Bills & Legislation

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

Proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution to provide that freedom of speech protected under the Hawaii State Constitution does not include the expenditure of money to influence elections. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO OHANA ZONES.

Establishes the Ohana Zones Program as a program within the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions. Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to exempt ohana zones projects from general excise taxes. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Establishes a working group within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to identify existing mixed-use developments in Maui County that could be acquired by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation for use as affordable housing and commercial rental leases. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

Prohibits foreign entities and foreign-influenced business entities from making contributions, expenditures, electioneering communications, or donations for election purposes. Allows every business entity that contributes or expends funds in a state election to certify that the entity is not and will not be a foreign corporation or foreign-influenced business entity if the entity intends to make contributions or expenditures within an election cycle. Specifies that if the conditions that determine whether a business entity qualifies as a foreign‑influenced business entity are held unconstitutional by a final judgment, including all appeals, the Campaign Spending Commission is required to establish revised conditions that are constitutional. Requires noncandidate committees making only independent expenditures to obtain a statement of certification from each top contributor required to be listed in an advertisement avowing that no funds were derived from foreign entities or foreign-influenced business entities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIME.

Establishes a permanent Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State. Establishes the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for committing certain property crimes on agricultural property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE FINANCES.

Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to utilize revenue bonds when securing a line of credit or other instrument of indebtedness for the Bond Volume Cap Recycling Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION ACT.

Clarifies that Act 130, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, shall take effect on either the date of the Secretary of the Interior's notification letter to the Congressional Committee Chairpersons that this Act meets none of the criteria in title 43 Code of Federal Regulations section 48.20, or on the date that the United States Congress approval becomes law. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCING.

Increases the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program and staff. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT SECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS SYSTEMIC STAFFING SHORTAGES, EXPANDED STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES, AND THE ESCALATING FISCAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTING AT STATE COURTS.

Amy A. PerrusoDemocrat

URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO REASSESS PRIOR DETERMINATIONS AND CLOSURE DECISIONS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT IN LIGHT OF EVOLVING SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AND RECENT FEDERAL HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DESIGNATIONS.

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF LARGE DATA CENTERS ON HAWAII'S ELECTRIC UTILITIES, RATEPAYERS, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND CLIMATE GOALS.

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO COLLABORATE WITH STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY.

Tina Nakada GrandinettiDemocrat

REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI TO EXPAND THE HELE-ON SHARED RIDE PROGRAM TO SERVE THE ENTIRE ISLAND OF HAWAIʻI, INCLUDING RURAL AND UNDERSERVED AREAS SUCH AS WEST HAWAIʻI, NORTH KOHALA, SOUTH KOHALA, KAʻŪ, AND PUNA.

Jeanne KapelaDemocrat

REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ARTS DATA AND MAPPING TASK FORCE TO CONDUCT A STATEWIDE SURVEY OF ENTITIES ENGAGED IN ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION AND DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE DATABASE AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM MAP OF ARTS ENTITIES AND PROGRAMS.

Jeanne KapelaDemocrat

REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION TO INSTALL PERMANENT PICKLEBALL NETS AND COURT LIGHTING AT THE TENNIS COURTS AT KAMILOʻIKI COMMUNITY PARK.

Joe GedeonRepublican

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO IDENTIFY STATE LANDS IN EAST OAHU SUITABLE FOR THE PLANTING OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN TREES.

Joe GedeonRepublican

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO EXPLORE AND PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES TO COLOCATE COMMUNITY-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATING PROJECTS WITH AGRICULTURAL RESERVOIRS AND IRRIGATION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

Mahina PoepoeDemocrat

URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY TO EXTEND THE RENEWAL PERIOD FOR SECRETARIAL DESIGNEE HEALTH CARE AUTHORIZATIONS RELATED TO THE RED HILL WATER CONTAMINATION CRISIS AND TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS.

Shirley Ann TemploDemocrat

NOMINATING JOHN D. WAIHEʻE III FOR INDUCTION INTO THE ALOHA ORDER OF MERIT.

Kirstin KahaloaDemocrat

AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND INSTALL SHADE TREES IN URBAN AREAS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS ACROSS THE STATE.

Lisa MartenDemocrat

ENDORSING WAIKIKI AS A WORLD SURFING RESERVE.

Sean QuinlanDemocrat

REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII BOARD OF REGENTS TO REVIEW AND REFINE THE OPERATIONAL MISSIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII'S FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT EACH CAMPUS FULFILLS A DISTINCT AND COMPLEMENTARY ROLE IN SERVING STUDENTS AND THE STATE.

Andrew Takuya GarrettDemocrat

REQUESTING THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO REVIEW AND CLARIFY THE ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM IN RELATION TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF INDIVIDUAL CAMPUSES.

Andrew Takuya GarrettDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT TO COLLABORATE WITH STATE DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND LABOR ORGANIZATIONS IN COMPLETING THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION SYSTEMS FOR ALL CIVIL SERVICE POSITIONS UNDER ITS JURISDICTION.

Jackson D. SayamaDemocrat

URGING THE GOVERNOR TO ASSESS FOOD INSECURITY CONDITIONS AND IMPLEMENT A STATEWIDE FOOD SECURITY RESPONSE PLAN.

Darius K. KilaDemocrat

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INSTALL RAISED CROSSWALKS AT THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE, LAUIKI STREET, AND KAMOKU STREET INTERSECTIONS WITH HIHIWAI STREET TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY NEAR ALA WAI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY.

Adrian K. TamDemocrat

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO WORK WITH ITS PARTNERS TO INCREASE INVESTMENT IN POLICIES, INCENTIVES, WORKFORCE, AND NURSERY CAPACITY TO REFOREST HAWAII'S PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS.

Matthias KuschDemocrat

SUPPORTING THE USE OF THE DWELLING UNIT REVOLVING FUND TO FUND PREDEVELOPMENT COSTS FOR ANY GOVERNMENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT THROUGH INTERIM LOANS TO EXPEDITE THE DELIVERY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO HAWAII'S RESIDENTS.

Luke A. EvslinDemocrat

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO TRANSFER PARCELS THAT MAKE UP THE EAST KAPOLEI TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND URGING THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO PARTNER WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS AND HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF NON-HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PORTIONS OF THE PROJECT.

Luke A. EvslinDemocrat

RELATING TO RECESS DAYS FOR THE REGULAR SESSION OF 2026.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN HAWAII.

Mark J. HashemDemocrat

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO ADDRESS THE LEGISLATURE ASSEMBLED IN JOINT SESSION.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RECOGNIZING 2026 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS IN HAWAII.

Cory M. ChunDemocrat

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BIOMARKER TESTING.

Cory M. ChunDemocrat

ESTABLISHING A SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE PREFECTURE OF OKAYAMA, JAPAN.

Kyle T. YamashitaDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for its Hoakea Program. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Michelle N. KidaniDemocrat

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Establishes within the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority the Condominium Loan Program to provide qualified condominium associations with low-cost financing or refinancing on previously obtained loans for maintenance and essential repairs. Establishes the Condominium Loan Loss Reserves Program to incentivize lenders into providing loans at competitive rates and terms for the purpose of allowing condominium associations to make necessary maintenance or repairs. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds into and out of the Condominium Loan Revolving Fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

RELATING TO AIRCRAFT.

Requires the Director of Transportation to adopt rules that require tour aircraft operators to carry aircraft liability insurance coverage. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO THE ESTATE TAX.

Amends the exclusion amount of Hawaii's estate tax. Repeals exemption for tax imposed on transfer of taxable estate located in Hawaii for nonresidents and nonresidents who are not citizens. Applicable to decedents dying or taxable transfers occurring after 12/31/2024. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO COMPUTER SCIENCE LEGISLATIVE REPORT.

Changes the due date of the Department of Education's annual computer science legislative report from June 30 to October 31. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Requires the Department of Taxation to provide refunds to taxpayers at the same interest rate as the federal government. Effective 7/1/2025. (SD1)

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Requires the Department of Taxation to submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing an organizational chart and staffing plan and requirements for the Information Technology Services Office. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Allows captive insurance companies that are not risk retention captive insurance companies to apply to the Insurance Commissioner for certificates of exemption from examination after meeting certain requirements. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO ARSON.

Authorizes periods of imprisonment for individuals with previous arson convictions. Authorizes additional penalties for arson crimes that endanger vulnerable areas. Requires restitution for victims of arson who experienced property damage. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Establishes within the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority the Condominium Loan Program to provide qualified condominium associations with low-cost financing or refinancing on previously obtained loans for maintenance or repair projects. Limits loan terms to 20 years and prohibits any new loans after 6/30/2047. Establishes the Condominium Loan Loss Reserves Program to incentivize community development financial institutions into providing loans at competitive rates and terms to condominium associations for the purpose of allowing condominium associations to make necessary maintenance or repairs. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds into and out of the Condominium Loan Revolving Fund. Effective 7/1/2050. Repeals 06/30/2047. (SD2)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes an excise tax on certain taxpayers who own excess single-family residences for failure to sell those residences. Establishes and allocates excise tax revenues to the Housing Downpayment Trust Fund. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Establishes and appropriates funds to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Donna Mercado KimDemocrat