Hawaii Bills

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 172: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY ACCESSIBILITY BARRIERS FOR MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING NOT COVERED BY THE FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT AND GOVERNED BY CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS AND PLANNED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations that are not covered by federal Fair Housing Act protections. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations, assess the impact of accessibility barriers on aging in place, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset the costs of necessary modifications. The working group will include representatives from disability rights, consumer affairs, aging services, civil rights, and housing associations, and must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 56: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT ALTERNATIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT METHODS ALONG THE HANA HIGHWAY.

This House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to explore alternative vegetation management methods along the Hana Highway that reduce or eliminate synthetic chemical herbicides while maintaining roadway safety. The bill directs the department to hold public meetings in east Maui to gather community input and examine options such as organic herbicides, eco-friendly treatments, and non-chemical control strategies. It requires the department to submit a report of findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026, while continuing to maintain the highway and its budgetary commitments. The resolution also encourages community-based stewardship and monitoring efforts to assist in identifying vegetation management needs along this coastal corridor.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 117: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO COORDINATE WITH UTILITY PROVIDERS OPERATING WITHIN STATE HIGHWAY RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE PLAN AND SCHEDULE TO ADDRESS DERELICT OR AGING UTILITY POLES AND LINES ALONG FARRINGTON HIGHWAY AND OTHER HIGH-RISK CORRIDORS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with utility companies to create a statewide plan for fixing or removing old and unsafe utility poles and power lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk road areas. The plan would involve assessing the condition of aging infrastructure, prioritizing repairs based on safety risks like wildfire potential and traffic volume, and establishing clear rules for who is responsible for maintenance and funding. The Department of Transportation must submit a detailed report to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session outlining the proposed schedule, responsible parties, and any legal barriers to implementation. This resolution does not mandate immediate action but sets up a framework for coordinated planning between state agencies and private utility providers to improve public safety.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 96: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS TO ADVANCE THE SYSTEM OF COASTAL TRAILS ON THE NORTH SHORE OF OAHU.

This bill urges state and city transportation agencies to collaborate with local community groups to develop and improve a network of coastal trails on Oahu's North Shore. The resolution encourages these agencies to actively involve community organizations in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of these trails to promote safe walking and biking options. It highlights existing trail infrastructure and current transportation plans as a foundation for expanding non-vehicular travel routes in the area. The measure does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal request for agencies to prioritize community input on trail development.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 90: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES ACROSS OAHU.

This bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book aims to speed up permit approvals and lower regulatory barriers for building safe, affordable homes on Oahu. It includes designs for various housing types like accessory dwelling units and mid-rise buildings, incorporates climate-responsive features suited to Hawaii, and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. The bill also calls for a public design competition to generate innovative options and mandates that the final pattern book be made publicly available to streamline construction processes.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 120: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS, TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO COORDINATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING TO REDUCE INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS DEVELOPMENTS.

This bill requests the Department of Transportation and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to form a working group to coordinate infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands developments. The group will review overlapping projects, identify opportunities to reduce duplicative costs, and develop a standardized process for sharing information between the two departments. Members will include leadership from both agencies, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and external experts in infrastructure and finance. The working group must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027 and will dissolve by June 30, 2027.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 179: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF CORPORATE INCOME REPORTING STRUCTURES, INCLUDING THE TREATMENT OF FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY INCOME, TO INFORM LONG-TERM FISCAL PLANNING.

This bill directs Hawaii's Department of Taxation to conduct a comprehensive study of how corporations report income, with a specific focus on the treatment of foreign subsidiary income. The analysis will examine different reporting methods, estimate revenue impacts from alternative structures, and compare Hawaii's approach with other states while considering administrative costs and data limitations. The Department must submit its findings to the Legislature by late 2026 to inform long-term fiscal planning without making immediate policy changes. This measure directly affects the state's tax department and provides a framework for future corporate tax policy discussions.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 175: URGING ALL COUNTY PLANNING AND PERMITTING AGENCIES TO DENY ALL PERMIT APPLICATIONS RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION, EXPANSION, OR USE OF WAREHOUSES BY UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETAINING INDIVIDUALS FACING DEPORTATION.

This bill urges Hawaii's county planning and permitting agencies to deny all applications for building, expanding, or using warehouses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detaining individuals facing deportation. It is based on concerns about the potential for mass incarceration in large facilities, the strain on local resources, and the separation of individuals from their families and legal counsel. The resolution directs copies to planning officials in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties to encourage them to reject such permit requests. It reflects Hawaii's stated values of dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 9, 2026

GM 678: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Gubernatorial Nominee, MARSHALL URRUTIA, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

This is a procedural nomination, not a substantive bill. Governor Green has submitted Marshall Urrutia for confirmation to the Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, where he would serve a term expiring June 30, 2030. The nomination requires the Senate's confirmation under Hawaii's constitutional process. This affects the board's membership and the licensing oversight for elevator mechanics in Hawaii.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 9, 2026

GM 677: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Gubernatorial Nominee, PAUL BADUA, JR., for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

This bill is a gubernatorial nomination submission for Paul Badua, Jr., to serve on Hawaii's Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board. Governor Green formally submitted the nomination to the Senate for confirmation, as required by Hawaii Constitution Article V, Section 6. Badua's term would expire on June 30, 2030, if confirmed. The bill itself does not create new policy but requests the Senate's approval for this specific board appointment.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 12: URGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO ESTABLISH A PERMANENT LANDFILL HOST BENEFITS PROGRAM AND PROGRAM ADVISORY GROUP.

This House Resolution urges the City and County of Honolulu to create a permanent program compensating communities hosting landfills, including those affected by past landfills like Waimanalo Gulch. It specifically recommends establishing a community-led advisory group to identify local concerns and manage compensation funds for health/environmental impacts. The resolution cites studies linking landfill proximity to respiratory issues, home damage, and medical costs, referencing past annual $2 million offsets for Leeward Coast residents. It draws on the 2022 Oahu Landfill Siting Advisory Committee’s recommendation for a formal benefits package. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests Honolulu take these steps.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 14: REQUESTING THE STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON INCREASING ACCESS TO STABLE, SUITABLE, AND AFFORDABLE FACILITIES FOR PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

This House Resolution (HR 14) requests the Hawaii Board of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to prepare a report addressing facility access challenges for public charter schools. The report must analyze why unused state facilities aren't being identified, propose policy changes to connect charters with available space (including underused public school buildings), and assess financing options like federal funds or bonds. It directly affects Hawaii's growing public charter school sector, which serves over 1,300 students but often operates in temporary or unstable facilities. The resolution requires the report to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2027, focusing on practical solutions rather than creating new laws.

Topics ✓ Education

Bill results