Hawaii Bills

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 433: RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for reentry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Cory Chun (D) Sean Quinlan (D) Adrian Tam (D) Daniel Holt (D) Luke Evslin (D) · 1 co-sponsor

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 1020: RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL AND UNDERGROUND WATER RESOURCES STATEWIDE.

Establishes a Carbon Sequestration, Underground Water, and Geothermal Exploration Resource Characterization Program via slim hole bores and requires a related statewide environmental assessment. Requires a report to the Legislature. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 3250: RELATING TO LIBERTY AND JUSTICE DAY.

SB 3250 designates March 5 of every year as "Liberty and Justice Day" for public observance. This ceremonial bill does not create new laws, affect specific groups, or alter government programs. It simply establishes an annual date for recognizing liberty and justice themes. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond the designated observance.

died · Hawaii · Senate Apr 2, 2026

GM 622: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee, Gubernatorial Nominee, SHANE DOUGHTY, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

Governor Green submitted Shane Doughty's nomination for confirmation to the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee, with a term expiring June 30, 2028. This procedural bill requests the Senate's approval to appoint Doughty to fill a vacancy on the committee. The committee advises the state on correctional industries programs, which typically involve inmate work opportunities within prisons. The bill itself does not create new policy or alter existing law - it solely seeks confirmation for a gubernatorial appointment.

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2046: RELATING TO UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS.

Requires an owner or operator of an underground storage tank or tank system with a confirmed release to meet certain standards for the restoration of the environment. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Environment

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Apr 1, 2026

GM 800: Informing the Senate that on March 31, 2026, the Governor has withdrawn KAMA HOPKINS, Gubernatorial Nominee to the Hawai'i Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission, from consideration by the Senate (GM787).

This bill serves as a formal notification from the Governor to the Senate regarding the withdrawal of Kama Hopkins from consideration for the Hawai'i Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission. The action stems from a request by the Governor and is based on provisions in the State Constitution that allow for such withdrawals. Consequently, Kama Hopkins will no longer be part of the Senate's review process for this specific appointment, which is set to expire on June 30, 2030.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 209: COMMENDING TUMUA TUINEI FOR HIS OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A LEADING FIGURE IN HAWAIʻI’S ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITY, HIS COLLABORATION WITH THE STATE OF HAWAIʻI TO SUPPORT YOUTH WELLNESS, AND HIS POSITIVE, FAR‑REACHING SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE THAT UPLIFTS AND PERPETUATES HAWAIʻI’S CULTURE WHILE BRINGING LAUGHTER TO THE PEOPLE OF HAWAIʻI.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally commends comedian Tumua Tuinei for his contributions to Hawaii's entertainment industry and community. It recognizes his work as a cultural ambassador who promotes local humor and values through his social media presence and live performances. The resolution also highlights his partnership with the Hawaii Department of Health to support youth wellness and mental health initiatives. This measure serves as an official acknowledgment of his achievements rather than a law that changes policy or mandates action.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Hawaii · Senate Apr 1, 2026

GM 787: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawai'i Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission, Gubernatorial Nominee, KAMA HOPKINS, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

This bill is a procedural nomination by Governor Josh Green to appoint Kama Hopkins to the Hawai'i Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission. The appointment is for a term that will expire on June 30, 2030, and requires Senate confirmation before the appointment becomes official. This action follows the standard process outlined in Article V, Section 6 of the Hawaii State Constitution for filling commission vacancies. The bill does not create new policies or programs but simply fills an existing leadership position within the state's international partnerships commission.

in committee · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 113: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO INCREASE COMMUNITY CARE FOSTER FAMILY HOME ACCESSIBILITY FOR PRIVATE-PAY INDIVIDUALS.

This bill asks Hawaii's Department of Human Services to create a task force that will study how to make community care foster family homes more accessible for private-pay individuals. Currently, state law generally limits these homes to one private-pay client at a time, with exceptions only for married couples or civil unions. The task force will examine ways to streamline application processes for couples and potentially allow unrelated private-pay individuals to live together in the same home. The group will include representatives from health services, care home organizations, and case management agencies, and must submit its recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. The bill also requests that the department publish annual statistics on applications from couples seeking to live together in these homes.

in committee · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 174: REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM; DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES; AND UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ECONOMIC RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON ESTABLISHING A GUARANTEED UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME PROGRAM FOR WORKING FAMILIES IN HAWAII.

This bill requests that the Legislative Reference Bureau conduct a feasibility study on creating a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in Hawaii. The study will be carried out in collaboration with state agencies and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization to assess the practicality of such a program. Key areas of analysis include potential program structures, estimated costs and funding sources, impacts on poverty and workforce participation, and lessons from similar programs in other locations. The final report with findings and recommendations is due to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 184: REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM; DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES; AND UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ECONOMIC RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON ESTABLISHING A GUARANTEED UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME PROGRAM FOR WORKING FAMILIES IN HAWAII.

This bill requests a feasibility study to explore establishing a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in Hawaii. The study will be conducted by the Legislative Reference Bureau in consultation with state departments and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. It will examine program structures, costs, potential impacts on poverty and workforce participation, and lessons from similar programs elsewhere. The final report with recommendations is due before the 2027 legislative session.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 105: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO INCREASE COMMUNITY CARE FOSTER FAMILY HOME ACCESSIBILITY FOR PRIVATE-PAY INDIVIDUALS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Human Services to form a task force to study how to allow two unrelated private-pay individuals to live together in community care foster family homes. Currently, state law generally restricts these homes to one private-pay client at a time, or two only if they are married or in a civil union. The task force will examine ways to simplify application processes for couples and potentially expand housing options for unrelated individuals while considering impacts on Medicaid recipients. The group will include representatives from health services, care home organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Bill results