Hawaii Bills

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 192: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL HAWAII GENUINE PROGRESS INDICATOR REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE NO LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE CONVENING OF EACH REGULAR SESSION, BEGINNING WITH THE REGULAR SESSION OF 2027.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual report on the Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) to the state Legislature, starting with the 2027 session. The HI GPI is a measurement tool that evaluates economic, social, and environmental well-being beyond traditional metrics like GDP. The report must be delivered at least 30 days before each legislative session and include detailed findings on trends, methodology, and policy implications related to the state's overall progress. The bill requires the department to make the report publicly available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 124: URGING THE BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO EXTEND FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS THE LEASES AND SUBLEASES ON MAUNA KEA LANDS.

This bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that urges the Board of Land and Natural Resources to extend Mauna Kea land leases and subleases for an additional ten years. It directly affects the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the University of Hawaii, the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, and the entities operating telescope observatories on the mountain. The resolution recommends extending the master lease between the Board and the University of Hawaii, as well as all subleases used for astronomical research, which are currently set to expire in 2033. This measure does not change existing laws but requests the Board to consider extending the current agreements without legal barriers.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 158: URGING THE GOVERNOR TO RECONSIDER HIS DECISION NOT TO ALLOW HAWAII TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FEDERAL EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT PROGRAM.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider the decision to opt out of the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, which would allow Hawaii to participate in a federal scholarship initiative. The bill explains that the program provides federal tax credits to donors who contribute to scholarship organizations, with funds used to offer educational scholarships to K-12 students from low- and middle-income households. If Hawaii were to opt in, the state could designate local scholarship organizations to receive donations, potentially expanding educational options for families without reducing public school funding. The resolution highlights that 23 states have already joined the program and notes Hawaii's current academic performance statistics as context for why participation might be beneficial. This document is a non-binding recommendation rather than a law, as it does not directly change policy but instead asks the Governor to review the decision.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 127: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF AUDITOR'S REPORT NO. 26-08 REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HAWAII'S FARM-TO-SCHOOL AND LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT INITIATIVES.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a working group to address findings from an auditor's report on the state's farm-to-school program. The bill directly affects the Department of Education, local farmers, food distributors, and school administrators by creating a collaborative body to improve local food procurement in public schools. The working group will include representatives from education, agriculture, schools, and community organizations to review audit findings and develop strategies for better data collection, procurement practices, and coordination between schools and local producers. The group must submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027 with recommendations for improving the implementation of Hawaii's local food sourcing goals.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 65: REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR'S SENIOR ADVISOR FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM TO FORMULATE A PLAN TO INCREASE ACCESS TO THE HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL FOR CERTAIN MENTALLY ILL- CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to create a plan for increasing access to the Hawaii State Hospital for mentally ill criminal defendants and individuals recently released from the facility who are at risk of reoffending. The bill is non-binding and does not authorize funding or change laws; instead, it directs the Senior Advisor to coordinate with relevant state agencies to develop placement options for these individuals. The resolution requires a report with findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure addresses concerns about the hospital reaching capacity and the lack of suitable placements for people under civil commitment or those transitioning out of the mental health system.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 43: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AND OFFICE OF WELLNESS AND RESILIENCE TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE PEER COUNSELOR PROGRAM TO ADDRESS YOUTH LONELINESS AND SOCIAL DISCONNECTION IN HAWAII'S SCHOOLS.

This Senate Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address youth loneliness and social disconnection. The program would involve trained student peer counselors who receive standardized instruction in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices to help identify and support students experiencing isolation. Key provisions include collaboration between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience, with the Hawaii State Youth Commission providing input on program design and evaluation. The resolution emphasizes face-to-face peer relationships and clear referral pathways to licensed mental health professionals while maintaining centralized oversight across the state's public education system.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 42: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO CONVENE A YOUTH DIGITAL SAFETY AND PLATFORM ACCOUNTABILITY WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE TECHNOLOGY-FACILITATED ABUSE IN THE STATE AND DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATORY SAFEGUARDS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General to form a working group focused on technology-facilitated abuse affecting youth and vulnerable populations in the state. The group will include representatives from state agencies, domestic violence organizations, and youth commissions to examine issues like digital stalking, spyware use, and nonconsensual image distribution. The working group will assess current laws, evaluate platform safety practices, and develop recommendations for regulatory safeguards and policy changes to protect residents from online abuse. The group is required to submit a report with findings and proposed legislative actions to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 171: URGING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO HOLD AT LEAST TWO PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS AND RECEIVE INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY OR POTENTIAL MAJOR ENERGY PROJECTS BEFORE APPROVING MAJOR ENERGY PROJECTS THAT WOULD BE HOSTED IN THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES.

This Senate Resolution urges the Public Utilities Commission to hold at least two public community meetings before approving major energy projects that would be located in affected communities. The bill defines major energy projects as those with a capital cost of $10 million or more, including solar farms, wind facilities, battery storage, and grid modernization. While the resolution does not create new legal requirements, it formally requests the commission to engage with local residents and stakeholders to gather input on these infrastructure developments. The measure aims to ensure communities have a voice in energy decisions that impact their neighborhoods and to address concerns about equitable distribution of energy project benefits.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 115: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO TRANSFER FEE SIMPLE TITLE OWNERSHIP OF PARCELS OF LAND TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY PURSUANT TO ACT 90, SESSION LAWS OF HAWAII 2003.

This Senate Resolution requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer ownership of specific public land parcels to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The bill identifies two particular tax map keys - (3) 4-1-6:7 and (3) 2-6-18:1 - that would change from state land management to agricultural department control. The transfer would follow existing state laws and constitutional requirements for using public lands to support farming and homeownership. Both state boards must approve the transaction before the land ownership officially changes hands.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 191: URGING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO TAKE ACTION TO RELEASE ALL FEDERAL RECORDS RELATED TO THE JEFFREY EPSTEIN INVESTIGATIONS WITH LIMITED REDACTIONS SOLELY TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY AND SAFETY OF VICTIMS.

This bill is a formal request from the Hawaii Senate asking the U.S. President and Congress to release all federal records related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigations, with redactions only to protect victims' privacy and safety. It directly affects federal agencies holding Epstein-related documents and calls for greater transparency in how these records are handled. The resolution criticizes current Department of Justice actions for allegedly over-redacting names of individuals involved while under-redacting victim information, and urges Congress to investigate all implicated parties. It does not create new laws but serves as an official appeal for federal officials to take specific actions regarding document disclosure and accountability.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 168: SUPPORTING THE REQUEST BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA FACULTY SENATE FOR A COMMITMENT FROM UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII LEADERS TO REMAIN STEADFAST IN VIGOROUSLY DEFENDING ANY AND ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY, OR STAFF WHO MAY BE ATTACKED FOR EXERCISING THEIR RIGHTS TO ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND FREE SPEECH.

This Senate Resolution expresses support for the University of Hawaii at Manoa Faculty Senate's request that university leaders commit to defending students, faculty, and staff who exercise their rights to academic freedom and free speech. The bill does not create new laws or change university policies but instead serves as a formal statement of legislative backing for the faculty senate's opposition to proposed "Time, Place, and Manner" restrictions on expressive activities. It calls on University of Hawaii leadership to maintain strong protections for free speech and academic freedom within the institution. The resolution directs copies to the Board of Regents, university president, and faculty senate administrative officer to ensure the commitment is communicated to key university officials.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 80: 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 Senate Resolution asks 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 state highways. The plan would specifically focus on areas like Farrington Highway and other high-risk corridors where aging infrastructure could endanger drivers, pedestrians, and residents. The resolution outlines steps for assessing the condition of utility lines, prioritizing repairs based on safety risks, clarifying who pays for maintenance, and reporting progress to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

Bill results