Insurance Commissioner each year. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to adopt rules by 1/1/2026.

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO IRONWORKERS.

Prohibits any person from disassembling, dismantling, or demolishing iron projects unless the person has completed an apprenticeship program for ironworkers approved and registered with the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations. Establishes penalties. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules.

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO PARKINSON'S DISEASE RESEARCH.

Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to house a collection of data on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the State. Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database Advisory Committee. Requires the Agency to create a Parkinson's disease research collection database webpage by 1/1/2026, and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO BI-LEVEL LIGHTING SYSTEMS.

Requires all newly constructed state buildings and facilities to use only bi-level lighting systems beginning 1/1/2026.

Luke A. EvslinDemocrat

RELATING TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.

Prohibits persons from operating a medical cannabis dispensary or producing, manufacturing, or selling cannabis products without a license from the Department of Health. Prohibits individuals from providing certain services to individuals engaging in unlicensed cannabis operations. Requires the Department of Health to send a cease and desist notice to violators. Establishes criminal penalties.

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Short form bill relating to agriculture.

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT.

Clarifies that a partner or member that is a partnership or limited liability company that has been allocated a low-income housing tax credit may either further allocate the credit or transfer, sell, or assign all or a portion of the credit to any person. Extends the sunset date of Act 129, SLH 2016, relating to the low-income housing tax credit, from 12/31/2027 to 12/31/2032. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Luke A. EvslinDemocrat

RELATING TO HARBORS.

Requires the Department of Transportation to construct, maintain, and operate customs and security facilities at commercial harbors.

Ikaika HusseyDemocrat

RELATING TO HOTELS.

Requires a hotel to provide notification of a service disruption, or that a service disruption may occur, to all third-party vendors and prospective and current guests. Prohibits a hotel from imposing any fee, penalty, or other charge, or retaining any deposit: if before check-in, a guest cancels a reservation due to a service disruption, unless the hotel provided prior notice; or if the service disruption arises after check-in, regardless of whether the hotel provided prior notification.

Ikaika HusseyDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS.

Disallows the dividends paid deduction for real estate investment trusts. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025.

Ikaika HusseyDemocrat

RELATING TO CARBON DISPLACEMENT.

Establishes a carbon displacement tax credit for taxpayers of locally produced goods. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to certify tax credit amounts.

Ikaika HusseyDemocrat

RELATING TO ALCOHOL.

Defines "low alcohol by volume spirits beverage". Establishes a tax on low alcohol by volume spirits beverages at a rate of $0.93 per wine gallon. Increases small craft producer production limits. Sunsets 12/31/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Chris ToddDemocrat

RELATING TO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARDS.

Authorizes neighborhood boards to solicit suggestions for capital improvement projects and operating budget priorities from residents. Requires each county mayor to consider and respond in writing to the suggestions for capital improvement projects and operating budget priorities submitted by each neighborhood board. Requires each county council to consider the neighborhood boards' recommendations, the mayor's responses, and county fiscal health in determining the final budget.

Ikaika HusseyDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Short form bill relating to agriculture.

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO CULTURE.

Short form bill relating to culture.

Jeanne KapelaDemocrat

RELATING TO CULTURE.

Short form bill relating to culture.

Jeanne KapelaDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Short form bill relating to agriculture.

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

Adds the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the Chairperson's designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Considers the Chairperson in determining quorum and majority and makes the Chairperson eligible to vote on matters affecting the Kalaeloa Community Development District.

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO CULTURE.

Short form bill relating to culture.

Jeanne KapelaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Adds the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, or the Chairperson's designee, to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO THE COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

Adds the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the Chairperson's designee to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Clarifies that only the five, non-ex-officio members appointed by the Governor are required to have substantial experience in water resource management.

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO LABELING.

Establishes labeling requirements for certain premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes. Requires certain manufacturers of covered products to submit for approval, their "DO NOT FLUSH" label notices and symbols to the United States Environmental Protection Agency by 1/1 2026. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Includes agricultural businesses as a qualified high technology business to receive tax credits for certain research activities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

RELATING TO SENTENCING.

Establishes a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for persons convicted of offenses based on the possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER USE.

Authorizes the Board of Agriculture to investigate and survey the availability of nonpotable water. Authorizes the Commission on Water Resource Management, as a condition for issuing permits, to require the use of dual line water supply systems in new residential and mixed-use developments located in designated water management areas. Authorizes those residential and mixed-use developments to be included in irrigation projects, as defined in chapter 167, HRS. Requires the Department of Health, Board of Agriculture, and counties to update their rules, ordinances, to allow dual line water supply systems in residential and mixed-use developments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER CARRIERS.

Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to grant exemptions to any water carrier from any requirement under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

Appropriates funds to establish positions within the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources.

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

RELATING TO RARE DISEASES.

Establishes the rare disease advisory council to increase awareness and effective medical intervention for rare diseases. Establishes the rare disease advisory council special fund. Requires DOH and DOE to incorporate the importance of annual physical examinations for children in programs and literature. Amends the insurance code to include coverage for individuals with velocardiofacial syndrome and other genetic disorders. Exempts from cost sharing. Appropriates funds.

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO OFFENDER REENTRY PROGRAMS.

Expands programming and training for the comprehensive offender reentry program under the department of corrections and rehabilitation to reduce the rate of recidivism and increase inmate marketability. Appropriates funds.

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Appropriates funds to offset the debt for the Waiahole Water System. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION.

Establishes a homeless student stability program and homeless student housing resource program within the University of Hawaii. Establishes a minimum of one benefits navigator position at each University of Hawaii System campus and a position within the University of Hawaii System to coordinate campus positions and initiatives. Appropriates funds.

Andrew Takuya GarrettDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Appropriates moneys to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for the rehabilitation, remodeling, renovation, and repair of housing units.

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO SCHOOL BUS SERVICES.

Authorizes the Department of Education to use alternative vehicles for student transportation under certain conditions and appropriates funds for the purchase of alternative vehicles and individuals to obtain CDL licensure. Allows Department schools to initiate staggered start times. Appropriates funds.

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.

Establishes a three-year pilot program within the early learning system to administer a home-based early learning program. Serves three and four-year-old children. Provides individualized software instruction in reading, mathematics, and science. Appropriates funds.

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO AMBULANCES.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health to purchase of one advanced life support ambulance and related equipment to be based in central Maui, fund pay-related personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel, and increase the predictability and stability of available air ambulance services for all islands in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.

Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to submit an annual report on public charter schools before the opening day of each Regular Session of the Legislature. Requires the Board of Education to review and approve the annual report before the report is issued to the Governor, Legislature, and the public. Takes effect 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO RECYCLING.

Allows manufacturers to coordinate activities directly related to the recycling of covered electronic devices. Expands the scope of covered electronic devices to include electronic device peripherals and certain legacy devices. Requires manufacturers to provide free collection service locations and collection events.

Dee MorikawaDemocrat

RELATING TO STUDENT HEALTH.

Authorizes a school to maintain a stock supply of bronchodilators to be administered under certain conditions. Authorizes certain employees of a school and department personnel to administer certain medication in emergency situations, under certain conditions. Amends prescription drug labeling requirements to include certain information related to a school, if applicable. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to conduct a study on methods to support department schools that may be impacted by electric utilities' planned public safety power shutoff program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.

Establishes a working group for legal services for youth in the child welfare system within the Judiciary. Appropriates funds for the working group. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Lisa MartenDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION.

Amends payroll requirements for public officers and employees by requiring them to be paid pursuant to a predicted payroll schedule, rather than an after-the-fact payroll schedule. Provides that the predicted payroll schedule shall not be subject to negotiation under Chapter 89, HRS. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Andrew Takuya GarrettDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

Clarifies the grounds for an appeal of non-renewal or revocation of a charter contract. Authorizes public charters schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on matters regarding the schools' operations, governance, or funding, with certain exceptions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO THE NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT.

Authorizes the Governor to enter the State into a multistate Nurse Licensure Compact that will allow a nurse who is licensed by a home state to practice under a multistate licensure privilege in each party state. Beginning 7/1/20 , requires each person who holds a multistate nurse license issued by another state and is employed by a health care facility to complete annual demographic data surveys. Authorizes the State Board of Nursing to charge different fees for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who hold a multistate license issued by the State. Provides that the Nurse Licensure Compact shall become effective and binding in the State two years after the Act takes effect.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION.

Classifies certain former military vehicles as special interest vehicles. Enables owners of former military vehicles to apply for registration. Effective 1/1/2026.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN SEXUALITY HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM.

Requires that student health and sexuality health education programs include discussion of fetal growth and development. Outlines specific content to be included.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.

Prohibits state contractors, prospective state contractors, holders of procurement prequalification certificates, or principals of these groups from making contributions to, or soliciting contributions from their employees or from subcontractors or principals of subcontractors on behalf of, certain candidate committees, noncandidate committees, and political party committees. Requires the Procurement Policy Board to adopt rules to issue prequalification certificates to prospective contractors for public buildings or other public works. Amends the contribution limits for certain individuals and noncandidate committees. Prohibits lobbyists and certain persons related to lobbyists from soliciting contributions from client lobbyists. Increases the administrative fines.

David A. TarnasDemocrat