Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO KUPUNA HOUSING.

Repeals the sunset date for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna. Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for the State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna and for positions to support the program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO NATURAL HAIR BRAIDING.

Requires natural hair braiders to be registered, rather than licensed, under the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. By 11/1/2026, requires the Board to adopt rules prescribing the approved courses or programs that cover sanitation, health, and safety practices required for natural hair braiding. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a one-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program. Authorizes the Pilot Program to be conducted for fifth graders at Kalihi public elementary schools to be integrated into existing curricula. Requires a report to the legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE INCOME TAX.

Provides that taxable income subject to reporting as distribution on Internal Revenue Service Form 1099-R may be subject to withholding at the taxpayer's election. Requires the Department of Taxation to adopt rules and prescribe forms. Applicable to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

RELATING TO FERAL CHICKENS.

Appropriates funds to each county to facilitate the receipt, handling, and humane disposition of feral chickens that have already been caught. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Rachele LamosaoDemocrat

RELATING TO MARINE AFFAIRS.

Declares that the State is an ocean cluster. Establishes the Office of Marine Affairs and Marine Affairs Governing Board within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Establishes and appropriates funds for the Marine Affairs Coordinator position. Repeals the powers and duties of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism over marine affairs. Transfers the employees and functions of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs to the Office of Marine Affairs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER.

Appropriates funds to the Office of the Public Defender for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) Deputy Public Defender III position. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE FUNDS.

Transfers to the general fund the excess balances of various non-general funds and programs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

RELATING TO THE STATE RISK MANAGEMENT REVOLVING FUND.

Increases the expenditure ceiling and appropriates funds out of the State Risk Management Revolving Fund to transfer and distribute property and liability insurance proceeds related to the 2023 Maui wildfires to applicable accounts. Requires the Department of Accounting and General Services to submit to the Legislature a master coordinated project spreadsheet developed in collaboration with certain state agencies, the County of Maui, and other relevant entities. Requires full funding for the projects for which funds are appropriated to be available before expenditure. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO AMBULANCES.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health to purchase one advanced life support ambulance and related equipment to be based in Central Maui and fund pay-related personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Requires homeowners insurance policies to permit an insured who sustains a total loss from a peril for which a state of emergency was declared to (1) apply additional living expenses benefits toward the lease of a housing unit to serve as the insured's temporary primary residence; (2) pay an advance of at least four months of additional living expenses benefits; and (3) provide additional living expenses benefits for a minimum of twenty-four months, subject to policy limits. Provides for extensions of additional living expenses benefits under certain conditions. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO PROPERTY INSURANCE.

Requires homeowners insurance producers to notify policyholders that they may submit information regarding improvements made to the insured residential property, which shall then be submitted to the homeowners insurer. Requires homeowners insurers to reevaluate the replacement cost estimate based on the information submitted by a policyholder, and offer the policyholder the option to purchase additional coverage to cover the full amount of the replacement cost estimate. Establishes an administrative penalty. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO THE MAUI WILDFIRE EXPOSURE STUDY AND MAUI HEALTH REGISTRY.

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain services provided by the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.

Establishes the offense of criminal destruction of a tree on state or county property, punishable as a misdemeanor. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO A CLEAN FUEL STANDARD.

Requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules by 1/1/2028 governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Requires reporting and public informational session requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Requires operators of conversational artificial intelligence services in the State to issue certain disclosures to account holders and users. Requires operators to develop protocols to prevent the production of suicidal ideations in account holders and users. Establishes protections for account holders and users of conversational artificial intelligence services. Establishes protections for minor account holders and users of conversational artificial intelligence services. Beginning 1/1/2028, requires operators to submit annual reports to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs containing certain information. Allows the Department of the Attorney General and Office of Consumer Protection to bring a civil action against operators who violate certain requirements. Establishes that violations are to be considered unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO CULTURE AND ARTS.

Establishes the Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for administrative purposes only. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for an Executive Director position and Specialist position within the Office of Community Culture and Innovation. Establishes the Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO CULTURE AND ARTS.

Establishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program to honor individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to the State and serve as inspirations to others. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO MEDICAL DEBT.

Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop, implement, and administer a Medical Debt Acquisition and Forgiveness Program to acquire and forgive outstanding medical debt for residents of the State, subject to the availability of program funds. Requires a report to the Legislature before the Regular Session of 2027. Appropriates funds subject to a matching private funds requirement. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO PROPERTY CONVEYANCE.

Restructures the conveyance tax to a marginal rate system for the sale of properties with residential use, adjusts the tax for multifamily properties to reflect value on a per-unit basis, and applies a cost-of-living adjustment to conveyance tax rates. Establishes the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Subaccount within the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Allocates a portion of conveyance tax collections to the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Subaccount and Hawaiian Home Lands Infrastructure and Housing Special Fund. Establishes and appropriates funds out of the Hawaiian Home Lands Infrastructure and Housing Special Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

Requires a county with a population of no greater than three hundred thousand, in collaboration with the Hawaii Community Development Authority, 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 the Hawaii Community Authority to select the county for the pilot program. Authorizes the county to consult with the Department of Health. Requires the county to submit an initial proposal to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires all health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations in the State, including Medicaid managed care programs, to cover the cost of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies under certain conditions. Allows the Departments of Health and Human Services to accept and expend funds from public and private sources to support the expansion of access to continuous glucose monitors. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PROCUREMENT.

Exempts from the Hawaii Public Procurement Code procurements by the Department of Education of any amount of local edible produce and packaged food products that do not cost more than five per cent of non-local alternatives. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

RELATING TO RECORDS.

Removes outdated requirements and formats for plans filed with the registrar's office. Updates permissible drawing scales used in plans. Clarifies that statutory filing fees are set pursuant to the rules adopted by the Department of Accounting and General Services. Repeals obsolete terms such as "blueprint." Authorizes the Department of Accounting and General Services to approve the format of plans. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPT POSITIONS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES.

Exempts from the State's civil service and collective bargaining laws the following positions within the Department of Accounting and General Services: all positions filled by the Public Works Division's Special Project Branch; and all positions within the Comptroller's Office hired to support communications, change management, and business process improvement programs as part of the State's information technology modernization efforts. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. Sunsets 12/31/2031. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RETENTION OF BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE.

Specifies the types of cases in which evidence must be retained post-conviction and the process by which evidence may be disposed of earlier than the standard period of retention, which includes a procedure for defendants to oppose the disposal of biological evidence by filing an objection with the court. Authorizes the court, upon motion of a defendant or prosecutor or on the court's own motion, to order the retention of biological evidence in any felony case for a certain period under certain circumstances. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT.

Clarifies that untaxed tobacco products are subject to forfeiture as contraband, without regard to the procedures set forth in Hawaii's asset forfeiture law in the same manner as untaxed cigarettes. Confirms the authority of the Department of Taxation and the Department of the Attorney General to inspect and seize tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. Amends the fine for corporations that unlawfully sell or purchase packages of cigarettes without stamps. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO MILITARY FAMILIES.

Authorizes an eligible employee to take family leave for a qualifying military exigency under state law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PROTECTIVE ORDERS.

Requires notification to the security forces of each branch of the military when a protective order is issued in a case involving a military-affiliated individual. Requires the Judiciary, Department of Law Enforcement, and county police departments to establish certain policies and procedures. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM'S EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR NORMAL COST AND ACCRUED LIABILITY.

Increases employer contribution rate for normal cost and accrued liability for police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers to ensure that the amortization period for the unfunded accrued liability of the State's Employees' Retirement System does not exceed the maximum funding period. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE EXEMPTION FROM CIVIL SERVICE OF EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL OF THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

Allows the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System, through its Executive Director, to appoint specified executive personnel positions of the Employees' Retirement System and exempts these positions from the State's civil service requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO ENERGY ASSISTANCE.

Establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to assist qualifying households in paying their energy bills. Requires the Public Benefits Fee Administrator of the Public Utilities Commission to provide certain information and assistance to recipients of the program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.

Establishes the Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency as the Deputy Director of Emergency Management within the Department of Defense, under the direction of the Adjutant General. Clarifies the position's reporting structure and duties. Requires the Commission on Salaries to include the Deputy Director of Emergency Management in its recommendations for executive branch salary levels. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE INTERSTATE COMPACT ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR MILITARY CHILDREN.

Updates references to the United States Code in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. (HD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO INCOME TAX.

PART I: Repeals future adjustments to income tax brackets. For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, adds an income tax bracket and increases the income tax rates for the three highest income tax brackets by one percentage point each. Increases a taxpayer's applicable percentage of employment-related expenses that is used to calculate the household and dependent care services tax credit and increases income eligibility thresholds for the credit. Establishes certain disallowance periods following a final decision that a claim for the credit was due to fraud and that the claim was disallowed. Extends the sunset for enhancements made by Act 163, SLH 2023, to the Household and Dependent Care Services Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and Food/Excise Tax Credit to 12/31/2032. PART II: Amends the renewable energy technologies income tax credit by: for taxable years beginning after 12/31/26, limiting claims for certain solar energy systems that are not third-party financed systems and installed and placed in service on a single-family residential property to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $250,000 or less if filing as an individual or $350,000 or less if filing jointly; removing certain cap amounts for solar energy systems that are not third-party financed systems; and increasing the maximum adjusted gross income an individual taxpayer must be below in order to be eligible to have any excess credits refunded and limiting credit refundability to systems that are not third-party financed systems. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PERSONNEL.

Updates state position titles by changing "private secretary" to "executive assistant" and "secretary" to "administrative assistant", where applicable. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE.

Requires hospitals with emergency departments that are licensed in the State to submit syndromic surveillance data to the Department of Health. Authorizes the Department of Health to establish a state syndromic surveillance system. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO LEAD MATERIALS IN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

Amends prohibitions on the use of lead materials in drinking water distribution to align with the Safe Drinking Water Act and related Code of Federal Regulations. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S AUTHORITY TO REGULATE FOOD, DRUGS, AND COSMETICS.

Removes duplicative food-related statutory material and aligns all food-related provisions under chapter 328, HRS. Ensures adequate statutory authority for permits, fees, inspections, and enforcement. On 6/30/2027, repeals the Sanitation and Environmental Health Special Fund and transfers any unexpended or unencumbered balance to the newly established Food Safety and Environmental Health Special Fund. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO INDEPENDENT AUDITS OF DEPOSIT BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTORS.

Requires deposit beverage distributors to obtain independent audits at certain frequencies based on the amount of deposit beverage containers distributed. Requires independent audits to assess specific criteria and report certain information. Requires the Department of Health to develop a web-based system to allow online submission of reports. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE STATE FIRE COUNCIL.

Replaces the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations with the Department of Law Enforcement as the department responsible for budgeting administrative staffing for the State Fire Council. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to assume responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for highway projects, as well as railroad, public transportation, or multimodal projects within the State, allowing streamlined environmental reviews. Provides a limited waiver of sovereign immunity to comply with federal requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO FEDERAL MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the United States Department of Defense for the provision of services at federal military installations, under certain conditions. Authorizes charging an administrative fee. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE ENTERPRISE ZONES.

Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for the purposes of the Enterprise Zone Program to include certain retail sales of tangible personal property, processing of certain value-added agricultural products, the Hawaii food and product innovation network, and the provision of certain professional services by health care professionals. For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, extends the eligibility period of the state business tax credit for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Beginning 1/1/2028, extends the eligibility period of the general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Applies to qualified businesses who join the Enterprise Zone Program on or after a specific date. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE BOATING FACILITIES.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to: (1) Hold open public meetings before and as it develops a master plan regarding state small boat harbors, including the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor; (2) Finalize the master plan for state small boat harbors, including the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor; and (3) Consider the phased development of state small boat harbors, including the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARDS.

Establishes that when a neighborhood board of the City and County of Honolulu has a vacancy, a majority of the filled seats shall constitute quorum for conducting business and a majority vote of the members present at the board's meeting shall validate an act of the board as part of its official business. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Carol FukunagaDemocrat

RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING UTILITIES.

No later than 1/1/2029, requires each county board of water supply to publish a map of its service area and a list of service-restricted areas on their website. Specifies a procedure for responding to certain water availability requests. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Exempts persons operating wing-in-ground craft engaged in the transportation of passengers from the application of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Defines "wing‑in‑ground craft". Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO REGIONAL SHORELINE MITIGATION DISTRICTS.

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to plan and serve in a coordinating role to develop shoreline adaptation pathways plans for regional shoreline mitigation districts designated by OPSD. Establishes procedures for the review of state and county permits associated with regional shoreline mitigation districts. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE HOUSING.

Establishes an Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address the shortage and challenges of agricultural workforce housing in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

III RichardsDemocrat