Hawaii Bills

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SCR 193: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO EVALUATE REGISTRATION, REPORTING, AND TRANSPARENCY MECHANISMS FOR TRUSTS FORMED UNDER CHAPTER 554G, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES, AND OTHER LARGE PRIVATE TRUSTS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to evaluate how large private trusts, particularly those formed under Chapter 554G, are currently registered and reported. The bill directs the department to assess existing oversight requirements for trustees and trust companies, determine if current laws allow for asset-based reporting without exposing confidential beneficiary details, and recommend whether new transparency mechanisms are needed. The department must submit a report with findings and potential legislative proposals to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This resolution aims to improve state oversight of trust structures while maintaining privacy protections for individuals who create these financial arrangements.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SR 182: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO EVALUATE REGISTRATION, REPORTING, AND TRANSPARENCY MECHANISMS FOR TRUSTS FORMED UNDER CHAPTER 554G, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES, AND OTHER LARGE PRIVATE TRUSTS.

This Senate resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to study how large private trusts, particularly those created under Chapter 554G of the state statutes, are currently registered and reported. The bill directs the department to review existing rules for trustees and trust companies, assess whether current laws allow for tracking the number and size of these trusts, and determine if new reporting requirements are needed for trusts with significant assets. The department must provide a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by late 2026, focusing on creating transparency without exposing confidential beneficiary information. This measure is a procedural request for an administrative evaluation rather than a law that immediately changes how trusts operate.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 7, 2026

HCR 183: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP, ADOPT, AND IMPLEMENT A STANDARDIZED EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN GOVERNING IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY AT OR WITHIN ONE THOUSAND FEET OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ADOPT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY AT CERTAIN SCHOOL-RELATED LOCATIONS AND EVENTS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a standardized emergency response plan for immigration enforcement activities occurring within 1,000 feet of public schools or at school-related events. The plan would provide clear guidance to school staff on how to handle encounters with federal immigration officers while prioritizing student safety and minimizing disruption to learning. Key provisions include protocols for enforcement presence, student protection measures, communication with parents, staff training, and coordination with state agencies. The resolution also mandates periodic reviews of the plan to ensure it remains current with changing laws and best practices.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Immigration

in committee · Hawaii · House Apr 7, 2026

HCR 15: EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS POLICY AND URGING THE HAWAII ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SUBMIT AN AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF TO DEFEND THE ADMISSIONS POLICY IN ANY FUTURE LAWSUIT.

This House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 15) expresses legislative support for Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy, which prioritizes Native Hawaiian students as a remedy for historical educational disparities. It specifically requests the Hawaii Attorney General to file an "amicus curiae" (friend of the court) brief defending this policy in any future lawsuits challenging it. The resolution notes that Kamehameha Schools are privately funded and distinct from the 2023 Supreme Court case involving Harvard, which did not apply to them. It does not alter the admissions policy itself but urges state legal support for its defense.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Hawaii · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 17: EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS POLICY AND URGING THE HAWAII ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SUBMIT AN AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF TO DEFEND THE ADMISSIONS POLICY IN ANY FUTURE LAWSUIT.

HR 17 is a House Resolution expressing support for Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy, which prioritizes students of Native Hawaiian ancestry. It urges Hawaii's Attorney General to file an amicus brief defending this policy in any future lawsuits. The resolution states the policy is a remedy for historical injustices against Native Hawaiians, including the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and clarifies that a recent Supreme Court ruling on university admissions does not apply to Kamehameha Schools as they are privately funded. This resolution has no legal effect but symbolically supports the school's policy and its cultural significance.

Topics ✓ Education