Hawaii Bills

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 2, 2025

SCR 180: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO SHARE INFORMATION ON THE SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE OF HELICOPTER AND AIR TOUR OPERATORS TO HELP RESIDENTS AND VISITORS MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 180) requests Hawaii's Department of Transportation to annually collect and share safety information from commercial helicopter tour operators. It specifically asks operators to report whether their helicopters have three key safety features: crash-resistant fuel systems, flotation devices for water landings, and terrain awareness systems. The resolution aims to provide residents and visitors with transparent safety data to make informed decisions about tour operators. It does not mandate safety improvements but seeks greater public access to existing safety information held by operators.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · House May 2, 2025

HCR 130: URGING CONGRESS, THE COUNTIES OF THE STATE, AND OTHER RELEVANT AGENCIES TO PROVIDE INCREASED AND SUSTAINED FUNDING TO THE INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEES AND HAWAI‘I ANT LAB WITHIN THE PACIFIC COOPERATIVE STUDIES UNIT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I AT MĀNOA.

HCR 130 is a concurrent resolution urging Congress, Hawaii counties, and relevant agencies to increase and sustain funding for Hawaii's Invasive Species Committees (ISCs) and the Hawaii Ant Lab at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. It directly affects Hawaii's ecosystems, agriculture, and tourism by supporting efforts to detect, control, and eradicate invasive species threatening native plants and animals. The resolution calls for funding to expand control programs, enhance research and public outreach, and improve coordination among agencies to prevent economic losses from invasive species. This is a non-binding request, not a new law, aimed at strengthening existing local and federal partnerships.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 2, 2025

SCR 197: RECOGNIZING JUNE 21, 2025, AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY, JULY 1, 2025, AS CANADA DAY, AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, AS TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY, IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE ENDURING FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE PEOPLE OF CANADA AND HAWAII, THE INDEPENDENT SOVEREIGNTY AND SELF-DETERMINATION OF THE PEOPLE OF CANADA, AND A COMMITMENT TO NEVER AGAIN ALLOW THE SOVEREIGN RIGHT OF A PEOPLE TO SELF DETERMINATION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST THEIR WILL.

This Hawaii Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 197) designates three specific dates for observance: June 21, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples' Day; July 1, 2025, as Canada Day; and September 30, 2025, as Truth and Reconciliation Day. It symbolically recognizes these dates to honor Hawaii's enduring friendship with Canada, acknowledge shared histories of colonialism affecting Indigenous peoples, and reaffirm the right to self-determination. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement of commemoration. It specifically references Hawaii's 1893 annexation by the U.S. and expresses concern about potential future sovereignty violations. The resolution directs Hawaii officials to share it with Canadian leadership and invite collaboration on shared historical issues.

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 2, 2025

SR 216: REGARDING COMPLETION OF THE WORK OF THE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION OF 2025, SUBSEQUENT TO ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.

This is a procedural resolution (not a policy bill) authorizing the Senate President to complete administrative tasks after the 2025 legislative session adjourned. It permits the Senate to spend remaining funds, hire temporary staff, approve journals, convene committees, and handle other necessary work until January 21, 2026. The resolution does not affect any citizens or create new laws - it solely addresses internal Senate operations to wrap up post-adjournment business. The Vice President is also authorized to carry out specific delegated duties under Senate rules.

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 2, 2025

SCR 60: URGING THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO PRODUCE SUFFICIENT HOUSING TO MEET THE STATE'S DEMAND.

SCR 60 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to create a plan for increasing housing production. It directs HHFDC to develop a specific strategy addressing housing shortages, including density timelines, walkability, sustainable financing, staffing needs, and solutions for land/infrastructure barriers. The plan must include input from a proposed Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force (referencing Senate Bill 26) and be submitted to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution directly affects HHFDC’s planning process but does not mandate new housing construction or funding.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 2, 2025

SCR 115: AFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE OF MARINE ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TO ACHIEVE THE STATE'S DECARBONIZATION GOALS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 115) is a non-binding statement affirming that restoring marine ecosystems supports Hawaii's climate goals. It highlights how marine restoration - alongside wetlands - captures carbon and helps meet the state's targets to cut emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2045. The resolution urges strengthening carbon accounting methods to better measure emissions reductions from these natural solutions. It does not create new laws or funding but expresses legislative support for aligning ecosystem restoration with decarbonization efforts.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed both · Hawaii · House May 2, 2025

HCR 200: URGING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OF THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO TAKE FURTHER MEANINGFUL ACTION TO ADDRESS THE AXIS DEER OVERPOPULATION.

HCR 200 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's State Department of Agriculture and Maui County's Agriculture Department to address axis deer overpopulation. It highlights that overgrazing by axis deer harms native plants that prevent erosion and natural disasters, while noting these deer represent a potential food source. The resolution specifically calls for making USDA-certified meat inspections more accessible and affordable for local hunters, increasing the number of USDA-certified inspectors for game mammals, and establishing a joint task force to develop a venison processing and distribution program. The task force must report by November 2025 with findings and recommendations, including potential legislation. This resolution does not create new laws but formally requests specific actions from state and county agencies.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 2, 2025

SR 217: INFORMING THE HOUSE AND GOVERNOR THAT THE SENATE IS READY TO ADJOURN SINE DIE.

SR 217 is a procedural resolution informing the House of Representatives and Governor that the Hawaii Senate is ready to end its 2025 legislative session without setting a date for reconvening (sine die). It serves as a standard communication between branches of government and requires certified copies to be sent immediately. This resolution does not create new laws, change policies, or affect any constituents.

passed both · Hawaii · House May 2, 2025

HCR 205: URGING THE COUNTY OF MAUI AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO PRIORITIZE AND EXPEDITE THE PLANNING, FUNDING, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A PERMANENT REPLACEMENT FOR THE KULANIHAKOI BRIDGE.

HCR 205 is a non-binding resolution urging Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to accelerate planning, funding, and construction of a permanent bridge replacement for the aging Kulanihakoi Bridge in South Maui. The resolution addresses a 114-year-old temporary structure that has faced repeated delays due to regulatory challenges and safety concerns, with current temporary solutions deemed insufficient for long-term reliability. It specifically calls for prioritizing a permanent raised bridge design - advocated by local groups - to improve transportation safety, flood management, and economic stability in the region. The resolution also emphasizes collaboration with communities and experts to address environmental and cultural considerations during the redesign process. This request does not create new laws but formally seeks action from the two entities responsible for the bridge's future.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 30, 2025

HCR 55: REQUESTING THE JUDICIARY TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY HOW EFFECTIVE EXISTING LAWS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS, PROTECTIVE ORDERS, AND HARASSMENT BY STALKING ARE IN PREVENTING CONTINUED ABUSE AND HARASSMENT.

HCR 55 is a non-binding resolution requesting Hawaii's Judiciary to form a working group to study how effectively current laws protect victims through domestic violence temporary restraining orders (TROs), protective orders (POs), and stalking harassment laws. The working group, including county police departments, prosecutors, victim advocacy groups, and survivors from each county, will analyze enforcement, compliance, and victim outcomes. It must submit findings and potential legislative recommendations to the Legislature by January 2027. This resolution does not change existing laws but aims to inform future policy improvements for victims of domestic violence and stalking.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 30, 2025

HCR 77: REQUESTING THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO DESIGNATE KUNIA, LEILEHUA PLATEAU, AND POAMOHO AS THE CENTRAL OAHU AGRICULTURAL CORRIDOR AND ESTABLISH A LIST PRIORITIZING POTENTIAL AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS STATEWIDE THAT WOULD PROVIDE THE MOST VALUE TO THE STATE.

HCR 77 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Agribusiness Development Corporation to designate Kunia, Leilehua Plateau, and Poamoho as the Central Oahu Agricultural Corridor and create a statewide priority list for agricultural infrastructure projects. It directs the Corporation to rank projects based on factors like expected production increases, cost, county plans, zoning, and land use, aiming to boost local food production. The resolution also asks the Department of Transportation to implement a 35 mph speed limit and "No Passing" zones on roads within the corridor for safety. This request is intended to support Hawaii’s goal of doubling local food production by 2030, which is critical given the state’s high reliance on imported food.

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 30, 2025

HCR 171: REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS.

HCR 171 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). This study is required by state law (HRS § 23-51) before the legislature can consider House Bill 820, which proposes to require insurers to cover CGMs for diabetes management. The Auditor must submit a report by December 2025 detailing potential impacts on patients (including those in rural areas with diabetes), insurers, and state costs. This resolution does not change current coverage but provides data to inform future legislative decisions on CGM mandates.

Bill results