Bills & Legislation

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO PROVIDE FOR A CITIZENS' ASSEMBLY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CITIZENS' ASSEMBLY TO PROPOSE TO THE LEGISLATURE CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY REVISIONS OR AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS GOVERNING ELECTIONS, POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS, CAMPAIGN FINANCE, ETHICS, REFERENDUM, REAPPORTIONMENT, LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, AND PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to provide for a citizens' assembly and to authorize the citizens' assembly to propose to the Legislature constitutional and statutory revisions or amendments to the laws governing elections, political campaigns, campaign finance, ethics, referendum, reapportionment, legislative process, and public access to information.

Les Ihara Jr.Democrat

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.

Lisa MartenDemocrat

RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX EXEMPTION.

Exempts from the general excise tax, amounts received by a contractor for contracting work performed in a county having a population of more than one hundred twenty-five thousand but less than one hundred eighty-five thousand.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO ARBORISTS.

Requires the State to ensure and enforce that all certified arborists in its employ, including contractors, adhere to best management practices.

Matthias KuschDemocrat

RELATING TO MISSING PERSONS.

Establishes and appropriates moneys for a Missing Indigenous Person Alert program to help locate indigenous persons who are missing and thought to be in danger.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SECOND REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.

Appropriates funds for capital improvement projects in the second representative district.

KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY

RELATING TO FISHING.

Establishes within the Department of Land and Natural Resources a permitting system for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the taking of aquatic life. Repeals prohibition on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the taking of aquatic life. Provides a timeline for implementation of the permitting system.

Christopher L. MuraokaRepublican

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ELEVENTH REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.

Appropriates funds for capital improvement projects in the eleventh representative district.

Terez AmatoDemocrat

RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE EMPLOYEES.

Repeals staff of the legislative branch of the State from the list of individuals not included in any appropriate bargaining unit. Specifies that the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each have one vote if they have employees in a particular bargaining unit for the purposes of negotiating a collective bargaining agreement.

Jeanne KapelaDemocrat

RELATING TO A WEALTH ASSET TAX.

Establishes a wealth asset tax of one per cent of the state net worth of each individual taxpayer who holds $20,000,000 or more in assets in the State.

Jeanne KapelaDemocrat

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FORTY-THIRD REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates moneys for capital improvement projects for the benefit of the 43rd Representative District.

Kanani SouzaRepublican

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

Repeals the authority for campaign funds to carry over to subsequent elections. Requires, at the latest, for campaign funds not expended to escheat to the State after a certain period. Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to make reasonable efforts to return escheated funds to contributors with any remaining balance to fund partially publicly financed campaigns.

Kim Coco IwamotoDemocrat

RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Requires law enforcement to post notice that a warranted or warrantless search has been conducted on a property. Requires a law enforcement officer to secure any entrance used by an officer in the search.

Kim Coco IwamotoDemocrat

RELATING TO MIDWIVES.

Establishes a licensing scheme for licensed certified midwives and licensed certified professional midwives, to be overseen by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Reestablishes the home birth task force to provide recommendations on issues related to home births. Dissolves the task force on 6/30/2026. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Carol FukunagaDemocrat

RELATING TO BED BUGS.

Prohibits landlords, including those operating in public housing and educational dorm settings, from renting a dwelling unit that the landlord knows has a current bed bug infestation. Establishes procedures that landlords shall take upon receiving notice of an actual or suspected bed bug infestation.

KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY

RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF ATTORNEYS BY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

Provides an exemption for public charter schools and their respective governing boards from the statutory prohibition on retaining independent legal counsel.

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO ALCOHOL.

Establishes a definition of "low alcohol by volume spirits beverage". Beginning 7/1/2025, establishes a tax on low alcohol by volume spirits beverages at a rate of $1.10 per wine gallon. Takes effect 6/30/2025.

Kyle T. YamashitaDemocrat

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE THIRTEENTH REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.

Appropriates funds for capital improvement projects in the thirteenth representative district.

Mahina PoepoeDemocrat

RELATING TO FLOOD MITIGATION.

Appropriates funds for a flood mitigation study of Hoaka Road in Hilo, Hawai‘i, contingent upon a dollar-for-dollar match by the County of Hawai‘i.

KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISLAND OF HAWAII.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for capital improvement projects for the benefit of the Island of Hawaii.

Matthias KuschDemocrat

RELATING TO THE STADIUM DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL FUND.

Requires conditions placed on appropriations to the Stadium Development Special Fund to be met before expenditure. Subjects expenditure by the Stadium Authority of an appropriation out of the Stadium Development Special Fund on the completion of specific project readiness conditions. Appropriates moneys.

Linda IchiyamaDemocrat

RELATING TO SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS.

Allows a person who has been convicted of 3 misdemeanors committed in Ewa Beach, Kapolei, or Waianae, to be sentenced to a term of geographic restriction during which the person is prohibited during certain hours from entering the specific area where the acts occurred. Mandates a sentence of imprisonment for 30 days for a violation of the geographic restriction.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE THIRTY-SIXTH REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.

Appropriates funds for capital improvement projects in the thirty-sixth representative district.

LAMOSAO

RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

Requires the State Fire Marshal to convene an electric vehicle fires working group to examine the impact of electric vehicle fires in residential, commercial, and business properties that have confined parking structures.

Jenna TakenouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO A HAWAII TEACHER REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.

Establishes the Hawaii Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, to be administered by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. Appropriates funds.

Amy A. PerrusoDemocrat

RELATING TO TAX CREDITS.

Establishes a Recycled or Waste Inputs Tax Credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/25.

Ikaika HusseyDemocrat

RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT.

Establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility Program. Requires certain producers of fast-moving consumer goods to register with the Department of Health and pay an annual fee based on the amount of packaging volume the covered producer places on the market each calendar year. Provides for the deposit of fees into an Extended Producer Responsibility Special Fund. Provides for the expenditure of moneys from the Extended Producer Responsibility Special Fund for the creation of a countywide needs assessment of resources needed to reduce the volume of packaging waste sent to landfills or power plants that burn municipal solid waste as a fuel by fifty per cent and eighty per cent by a date to be determined by rule. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 7/1/2032.

Ikaika HusseyDemocrat

RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Prohibits a business from requiring cash-only payments on transactions of $25 or more. Authorizes businesses to include any actual convenience fees for credit card or debit card transactions.

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO PRIVACY.

Prohibits the sale of geolocation information and internet browser information without consent. Prohibits the sale of data collected through eavesdropping or through an application operating in the background of a device that uses the device's microphone.

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP FEES.

Establishes the Environmental Stewardship Fee Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, through which the DLNR shall, after 7/1/27, collect a fee from visitors for a license to visit a state park, forest, hiking trail, or other state natural area. Establishes the Environmental Stewardship Fee Special Fund. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO CONTENTS OF CITATIONS.

Clarifies that the omission of certain information or any error in a citation does not constitute ground for dismissal of a charge or for reversal of a conviction, if the omission or error did not prejudice the defendant.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Establishes a ridesharing fee. Deposits fees collected into the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund.

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARDS.

Modifies and improves the effectiveness of the renewable portfolio standards law, which stipulates the central role of Hawaii's electric utility companies in complying with the State's renewable energy and climate goals to address emerging trends.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE ZERO EMISSIONS CLEAN ECONOMY TARGET.

Provides needed clarifications on the applicability and scope of section 225P-5, HRS. Clarifies current emissions reduction goals and defines critical terms used in climate mitigation. Establishes a total or gross emissions target as well as sector-specific targets to reinforce action in the relevant emitting sectors further strengthening the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE MONEY TRANSMITTERS MODERNIZATION ACT.

Aligns the State's Money Transmitters Modernization Act with the Model Money Transmitters Modernization Act, thereby enabling Hawaii to work within a network of states to license, supervise, and examine transglobal money transmission companies as a multistate system; adopts nationwide standards that provide clarity and consistency in calculating the tangible net worth of licensees; ensures that licensees have sufficient financial resources to conduct their business in a safe and sound manner; and promotes efficiency throughout the licensing process.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM.

Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission under the Universal Service Program may provide, and may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide, free telecommunications access to certain individuals with a print disability.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO ENERGY-EFFICIENCY PORTFOLIO STANDARDS.

Extends the State's deadline to achieve its energy-efficiency portfolio standards target from 2030 to 2045 and updates the standards. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish interim goals for electricity use reduction to be achieved by 2025, 2035, and 2040. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to adjust the 2030 and 2045 standard and interim standards.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD.

Authorizes the payment of allowances for TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Dental Program, and vision coverage to all officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel of the Hawaii National Guard ordered to active duty for more than 30 days in the service of the State.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE EARLY LEARNING BOARD.

Amends section 302L-1.6(b), HRS, to add the head start state collaboration office director as an ex officio, non-voting member of the early learning board, and to require the board to invite the president of the Head Start Association of Hawaii, or the president's designee, to serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the board.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a program to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsorily or voluntarily induction into the armed services of the United States and to persons whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES.

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to commemorate the island of Kahoolawe.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to implement dyslexia-sensitive universal screenings, provide evidence-based interventions, and offer professional development on dyslexia and structured literacy.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.

Amends the law to reduce the amount the Department of Education is required to charge for school meals to all students enrolled in department schools.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Allows newly graduated high school students to be eligible for workers' compensation coverage during the summer following their high school graduation while participating in work-based learning programs established and regulated by the Department of Education.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF WELLNESS AND RESILIENCE.

Transfers the Office of Wellness and Resilience to the Department of Human Resources Development on June 29, 2025. Creates a wellness and resilience advisory board. Updates the Office of Wellness and Resilience functions.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PLASTIC.

Bans businesses from providing single-use plastic bags and nonrecyclable paper bags to customers. Assesses a fee that businesses shall charge for allowable bags provided to customers. Establishes penalties.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO THE PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT.

Adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to regulate the practice of telepsychology and temporary in-person, facetoface practice of psychology by psychologists across state boundaries in the performance of their psychological practice. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules to implement and administer the Compact. Effective 1/1/2026.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat