Hawaii Bills

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 171: REQUESTING THE HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO ASSIST IN ORGANIZING A STATEWIDE SUMMIT OF ORGANIZATIONS WORKING ON COMMUNITY RESILIENCE HUBS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to help organize a statewide summit for organizations working on community resilience hubs. The summit aims to bring together groups across Hawaii to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and develop coordinated strategies for disaster preparedness. The resolution specifically asks the Emergency Management Agency to partner with Vibrant Hawaii and Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhoods to lead the event and provide technical expertise. Additionally, the agency must submit a report with findings and recommendations on best practices for these hubs before the 2027 legislative session begins.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 27: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO ESTABLISH A THREE-YEAR BUSINESS PLAN AND A STRATEGIC VISION FOR THE HAWAII FILM STUDIO.

This bill asks the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to create a three-year business plan and strategic vision for the Hawaii Film Studio. The resolution directs the department to consider how the studio fits into the state's broader film industry goals and to submit the plan to the Legislature by 2027. It acknowledges the studio's role in supporting Hawaii's growing film and television industry, which has benefited from state tax incentives and local workforce development. The measure does not change laws or funding but requests the department to develop a formal long-term strategy for the facility.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 21: ENDORSING TAIWAN'S INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION, ENCOURAGING THE SIGNING OF A UNITED STATES-TAIWAN AGREEMENT ON AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION, AND COMMEMORATING THE SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII AND TAIWAN.

This Hawaii House resolution endorses Taiwan's participation in international organizations, encourages U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement negotiations, and commemorates Hawaii-Taiwan sister-state relations. The bill directs the state to support Taiwan's observer status in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Criminal Police Organization, while urging the U.S. Trade Representative to begin talks on a double taxation avoidance agreement. Additionally, it marks the 33rd anniversary of the sister-state partnership between Hawaii and Taiwan, highlighting existing cooperation in trade, education, culture, and disaster management. The resolution has no legal binding force and serves primarily as a symbolic statement of state support for these diplomatic and economic initiatives.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 40: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A STATE OF HAWAII COMMEMORATIVE VIETNAM VETERANS MEDAL.

This bill requests the Department of Defense to form a working group to create recommendations for a State of Hawaii commemorative medal honoring Vietnam veterans. The working group would include representatives from the Adjutant General, Hawaii National Guard, Office of Veterans' Services, and various veterans' organizations to develop eligibility criteria, application processes, and medal designs. The group must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and estimated costs to the Legislature by June 2027, with the working group dissolving by June 2028.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 161: REQUESTING THE HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO ASSIST IN ORGANIZING A STATEWIDE SUMMIT OF ORGANIZATIONS WORKING ON COMMUNITY RESILIENCE HUBS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to help organize a statewide summit focused on community resilience hubs, which are centers designed to support residents before, during, and after emergencies. The resolution directs the agency to partner with Vibrant Hawaii and Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhoods to coordinate with organizations across the state and explore strategies for strengthening these hubs. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is also asked to provide technical assistance and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 145: URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROVIDE TAXPAYER RELIEF FOR TARIFF-RELATED COST-OF-LIVING IMPACTS ON HAWAII HOUSEHOLDS.

This bill is a state-level resolution from Hawaii urging the U.S. Congress to provide taxpayer relief for households affected by tariff-related cost increases. It asks Congress to acknowledge the economic harm caused by federal tariff policies, particularly in Hawaii where residents face higher costs due to reliance on imported goods. The resolution requests that Congress consider enacting legislation to offer rebates or financial benefits to offset these increased expenses, with special attention to low-income families and neighbor island communities. It also calls for Congress to reaffirm its constitutional authority over taxation and trade to prevent similar economic impacts in the future.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 165: REAFFIRMING THE LEGISLATURE'S COMMITMENT TO PARTICIPATE AS A MEMBER LEGISLATURE IN THE PACIFIC INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY.

This bill is a House resolution that reaffirms Hawaii State Legislature's membership in the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, a regional organization for Pacific parliaments. The resolution formally recognizes the transition from the previous Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group to the new assembly and confirms Hawaii's continued participation in the group's activities. It directs copies of the resolution to state officials and Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly leadership to maintain official records and ensure proper notification of the reaffirmed commitment.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 21: ENDORSING TAIWAN'S INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION, ENCOURAGING THE SIGNING OF A UNITED STATES-TAIWAN AGREEMENT ON AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION, AND COMMEMORATING THE SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII AND TAIWAN.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally endorses Taiwan's participation in international organizations, encourages the United States to negotiate a double taxation agreement with Taiwan, and commemorates the sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Taiwan. The resolution supports Taiwan's role as an observer in specific international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Criminal Police Organization, while urging federal trade officials to begin talks on a tax agreement to prevent double taxation for businesses operating between the two regions. Additionally, the bill marks the 33rd anniversary of the sister-state designation between Hawaii and Taiwan, highlighting existing cooperation in areas like education, tourism, and disaster management. This document serves as a formal expression of support for existing diplomatic and economic ties rather than creating new legal obligations or changing state law.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 187: ESTABLISHING A SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE PREFECTURE OF YAMAGATA, JAPAN.

This bill establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and the Prefecture of Yamagata, Japan, recognizing their shared history of cultural exchange and mutual interests in areas like agriculture, tourism, and sustainability. The resolution encourages both regions to collaborate on specific initiatives including culinary and agricultural exchanges, joint cultural events, education and workforce programs, and sustainable development projects focused on climate resilience and rural revitalization. Implementation will be handled through memoranda of understanding between the Governor of Hawaii and Yamagata Prefecture officials, with the goal of strengthening economic, educational, and cultural ties for residents and businesses in both jurisdictions.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 16: REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF REQUIRING HEALTH INSURERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY PROTON BEAM THERAPY FOR CANCER TREATMENT.

HCR 16 is a procedural resolution requesting Hawaii's Auditor to assess the social and financial impact of a proposed bill (HB 2145) that would require health insurers to cover medically necessary proton beam therapy for cancer treatment. The resolution specifically asks the Auditor to evaluate how mandating this coverage would affect insurers, patients, and the healthcare system, including potential costs and access improvements. This assessment is required under Hawaii law (HRSA §23-51) before any such insurance mandate can be enacted. The resolution does not change coverage rules but sets the stage for future legislative decisions on HB 2145.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 4: URGING THE GOVERNOR TO TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT TRANSGENDER MEMBERS OF THE HAWAIʻI NATIONAL GUARD FROM DISCRIMINATORY FEDERAL POLICY AND PERMIT QUALIFIED TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS TO CONTINUE THEIR SERVICE.

HCR 4 is a symbolic resolution urging Hawaii's Governor to protect transgender members of the Hawaii National Guard from federal policies that bar transgender service members. It references Executive Order 14163, which prohibits transgender individuals from serving in the military and halts gender-affirming care for active-duty personnel. The resolution does not change laws or policies but formally requests the Governor take action to allow qualified transgender service members to continue serving. It directly affects transgender Hawaii National Guard members facing potential discharge under federal policy.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 2408: RELATING TO COMPASSIONATE ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.

Allows terminally ill patients and qualifying patients over sixty-five years of age with chronic diseases to use medical cannabis within specified health care facilities under certain conditions. Requires enforcement by the Department of Health. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results