Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO THE LAND USE COMMISSION.

Except for Important Agricultural Lands, requires the Land Use Commission to reclassify lands that are designated for urban growth under a county general plan or county development plan as being in the urban district at the request of the county, subject to certain conditions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

RELATING TO THE LAND USE COMMISSION.

Specifies that a simple majority of affirmative votes of the members of the Land Use Commission present at a meeting and qualified to vote is required for any boundary amendment. Clarifies that a majority of all members to which the Land Use Commission is entitled shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. Clarifies that a two-thirds vote shall be necessary for actions taken by the Land Use Commission regarding Important Agricultural Lands. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

RELATING TO REGIONAL SHORELINE MITIGATION DISTRICTS.

Authorizes the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to approve the establishment of regional shoreline mitigation districts to facilitate regional coordination by shoreline property owners to address coastal erosion. Requires the preparation of a regional coastal erosion and sediment management plan for each regional shoreline mitigation district. Establishes procedures for the review of state and county permits associated with regional shoreline mitigation districts. Establishes the support and integration of regional coastline erosion and sediment management planning as a policy under the coastal zone management program. Appropriates moneys and establishes 1.0 FTE temporary position.

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

RELATING TO THE BANYAN DRIVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.

Establishes the Banyan Drive Community Development District and the Banyan Drive Community Development District Special Fund. Specifies the powers and duties of the Hawaii Community Development Authority as it relates to the new development district.

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

RELATING TO LAND USE.

Requires any petitioner for a district boundary amendment to obtain certification from the Commission on Water Resources Management that enough water is available for the project needs without causing harm to the relevant aquifers and provide that certification to the Land Use Commission.

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

RELATING TO LICENSING.

Removes the barrier that requires applicants for professional or vocational licensing to be United States citizens, United States nationals, or persons with work visas. Allows an applicant to provide the applicant's individual tax identification number with a sworn affidavit in lieu of social security numbers when the applicant does not have a social security number. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Jackson D. SayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO CAPITAL GAINS TAX.

Taxes capital gains tax for individuals, estates, and trusts as ordinary income, except for capital gains that are eligible for a county homeowner's exemption. Repeals the alternative capital gains tax for corporations. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Jackson D. SayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes an apprenticeship program income tax credit for certain qualified costs incurred by a taxpayer for a qualified apprenticeship program. Sunsets 12/31/2036. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Jackson D. SayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO FERAL CHICKENS.

Allows the killing of feral chickens. Exempts feral chickens from definition of "wild birds". Exempts killing of feral chickens from the offense of cruelty to animals.

Jackson D. SayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO DEMENTIA.

Establishes the Hanai Memory Network Program within the Executive Office on Aging to create a network of dementia care specialists and support systems to assist individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICS.

Establishes the Community Behavioral Health Clinics Certifying Office to certify and decertify community behavioral health clinics and provide technical assistance for clinics seeking certification. Establishes the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Oversight Board. Amends the composition of the Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances and State Council on Mental Health to include a member from the Community Behavioral Health Clinics Certifying Office. Establishes decertification process. Limits state liability. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Establishes a framework for the creation of the Hawaii Violent Death Reporting System, to be federally funded, for the purposes of collecting information and data on violent deaths in the State. Appropriates funds.

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.

Repeals statutory language that currently 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.

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

Establishes a broad definition of "qualified health care provider" in numerous areas of existing law. Clarifies and standardizes references to specific health care providers. Updates outdated language to reflect correct terminology. Makes numerous clarifying and conforming amendments to support these changes, including but not limited to chapters related to health, education, insurance, professions and vocations, the pain patient's bill of rights, the Uniform Probate Code, minors, the Child Protective Act, and the Penal Code. Repeals the obsolete Hawaii Health Corps. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO VITAL STATISTICS.

Amends the various requirements in the event of a fetal death, including registration of certain fetal deaths, filing and preparation of a certificate of fetal death, and issuance of a permit for removal, burial, or other disposition. (SD1)

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

Requires the Workforce Development Council to recommend to the Governor, a comprehensive Statewide Workforce Strategy to inclusion in the State Unified Plan and be responsible for facilitating the alignment of workforce development efforts and programs conducted by state departments and agencies to achieve the State Unified Plan and the Comprehensive Statewide Workforce Strategy. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mike LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Exempts state funds received by the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes. (SD1)

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO THE COUNTIES.

Authorizes counties to sell property through non-judicial foreclosure as a way to collect unpaid civil fines, subject to certain conditions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO MASSAGE THERAPY.

Exempts individuals and establishments that offer only foot, hand, and outer ear manipulation from massage therapy licensure requirements and related advertising restrictions.

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO AN HONORARY AMBASSADOR TO CANADA.

Establishes an Honorary Ambassador to Canada position within the Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD1)

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

For policies, contracts, plans, and agreements issued or renewed after 12/31/2026, 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 1/1/2050. (SD2)

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO STAFFING STANDARDS AT HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.

Requires each hospital to establish a Hospital Registered Nurse Staffing Committee by 9/1/2026. Requires the Staffing Committee to adopt and file a Staffing Committee Charter with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations by 1/1/2027. Requires the Department to develop a Hospital Registered Nurse Staffing Plan Form by 1/1/2027. Requires each Staffing Committee to adopt and file a Staffing Plan, including minimum registered nurse staffing standards, with the Department by 7/1/2027, and annually thereafter. Requires hospitals to implement their Staffing Plan by 7/1/2027, and post the Staffing Plan and staffing schedules in publicly accessible areas. Requires Staffing Committees to receive, review, evaluate, and respond to reports and complaints regarding deviations from the Staffing Plan. Establishes a variance process allowing hospitals to temporarily deviate from their minimum registered nurse staffing standards. Establishes an enforcement framework to be administered by the Department, including review of Staffing Plans, complaint investigations, administrative appeals, and civil penalties for violations. Prohibits retaliation against certain persons who report staffing concerns or participate in enforcement proceedings. Increases the membership of the Center for Nursing Advisory Board to include three elected officers or governing board members of a labor organization representing registered nurses in the State. Requires the Center for Nursing to develop and maintain an online dashboard of staffing standards recommended by certain professional specialty organizations. Requires the Department to adopt rules. Appropriates funds.

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO COUNTY LABOR STANDARDS.

Authorizes the counties to require contractors to disclose information regarding their employees' wages, benefits, hours, and employment status. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO SAFETY AT HOME.

Clarifies that a person who uses deadly force in self-defense does not have a duty to retreat if they are in their dwelling or on their property, unless they are the initial aggressor. Repeals statutory language that permits a person to use deadly force at their place of work.

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Establishes a working group to revise the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation's Qualified Allocation Plan and propose revisions to the prioritization of the Rental Housing Revolving Fund and the terms of loans made from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO HOSPITAL DISCHARGE DATA.

Establishes a statewide system for collecting, auditing, and publicly releasing of de‑identified hospital discharge data. Requires the State Health Planning and Development Agency to convene a working group. Appropriates funds.

Gregg TakayamaDemocrat

RELATING TO PROTECTED COMMUNITY LOCATIONS.

Establishes statewide standards for state and county agencies, officers, employees, and contractors, to limit participation in civil immigration enforcement in or near protected community locations. By 1/1/2027, requires all state and county agencies that operate protected community locations to adopt and post written policies, provide annual staff training, and maintain data privacy protections. Appropriates funds for implementation by the Attorney General. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Greggor IlaganDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Establishes the Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program within the Department of Health to offer eligible participants improved maternal health care through remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and maternal diabetes. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Greggor IlaganDemocrat

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 7/31/2055. (SD1)

Andrew Takuya GarrettDemocrat

RELATING TO PARKING FOR DISABLED PERSONS.

Requires the Disability and Communication Access Board to issue a disability travel placard to an applicant who has a valid removeable windshield placard and provides proof of travel.

Tina Nakada GrandinettiDemocrat

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. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Tina Nakada GrandinettiDemocrat

RELATING TO FORECLOSURES.

Specifies that a judicial foreclosure sale is not final until the earliest of either fifteen days after the public sale, unless an eligible bidder submits a subsequent bid or written notice of intent to submit a subsequent bid, or forty-five days after the public sale. Requires subsequent successful bidders to make a downpayment.

Tina Nakada GrandinettiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the Office of Consumer Protection to publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights online. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Tina Nakada GrandinettiDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Establishes the Tenant Protection Working Group within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to address certain tenant protection issues in the State. Requires the Tenant Protection Working Group to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Tina Nakada GrandinettiDemocrat

RELATING TO SCHOOL MODERNIZATION.

Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.

Expands free school meal coverage, beginning with the 2029-2030 school year, to all public school students, including public charter school students, regardless of whether the student participates in a federal school meals program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO STUDENT TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a student bus fare rate system that includes free school bus passes for students who meet certain statutory requirements. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a Numeracy Coaching Program to provide numeracy coaches in certain Department of Education elementary schools, middle schools, and intermediate schools to support teachers, improve instruction, and ensure that students develop a strong foundation in mathematics. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE PROTECTION OF MINORS.

Establishes safeguards, protections, oversight, and penalties for interactions between minors and artificial intelligence companion systems or conversational artificial intelligence services. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD2)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITIES.

Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a pilot program to develop three new public schools in areas based on demonstrated need through public-private partnerships. Amends the powers of the School Facilities Authority. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Beginning no later than the 2028-2029 school year, requires the Department of Education to administer a dyslexia-sensitive universal screening to all students in kindergarten through grade three. Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, requires certain employees of public schools to have an opportunity to participate in training on literacy instruction. Requires a report to the Legislature and Board of Education before the 2031-2032 school year. Appropriates funds.

LA CHICA

RELATING TO STUDENT TRANSPORTATION.

Authorizes the Superintendent to hire a new contractor if a contractor under a student transportation contract fails to provide service on a contracted service capacity or designated service segment for five or more consecutive instructional days. Authorizes the Department of Education to assess a penalty if a contractor fails to provide service on a designated service segment without an approved justification. Authorizes the use of the School Bus Fare Revolving Fund to offset costs associated with procuring replacement services. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES.

Requires the Department of Education to make available all public school outdoor facilities and grounds on Saturdays and Sundays for public and community use without the need for any license, permit, or deposit of fees, under certain conditions. Requires reports to the Legislature. Repeals on 6/30/2030.

LA CHICA

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

Establishes restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence, algorithms, or other software tools for purposes of decision-making in health insurance utilization reviews. Requires a licensed health care provider to review all adverse actions by the health carrier.

LA CHICA

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO ESTABLISH ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT.

Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to establish access to affordable health care as a fundamental right, subject to limitations balancing other essential public services.

Amy A. PerrusoDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

Establishes a Health Care for All Hawaii Board to design and recommend the Health Care for All Hawaii plan that is publicly funded and available to every resident of the State. Establishes values and principles for the board in developing its plan, designates the scope of the plan, requires the board to establish an advisory committee to provide consumer perspective input, and requires the board to submit the plan to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals 6/30/2027.

Amy A. PerrusoDemocrat

RELATING TO POLICING.

Establishes the Hawaii Center for Policing and Criminal Justice Research within the Social Science Research Institute, College of Social Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa to house the Hawaii Crime Lab. Requires law enforcement agencies and law enforcement oversight agencies to collect and report certain data regarding law enforcement stops, uses of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab. Requires the Hawaii Crime Lab to collect and publish incident-level information and an annual report on the data collected. Requires the Department of the Attorney General to adopt rules, in coordination with the Hawaii Crime Lab, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and any community advisory boards. Appropriates funds for the establishment and operation of the Hawaii Center for Policing and Criminal Justice Research within the Social Science Research Institute, College of Social Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa to support implementation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

David A. TarnasDemocrat