Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM.

Requires the counties to adopt ordinances setting forth procedures and requirements for the review and permitting of agricultural tourism uses and activities as secondary uses, in addition to accessory uses, on a working farm or farming operation. Requires the counties' ordinances to include requirements that: the principal agricultural use on a working farm or farming operation preexists the issuance of any land use permit or building permit for any accessory and secondary use; agricultural tourism includes only those activities that are allowed under existing zoning and land use regulations; and agricultural tourism be allowed only on land on which productive agricultural use is occurring.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT DISASTER RECOVERY PERMITS.

Authorizes departments to issue permits for the development of multi-family rental housing projects on state or county land that was used for a multi-family rental housing project before a state emergency.

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATED TO DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.

Requires defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child by the operation of a vehicle in a negligent manner while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to make restitution in the form of financial support to each surviving child of the victim.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION FINANCING.

Authorizes a county that has adopted a surcharge to state tax to extend the surcharge to 12/31/2056. Extends the end date of the one percent Transient Accommodation Tax increase to 12/31/2056. Requires the State Auditor to conduct an audit and annual review of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation until 12/31/2056. Requires the Comptroller to certify the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's invoices for capital costs until 12/31/2056.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO MARINE PASSENGER FEES.

Establishes a cruise ship passenger fee to be collected beginning 1/1/2026 by the Department of Transportation to be used for infrastructure projects benefiting cruise ships with an emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Establishes the Cruise Ship Passenger Fee Special Fund. Appropriates funds.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO LAND COURT.

Establishes a working group to reform or eliminate the land court in Hawaii.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Requires housing projects developed pursuant to section 201H-38, HRS, to be located within county-designated transit-oriented zones.

Carol FukunagaDemocrat

RELATING TO IMMIGRATION DETENTION FACILITIES.

Prohibits the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Board of Land and Natural Resources from disposing of or approving the use or setting aside of public lands for the establishment of any immigration detention facility. Prohibits state and county agencies from contracting with the federal government for this purpose.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII'S SPACE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INITIATIVE.

Appropriates funds for salaries and fringe benefits of positions for the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy's Space Science and Engineering Initiative Workforce Development Program, Maunakea Scholars Program, and Internship Program. Appropriates funds for office equipment and supplies, operational costs, and stipends for the Maunakea Scholars Program and Internship Program.

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO INTER-ISLAND FERRY SERVICE.

Clarifies that harbor use fees shall not be waived for vessels engaging in inter-island ferry service within Maui county.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Authorizes the Director of Transportation to designate as a toll road, and impose toll charges for the use of, any existing state highway. Requires the Director of Transportation to designate as a toll road a certain portion of Hana Highway. Requires the Department of Transportation to develop a plan to exempt resident vehicle operators from the imposition of toll charges for the use of Hana Highway.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES.

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

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

Clarifies that the Board of Land and Natural Resources' authority shall supersede the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority for all lands designated under the state conservation district; provided that the Board of Land and Natural Resources upholds its affirmative and non-transferable duty to protect the traditional and customary rights of native Hawaiians as articulated in the Hawaii State Constitution. Clarifies that the natural resource management enforcement and emergency response over Mauna Kea lands shall remain the responsibility of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Takes effect 7/1/2026.

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Department of Transportation to inspect personal aircraft that enter the State and land at state airports for the purpose of preventing the unauthorized transportation of fireworks and article pyrotechnic into the State. Requires the Department to coordinate with an appropriate law enforcement agency or county fire department to dispose of prohibited fireworks and articles pyrotechnic.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO THE STATE PARKS SPECIAL FUND.

Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to expend the moneys from the State Parks Special Fund for programs aimed at environmental protection.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE ROYAL MAUSOLEUM.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer the stewardship of the Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LANDS.

Prohibits certain foreign parties from owning, purchasing, or acquiring an interest in agricultural lands. Establishes an Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture to investigate claims that land is unlawfully owned by a prohibited foreign party. Requires the Attorney General to undertake enforcement activities. Appropriates moneys.

Brenton AwaRepublican

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for a capital improvement project for the repair, maintenance, and demolition of buildings at the Waimanalo Research Station.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER.

Defines "isolated wetlands" and "wetlands". Clarifies the definition of "state waters" to include wetlands and isolated wetlands. Requires the Director of Health to determine all wetlands in the State, including whether a wetland is an isolated wetland or is included in the waters of the United States. Prohibit persons from discharging any water pollutant into or at any location that enters state waters.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES.

Requires operators of low-speed electronic bicycles to possess a valid driver's license, instruction permit, or provisional license.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS.

Short form bill.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE FINANCES.

Establishes the Climate Health and Environmental Action Special Fund in the Department of Land and Natural Resources to minimize the impacts of, and respond to, climate crises, which, beginning 1/1/2026, will be funded by a $25 tax on transient accommodations. Exempts certain housing used for emergencies during a state disaster from the Transient Accommodations Tax. Appropriates funds.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

Establishes a criminal penalty and monetary fines for aquarium fishing violations. Clarifies that each fish or aquatic life specimen taken in violation of certain fishing laws regarding aquarium fish and the possession and use of prohibited explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances constitutes a separate offense.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO PARROTFISH.

Amends conservation and resources law to prohibit: (1) Commercial sales of parrotfish that have been caught by spearing; and (2) The spearing of parrotfish in state waters after sunset or before sunrise.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO WASTEWATER SYSTEMS.

Establishes and appropriates funds for a three-year New Wastewater System and Individual Wastewater System Technology Demonstration and Implementation Pilot Program within the University of Hawaii at Manoa Water Resources Research Center. Requires the University of Hawaii at Manoa Water Resource Research Center to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO MAUNA KEA.

Authorizes 2 or more members of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to meet during its transition period regarding any matter relating to the Authority's business; provided that no commitment to vote is made or sought and no decision-making action is taken.

III RichardsDemocrat

RELATING TO ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION.

Expands eligibility for scholarships under the Hawaii Community College Promise Program to all qualified students. Appropriates funds.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO PROPERTY.

Prohibits nonresident aliens and businesses and trusts that are significantly controlled by nonresident aliens from acquiring certain residential property in the State, except as otherwise provided by law.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO AQUARIUM FISH PERMITS.

Exempts persons engaging in aquaculture research from the aquarium fish permit requirement. Defines aquaculture research.

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL LEASEHOLDS.

Exempts state and county lands leased after July 1, 2025, for an initial period of not less than ninety-nine years from chapters 516 and 516D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO THE CONVEYANCE TAX.

Allocates ten per cent of conveyance tax collections to the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Removes the annual cap on conveyance taxes paid into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO NEONICOTINOIDS.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to conduct a study on the effects of neonicotinoids on Hawaii beehive and apiary operations, including beekeeping activities at solar energy facilities. Appropriates moneys.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER.

Prohibits the use of 1,000,000 or more gallons of water per year for recreational or ornamental purposes.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

Authorizes any department of the Invasive Species Council, county, or any agent of a department of the Invasive Species Council or a county, including the Hawaii Ant Lab or an island-based invasive species committee to use community action programs for the control or eradication of certain invasive pests. Defines community action program. Exempts individuals participating in a community action program from pest control operator requirements and regulations.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO PESTICIDES.

Prohibits the use of certain dangerous pesticides on state lands and at state facilities, except as needed to respond to emergencies.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES.

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to establish eight full-time equivalent (8.0 FTE) agricultural technician positions and four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) community coordinator positions.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Deputy Director of Highways of the Department of Transportation to be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

Reestablishes the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii as an organized research unit within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) that is administered by a director appointed by the University of Hawaii's board of regents with direct lines of reporting to the chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, provost of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and dean of JABSOM. Requires funds expended from the Research and Training Revolving Fund for JABSOM and the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii to be used for research and research-related purposes only. Repeals provisions that required the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii to be administratively affiliated with JABSOM.

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER.

Appropriates funds for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to install one hundred monitoring wells to collect data and map the migration of the Red Hill contamination plume.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO RICHARD "BUFFALO" KEAULANA DAY.

Designates September 2nd of each year as "Richard "Buffalo" Keaulana Day".

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO STATE LANDS.

Establishes penalties for failure to comply with certain submerged land reclamation regulations. Adds requirements for presently reclaimed land to be disposed of by the Board of Land and Natural Resources, without recourse to public auction, to an abutting owner, by sale, or by lease. Provides requirements for the Board of Land and Natural Resources to lease state submerged lands and lands beneath tidal waters.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO CANNABIS.

Establishes the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate all aspects of the cannabis plant. Contingent upon specific changes at the federal level or a state constitutional amendment, legalizes the personal adult use of cannabis and decriminalizes certain marijuana-related offenses. Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes taxes on cannabis sales. Adds new traffic offenses relating to the consumption or possession of marijuana or marijuana concentrate. Transfers the personnel and assets of the Department of Health and assets of the Department of Agriculture relating to cannabis and hemp to the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office. Establishes various positions within state entities. Appropriates funds.

David A. TarnasDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LAND CONVEYANCE TAX.

Establishes a surcharge on the conveyance tax upon the net capital gain from the transfer or conveyance of agricultural land.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES.

Amends various definitions of "moped" throughout the Hawaii Revised Statutes to exclude low-speed electric bicycles. Deletes an unused term from Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Establishes regulations for low-speed electric bicycles and clarifies the applicability of certain conflicting regulations that are applicable to all bicycles.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO CORAL REEFS.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a study on the populations of coral reef herbivores around the island of Oahu and an analysis of policies and strategies to increase the populations of coral reef herbivores around Oahu, in consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and other experts. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO THE BOARD OF REGENTS.

Short form bill.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

Short form bill.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION.

Short form bill.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

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.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO INCOME TAX.

Eliminates the state individual income tax.

Christopher L. MuraokaRepublican