This bill requests the creation of a working group to study staffing shortages and security challenges at Hawaii's state courts. The group would examine how expanded duties for the Department of Law Enforcement have outpaced available Deputy Sheriff positions, leading to increased reliance on private security contractors. Its purpose is to evaluate solutions for aligning staffing levels with responsibilities, improving recruitment and retention, and reducing long-term dependence on private security contracts. The working group would include leaders from the judiciary, law enforcement, human resources, and finance to develop recommendations for addressing these systemic issues.
This bill requests the State Auditor of Hawaii to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a new law mandating health insurance coverage for biomarker testing. The assessment will focus on House Bill 1971, which requires insurers to cover medically necessary biomarker testing for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases. The Auditor must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins. This procedural measure ensures the state reviews the costs and effects of requiring insurance plans to cover this specific medical testing technology.
This bill asks Hawaii's Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport. It urges state officials to develop guidelines and safety standards that align with federal requirements for equal athletic opportunities. The resolution directs the Department of Education to work with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to establish rules for coaching, facilities, and oversight. This measure seeks to ensure high school cheer athletes receive resources comparable to other varsity sports.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a shared decision-making committee to develop a plan for establishing a K-12 Hawaiian language immersion school in Kapolei. The proposed committee would include 11 members representing educators, administrators, community organizations, parents, and higher education leaders to guide the planning process. The action plan must outline steps for facility selection, teacher recruitment, curriculum development, and a phased implementation schedule starting with kindergarten through second grade by the 2027-2028 school year. The bill also directs the Department to allocate initial faculty and administrative positions to support the new school and requires progress reports to the Legislature by 2027 and 2028.
This bill requests the Department of Human Resources Development to work with state departments, agencies, and labor organizations to complete a comprehensive review of how civil service positions are classified and compensated. The measure focuses on addressing high vacancy rates and outdated job descriptions that make it difficult to recruit and retain employees. It directs the department to prioritize departments with the highest vacancy rates and difficult-to-fill positions during the review process. This is a procedural resolution that encourages collaboration to ensure recommendations are practical and aligned with long-term workforce needs.
This bill urges the Governor of Hawaii to evaluate food insecurity conditions and create a statewide food security response plan. It directly affects state agencies, local communities, and residents concerned with food access and affordability. The resolution asks the Governor to assess whether a food security emergency should be declared, coordinate efforts across relevant departments, identify ways to improve food access in high-need areas, and remove regulatory barriers to local food production. The Governor is also requested to submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027.
This bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses the legislature's support for expanding programs to increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas across Hawaii to combat urban heat islands. It directly affects state and county agencies, which are asked to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, identifying priority areas for tree planting, and integrating shade tree strategies into future development projects. The resolution outlines specific areas for review, including disparities in canopy access, coordination with community partners, and best practices for tree maintenance, while also requesting that copies be sent to key state officials and county mayors.
SB 3040 replaces the Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission with a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention and allocates state funding for its operations. The bill establishes a dedicated state office to coordinate gun violence prevention strategies, though specific programs or initiatives are not detailed in the abstract. It directly affects state government by creating this new entity and directing resources toward prevention efforts. The bill is currently pending committee review, with a public hearing scheduled for February 11, 2026.
This bill establishes a Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways to examine strategies for transitioning the state's energy system over the next three decades. The task force will evaluate options for integrating renewable energy and distributed resources into the grid, assess risks and costs associated with fossil fuel investments, and consider lessons from other jurisdictions making similar transitions. The committee will include representatives from the House energy committee, the Senate, and the Hawaii State Energy Office to provide recommendations on achieving affordable, reliable, and decarbonized energy while protecting ratepayers.
This bill formally endorses Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve, recognizing the area's historical significance to Native Hawaiian surf culture and its status as a globally renowned surf destination. The resolution highlights Waikiki's rich heritage, ecological importance, and economic value while noting threats from climate change and pollution. It directs copies of the resolution to local government officials and community leaders to support ongoing conservation efforts. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of support for Waikiki's designation by the Save the Waves Coalition.
This bill designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure. It directly affects state residents, local government officials, and water utility managers by encouraging participation in educational programs and events. The resolution partners with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675 to highlight the importance of sustainable water management and infrastructure investment. Certified copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, health director, county mayors, and water supply managers across the state.
This bill requests the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to review and refine the operational missions of the system's four-year campuses to ensure each has a distinct and complementary role. The resolution asks the Board to consider workforce needs, student access, geographic service areas, and resource efficiency during this review. The Board is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session begins. The bill directly affects the University of Hawaii system, its Board of Regents, and the campuses at Manoa, West Oahu, and Hilo.
