Hawaii Bills

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SR 125: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY, TO ADOPT RULES TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL OCTOPUS AQUACULTURE.

This Senate Resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create rules banning commercial octopus farming. The bill aims to prevent potential harm to coastal ecosystems, water quality, and local fisheries by stopping intensive land-based and open-ocean aquaculture operations. It also addresses concerns about animal welfare, noting that octopuses have complex needs that may not be met in confinement, and highlights the cultural importance of native octopus populations in Hawaiian traditions. The measure allows research and educational activities involving octopus to continue while prohibiting commercial aquaculture.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SR 117: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO INCORPORATE INTO THEIR ASSESSMENT PROCESS THE POSSESSION OR ACTIVE SEEKING OF DAM LIABILITY INSURANCE BY PRIVATE DAM OWNERS.

This Senate Resolution requests that Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources consider whether private dam owners have liability insurance when assessing dam safety. The bill aims to make insurance coverage a valid mitigation measure that could help relax certain regulatory restrictions on dams. It also asks the department to consider dams safe without requiring specific engineering reports unless there is a probable risk of human life loss, and to avoid classifying dams as high hazard based solely on engineering risk assessments. Additionally, the resolution urges the department to make grant program criteria more transparent and to allow applicants to seek clarification and appeal decisions regarding the Dam Improvement or Removal Grant Program.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HCR 55: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO UTILIZE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MITIGATE TRAFFIC AND IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY IN THE STATE.

This House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the City and County of Honolulu to explore using artificial intelligence to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety. The measure is based on concerns about rising traffic fatalities and congestion in Hawaii, noting that other states are already using AI for traffic management. It requests that these agencies submit a report within 20 days assessing the feasibility of integrating AI technologies into existing traffic systems. The resolution does not mandate immediate implementation but asks for a study to evaluate how AI could be applied to current infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

signed · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HR 178: REQUESTING THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH AN AGRICULTURAL TOURISM WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE EXISTING LAWS AND ORDINANCES RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH OF AGRICULTURAL TOURISM IN HAWAII.

This bill requests the Hawaii Tourism Authority to create a working group to study agricultural tourism laws and offer suggestions for improving the industry. The group will review current regulations across the state to address inconsistencies in how different counties define and permit agricultural tourism activities. Members will include representatives from tourism, agriculture, local governments, and farming organizations, along with industry experts from key crops like coffee and macadamia nuts. The working group must submit its findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by early 2027, with the group dissolving by June 2027.

signed · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HR 39: 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.

This House Resolution urges the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services to install raised crosswalks at three specific intersections near Ala Wai Elementary School to enhance pedestrian safety. The measure targets University Avenue, Lauiki Street, and Kamoku Street where they cross Hihiwai Street, areas with high foot traffic from students, families, and residents. Raised crosswalks are recommended because they physically slow vehicles, increase visibility for drivers, and address current safety concerns like confusing three-way stops and inadequate traffic control. The resolution is non-binding and directs copies to city officials and school leaders to encourage implementation of this safety improvement.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HR 51: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO UTILIZE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MITIGATE TRAFFIC AND IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY IN THE STATE.

This House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Honolulu's transportation departments to explore using artificial intelligence to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety. It highlights concerns about rising traffic fatalities and congestion while noting that other states are already using AI for traffic management. The resolution requests that these agencies submit a report within 20 days assessing existing technologies and the feasibility of integrating AI systems into current infrastructure. This measure does not mandate implementation but asks agencies to evaluate and report on the potential for adopting AI-driven traffic solutions.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2091: RELATING TO PETITIONS TO TEMPORARILY RESTRAIN AND ENJOIN HARASSMENT OF AN EMPLOYEE.

Establishes a two-year pilot project to authorize public employers to petition for temporary restraining orders and injunctions against employment-related harassment of certain public employees. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2114: RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES.

HB 2114 creates the Hawaii Benefits Hub within the state's Office of Enterprise Technology Services to centralize access to human services. It requires the Chief Information Officer to develop and implement a single statewide portal for residents to apply for government benefits, replacing current fragmented systems. The bill appropriates funding for this portal's development and operation, effective July 1, 2030. This directly affects Hawaii residents seeking services like food assistance, healthcare, or housing support by simplifying their application process.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Hawaii · Senate Apr 8, 2026

GM 655: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board, Gubernatorial Nominee, NATASHYA NIHIPALI, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

This is a procedural nomination, not a policy bill. Governor Josh Green has submitted Natashya Nihipali for confirmation to serve on the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board. The nomination requests Senate approval for a term expiring June 30, 2028. This follows constitutional requirements for confirming certain board appointments. No policy changes or new provisions are involved.

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2216: RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LOANS.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to package and sell a portion of its agricultural loan portfolio to permitted third parties. Appropriates funds out of the Agricultural Loans Revolving Fund to increase its expenditure ceiling. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 1776: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the Office of Consumer Protection to publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights online. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Housing

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 213: RECOGNIZING HAWAIIAN COUNCIL FOR 25 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP, AND STEADFAST ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN COMMUNITY.

This resolution formally recognizes the Hawaiian Council for its 25 years of service to the Native Hawaiian community. It highlights the organization's work in economic development, cultural preservation, and providing support during crises like the Maui wildfires. The bill does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the council's leadership and achievements.

Bill results