Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2876 HD1 CD1 (ACT 074).

This bill, Act 074, changes the legal requirements for natural hair braiders in Hawaii by replacing the current mandatory cosmetology license with a simpler registration system. Starting January 1, 2028, individuals who practice natural hair braiding must register with the state board by completing a specific sanitation and safety course and paying a fee, rather than undergoing the broader training required for general cosmetology licenses. The law defines natural hair braiding to include various techniques like cornrowing and locking, while explicitly prohibiting registrants from offering services that require a full cosmetology or barbering license. This change aims to reduce unnecessary burdens on practitioners while still ensuring public health and safety through regulated standards for tools and sanitation.