Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO PLANTS.

Requires persons who sell or offer plants for sale at retail to provide information on the risk of invasiveness of the plant species. Requires the Invasive Species Council to develop a labeling system for plants that displays the plants' weed risk assessments. Establishes fines for violations. Effective 1/1/2027.

Matthias KuschDemocrat

RELATING TO MAUNA KEA.

Authorizes the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to an additional ten-year term. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Matthias KuschDemocrat

RELATING TO ELECTIONS.

Requires that each county council district feature at least one voter service center for elections. Prioritizes using public schools as voter service centers. Requires the clerk to advertise for volunteers. Requires each county council district to have one voter service center open on election day.

David Alcos IIIRepublican

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Imposes the manufacturing general excise tax rate on motion picture, digital media, and film productions and repeals the provision in the definition of "qualified production costs" that applied the term to mean costs incurred that are subject to the highest general excise tax rate. Exempts from the general excise tax certain amounts received by a motion picture project employer from a client company equal to amounts that are disbursed by the motion picture project employer for employee wages, salaries, payroll taxes, insurance premiums, and employment benefits and payments to loan-out companies. Requires persons making payment to a loan-out company and claiming the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit to deduct and withhold an amount exceeding the amount actually due for all payments made to the loan-out company for services performed in the State. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD1)

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE.

Clarifies that negligent homicide in the first degree shall include situations where a person causes the death of another person while operating a vehicle without a valid license. Establishes that a violation of this provision shall be a class B felony, with escalation to a class A felony when the person has two or more prior convictions for driving without a valid license within five years. Clarifies what constitutes a prior conviction for driving without a valid license. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Applies the retail or higher general excise tax or use tax rate to purchases or imports of new motor vehicles by rental car companies and requires the revenue to be deposited into the Hawaiian Home Lands Special Fund. Establishes the Hawaiian Home Lands Special Fund. Appropriates funds for a position in the Department of Taxation. Appropriates funds out of the Hawaiian Home Lands Special Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

RELATING TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING.

Establishes an American Sign Language Program at the University of Hawaii and appropriates funding for the program.

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS.

Establishes the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Updates the Condominium Property Act to integrate the role and functions of the ombudsman's office for condominium associations. Appropriates funds from the Condominium Education Trust Fund for establishment of the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Associations.

Diamond GarciaRepublican

RELATING TO SCHOOL SPORTS.

Requires the Department of Education to implement a supplemental sports program for high school students in West Oahu.

David Alcos IIIRepublican

RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.

Requires the Department of Human Services to record any child welfare interview conducted by the Department when administering certain child welfare services. Requires the Department to store the recordings for a minimum of five years and under certain conditions. Prohibits the sharing of the recordings unless certain conditions are met. Establishes criminal penalties for violating prohibitions against sharing of the recordings.

Diamond GarciaRepublican

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Applies the retail or higher general excise tax or use tax rate to purchases or imports of new motor vehicles by rental car companies. Appropriates funds for a position in the Department of Taxation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO DUE PROCESS FOR ESTABLISHING PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR TAX.

Provides that a determination of personal liability for another person's unpaid general excise taxes is an assessment subject to the due process procedures and appeals available for other assessments. Effective 1/1/2027. (SD1)

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

Establishes a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii's Leeward Community College, Department of Human Resources Development, and Department of Law Enforcement. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO SUBSISTENCE GARDENING.

Establishes within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity a three-year Subsistence-Plus Gardening Pilot Program. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO THE PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS PROGRAM.

Clarifies that the Preschool Open Doors Program is open to all children, including children in foster care, who meet the eligibility requirements of the program.

Lisa MartenDemocrat

RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF BIRTH.

Provides that a new certificate of birth issued by the State shall include a designation of the sex of the person born, based on the genitalia of the person. Authorizes amendments of designations of sex on certificates of birth, provided that the birth registrant is an adult, and a new designation is based on the genitalia of the birth registrant, as confirmed by a physician or physician's assistant. Requires certain original certificates to be unsealed and new certificates to be marked as amended with regard to sex designation.

David Alcos IIIRepublican

RELATING TO SPORTS WAGERING.

Allows for the regulation of sports wagering by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. 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 the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to perform criminal history record checks on applicants and licensees relating to sports wagering. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY.

Appropriates funds for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) grant writer position within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and converts the position from temporary to permanent.

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO OUTDOOR SIGNAGE.

Requires the display of outdoor advertising devices, including digital outdoor signage devices, to be allowed within the Waikiki Special District and requires the adoption of necessary county ordinances. Allows the display of outdoor advertising devices, including digital outdoor signage devices, within the Stadium Development District with the authorization of the Stadium Authority.

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO THE FILM INDUSTRY.

Increases the fee amount collected from taxpayers claiming the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit and requires a portion of funds collected to be used to support the vertical film industry in the State. Expands the funding sources of the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund to include revenues received by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism from managing the Hawaii Film Studio. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Repeals 1/1/2033. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Daniel HoltDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Establishes a cap on the total number of superintendent-level positions within the Department of Education, with certain exceptions. Defines "superintendent-level position". Authorizes the Board of Education to conduct a written performance evaluation of each Complex Area Superintendent every two years. Appropriates funds to establish two Deputy Superintendent positions within the Office of the Superintendent. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours, except for instructional purposes, to begin in the 2027-2028 school year.

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates for members of the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.

Authorizes the funding for rental or lease of facilities by legislative appropriations and bond authorizations to the state public charter school commission for the design, planning, construction, repair, and maintenance of public charter school improvements. Appropriates general funds for infrastructure costs, rental or lease assistance, and the repair and maintenance of network infrastructure for charter schools. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS.

Establishes statewide health care worker safety and workplace violence prevention requirements for health care facilities. Requires enforcement by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in coordination with the Department of Health.

Ikaika OldsDemocrat

RELATING TO FERAL ANIMALS.

Declares feral chickens on public lands as a public nuisance and controllable pest in a city with a population of three hundred thousand or more. Prohibits supporting feral chickens on public lands, including by feeding chickens. Prohibits the abandonment of chickens on public lands or on private property without consent. Establishes fines and authorized enforcing agencies. Appropriates funds for the receipt, handling, and humane disposition of feral chickens that have already been caught. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ikaika OldsDemocrat

RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.

Establishes a two-year-pilot program within the Department of Human Services to provide temporary financial stabilization assistance to families with students identified as experiencing homelessness. Funds the program through the Department of Human Services using allowable Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds. Requires Department of Education Complex Area Community Homeless Concerns Liaison to make approved purchases. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ikaika OldsDemocrat

RELATING TO REAL ESTATE.

Requires a licensed real estate broker or salesperson to provide written disclosure to the seller when marketing residential real property through a private or off-market listing. Includes failure to provide the written disclosure as grounds for disciplinary action against a licensed real estate broker or salesperson. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO TELEHEALTH.

Authorizes out-of-state physicians who are licensed and in good standing in the state in which they reside to provide an initial consultation via telehealth to a patient located in the State, under certain conditions. Clarifies that a physician-patient relationship may be established with an out-of-state physician via telehealth under certain circumstances. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO FINANCIAL LITERACY.

Requires the University of Hawaii System to implement a financial literacy program offered at all campuses at no cost to students. Appropriates funds.

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the department of education to equip all classroom doors with interior locks, maintain a public address system, feature an emergency access route, and maintain fire alarms. Mandates the establishment of a school emergency management plan. Requires schools to conduct regular testing and emergency preparedness drills. Appropriates funds.

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Exempts food and groceries from the general excise tax. Expands the general excise tax exemption implemented in 2024 for certain medical and dental services to include all medical and dental services.

Lauren MatsumotoRepublican

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Requires insurers to provide automatic, advance written premium change notices to common interest community policyholders and the Insurance Commissioner, with reasonable explanations and primary factors, disclosing the causes of any premium increase if, upon renewal, premiums are scheduled to increase more than an unspecified per cent. Requires insurers that renewed property insurance policies between 2022 and 2024 for policyholders that were condominium associations, planned community associations, or cooperative housing corporations in the State, to provide an explanation for certain premium increases during this period. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to submit a report to the Legislature.

Scot Z. MatayoshiDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

Establishes a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS.

Establishes the Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.

Makes permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court. Amends the authorized uses of moneys in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund. Repeals language that required the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rules. Effective 7/1/3026. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Requires the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to establish the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Matching Program. Requires the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, in collaboration with the Department of Education, to establish a STEM education outreach program, under which recipients of funds from the SBIR Matching Program must deliver presentations to public school students. Requires and appropriates funds for the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to develop an Economic Diversification Strategic Plan. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for economic diversification and defense ecosystem development. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Requires insurers to provide advance written notice to policyholders and the Insurance Commissioner, with reasonable explanations and primary factors, of any policy cancellation, non-renewal, or proposed premium increase, if, upon renewal, premiums are scheduled to increase more than ten per cent. Requires insurers that provide property insurance to file rate schedules and underlying criteria with the Insurance Commissioner. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to conduct periodic reviews of insurance rates and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to establish a Public Reporting and Dispute Resolution Program to handle complaints and appeals regarding premium increases. Requires insurers to provide premium discounts or credits to policyholders that implement disaster risk mitigation measures.

Scot Z. MatayoshiDemocrat

RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Prohibits with certain exceptions, the use of facial coverings and requires visible identification by law enforcement officers and their vehicles in the performance of their duties. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to establish policies regarding state and county cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. Prohibits law enforcement officers from prolonging a stop to inquire about a person's civil immigration status. Establishes criminal offenses for use of a mask or facial covering by a law enforcement officer, lack of visible identification, and unauthorized civil immigration arrest or detention. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)

Della Au BelattiDemocrat

RELATING TO ROBOTICS.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to establish robotics as an interscholastic sport. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Julie Reyes OdaRepublican

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to provide additional benefits to: (1) teachers with special assignments where their duties and responsibilities are greater than their ordinary duties and responsibilities; (2) teachers in Hawaiian language medium education whose responsibilities are greater or unique and require additional language skills; and (3) teachers at special needs schools. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Julie Reyes OdaRepublican

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Allows authorized insurers in the State to offer building and hurricane damage insurance for condominium buildings at a lesser rate than the building's prior surplus lines insurance policy for the same coverage. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Scot Z. MatayoshiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN FLAG.

Requires cooperative housing corporations, planned community associations, and condominium associations to allow owners to display the Hawaiian flag within the owner's property. Allows reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on Hawaiian flag displays to protect a substantial interest of the association or corporation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Julie Reyes OdaRepublican

RELATING TO SCHOOL REPAIRS.

Requires the Department of Education to establish an electronic dashboard on its website that details the status of repair projects at all department schools.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO AN INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Requires the Auditor to conduct an audit of the Department of Education focusing on financial efficiency and administrative overhead costs affecting department of education schools on the island of Oahu.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes a refundable income tax credit for the retention and housing of certain police officers.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Eliminates the Hawaii state income tax starting with the 2028 taxable year. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit a report to address the expected tax revenue shortfall and to propose conforming amendments to the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Exempts from the general excise tax the sale of groceries, health care services, and utility services. Defines terms.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Clarifies that references to the base amount in section 41, Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall not apply to the tax credit for research activities, and that the tax credit for qualified research expenses may be claimed without regard to expenses in previous years. Increases the annual cap on the total amount of credits that may be certified by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Chris ToddDemocrat

RELATING TO MANAGING AGENTS.

Requires managing agents for residential condominium properties over seventy-five feet in height to have commercial property management experience. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Scot Z. MatayoshiDemocrat