Hawaii Bills

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 111: REQUESTING THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO REVIEW AND CLARIFY THE ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM IN RELATION TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF INDIVIDUAL CAMPUSES.

This House Concurrent Resolution asks the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii to examine and clarify how the university system's central offices work with individual campuses. The request focuses on defining roles and responsibilities to improve coordination, transparency, and decision-making across the university system. The Board must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026, including any proposed changes to laws or policies. This resolution does not create new rules but asks for a review to ensure the university system supports statewide priorities and serves students effectively.

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 118: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO STRENGTHEN MENSTRUAL HEALTH EDUCATION INITIATIVES AND TO ADOPT A COMPREHENSIVE MENSTRUAL CYCLE CURRICULUM.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to strengthen menstrual health education in public schools and adopt a comprehensive curriculum covering menstrual cycles. It directly affects students, educators, and school administrators by recommending specific educational standards and resources. The resolution outlines five key requirements including age-appropriate content from third through twelfth grade, culturally responsive teaching methods, and the inclusion of hygiene, stigma reduction, and health information. It also calls for libraries to stock age-appropriate books and for teachers to use anatomically correct diagrams when teaching hygiene. The bill emphasizes creating an inclusive, positive learning environment that addresses menstrual dignity through privacy, inclusivity, access, and education.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 61: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO WORK WITH ITS PARTNERS TO INCREASE INVESTMENT IN POLICIES, INCENTIVES, WORKFORCE, AND NURSERY CAPACITY TO REFOREST HAWAII'S PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with partners on increasing investment in reforestation efforts across public and private lands. It calls for expanded policies, financial incentives, workforce development, and nursery capacity to support planting native trees and restoring degraded forest areas. The resolution specifically asks the department to modernize state nurseries, partner with private seed producers, and address barriers like invasive species and fencing costs to make reforestation more feasible for landowners. It emphasizes that these actions aim to improve water supply, climate resilience, and economic opportunities while supporting Hawaii's ecological and cultural values.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 83: SUPPORTING THE USE OF THE DWELLING UNIT REVOLVING FUND TO FUND PREDEVELOPMENT COSTS FOR ANY GOVERNMENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT THROUGH INTERIM LOANS TO EXPEDITE THE DELIVERY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO HAWAII'S RESIDENTS.

This bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses support for using existing funds to help finance early-stage costs for government affordable housing projects in Hawaii. It specifically endorses allowing interim loans from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to cover predevelopment expenses like site analysis, design work, and permit preparation for projects owned or managed by government entities. The resolution states that these loans would be repaid by developers through permanent financing once the project is completed, aiming to speed up the delivery of affordable housing. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new laws or change regulations but instead communicates legislative support for this funding approach to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 36: ESTABLISHING A SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE PREFECTURE OF OKAYAMA, JAPAN.

This bill establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and the Prefecture of Okayama in Japan, creating an official framework for ongoing cooperation between the two regions. The resolution, which requires no new funding or legal changes, authorizes the transmission of certified copies to relevant government officials and international partners to formalize the partnership. It recognizes existing historical ties dating back to 1868, including Japanese immigration to Hawaii and decades of grassroots exchanges, while outlining shared interests in tourism, agriculture, education, and cultural preservation. The Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission recommended this relationship based on mutual benefits for residents, businesses, and communities in both jurisdictions.

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 939: RELATING TO ALCOHOL.

Defines "low alcohol by volume spirits beverage". Establishes a tax on low alcohol by volume spirits beverages at a rate of $0.93 per wine gallon. Increases small craft producer production limits. Sunsets 12/31/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 344: RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE.

Requires the design of all new state building construction where parking is to be included to provide that a number of the parking stalls, as determined by the Department of Accounting and General Services, shall be electric vehicle charger-ready. Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office, in consultation with the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Transportation, to conduct a survey and identify certain high-priority state facilities. Establishes a goal of the State to retrofit state facilities to be electric vehicle charger-ready. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 1142: RELATING TO INSURANCE PROCEEDS.

Requires mortgage servicers to comply with certain requirements regarding the disbursement of insurance proceeds for residential real estate that has been destroyed or damaged. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 2363: RELATING TO THE COUNTIES.

Authorizes the counties to close or restrict public lands under the county's jurisdiction when necessary to protect public health, ensure public safety, or preserve natural or cultural resources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 2698: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Department of Transportation to assess a per passenger head fee against cruise ships docking in the State's commercial harbors in addition to existing port user fees. Establishes the Cruise Ship Special Fund. Repeals existing law imposing the Transient Accommodations Tax on cruise ships, effective retroactive to 1/1/2026. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 2455: RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES.

Requires certain employers to provide administrative leave of absence for victims of workplace violence or threat of workplace violence. Expands the type of certification an employee may provide to an employer if the leave exceeds five days per calendar year. Prohibits retaliation against employees for exercising rights related to domestic violence, sexual violence, or workplace violence or threat of workplace violence. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 963: RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST ELDERS.

Establishes strict liability for crimes against elders with respect to the attendant circumstance that the victim was seventy years of age or older. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Bill results