Hawaii Bills

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2245: RELATING TO REVOLVING DOOR RESTRICTIONS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES.

Prohibits new state employees from taking official action on matters they worked on before state employment. Prohibits former permanent employees of the Office of the Governor and Office of the Lieutenant Governor from representing persons or businesses for a period of 12 months after termination from state employment. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2246: RELATING TO FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.

SB 2246 expands the group of individuals required to submit public financial disclosure reports. It directly affects current and future public officials or employees who must now report financial interests under this updated requirement. The key provision broadens the existing disclosure rules to include additional positions or circumstances not previously covered. This is a procedural change to disclosure laws, not a substantive policy shift affecting public services or funding. The bill is currently in committee review with no final action taken.

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 3055: RELATING TO FALSE IMPERSONATION OF UNION REPRESENTATIVES.

SB 3055 makes it illegal to falsely pose as a union representative to employees. The bill directly affects individuals who impersonate union officials, such as those falsely claiming authority to negotiate or represent workers. It creates a legal path for affected employees or organizations to sue impersonators and imposes penalties, including fines. This policy change clarifies that deceptive impersonation is a civil violation, not just a workplace issue.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SCR 62: REQUESTING THE 911 BOARD TO ESTABLISH OR UTILIZE AN APPROPRIATE WORKING GROUP TO ENGAGE WITH THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY TO ADDRESS CONTINUING ACCESS ISSUES IN THE STATE’S EMERGENCY AND 911 RESPONSE SYSTEMS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii 911 Board to form or use an existing working group to collaborate with disability advocates on improving emergency response accessibility. The proposed group would identify barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, evaluate current emergency technologies, and develop recommendations for better information sharing while addressing privacy concerns. The working group must include representatives from public safety agencies, disability organizations, and individuals with lived experience, and it must submit findings to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session. This measure aims to enhance emergency preparedness for people with disabilities without creating new statutory mandates that could duplicate existing efforts.

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SCR 147: REQUESTING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING TO INCREASE COMPENSATION FOR ADULT CORRECTIONS OFFICERS EMPLOYED BY THE STATE OF HAWAII'S DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the federal government to provide additional funding to help Hawaii increase pay for adult corrections officers in the state's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The bill addresses ongoing staffing shortages and high turnover by requesting federal financial support for competitive compensation, including base pay adjustments and retention incentives. It does not directly change state laws or budgets but serves as a formal request to federal officials to assist with workforce stabilization. The resolution aims to reduce vacancies and improve safety conditions without placing the full financial burden on state taxpayers.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SCR 142: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DUST MONITORING STATIONS IN AND AROUND WAIMANALO GULCH TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Department of Health to establish dust monitoring stations in and around Waimanalo Gulch to measure airborne particulate matter and protect public health. The bill specifically asks for real-time data collection on fine and coarse particles, public access to this information, and a notification plan for when dust levels exceed safe limits. It also requires the Department of Health to submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature within twenty days of the 2027 Regular Session detailing the monitoring setup, detected contaminants, potential health risks, and recommended mitigation strategies. This resolution directly involves state health agencies, local government officials, and residents of the Waimanalo Gulch area by seeking better environmental data and transparency.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SCR 71: URGING THIS BODY TO INTRODUCE AND PASS LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH STRICT LIABILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO KEEP, HARBOR, OR FEED CERTAIN ANIMALS IN A MANNER THAT RESULTS IN DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Legislature to pass a law establishing strict liability for individuals who keep, harbor, or feed chickens, ungulates, or felids that cause property damage. The bill aims to address the growing problem of feral chicken populations in residential areas by making owners legally responsible for damage their animals cause to others' property. It also requests the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to study whether feral chickens should be classified as an invasive species and submit recommendations to the Legislature. This measure would create legal accountability similar to existing laws for dogs and livestock, targeting property owners who intentionally maintain or feed these animals in urban settings.

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1002: RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review of proposed state projects and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants under certain circumstances. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to publish a draft of its proposed rules and later present its proposed final rules to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 7/1/2032. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 26: RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Establishes the Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force to conduct a study, subject to legislative appropriation, to assess the viability of housing development in transit-oriented development zones or other areas on state or county lands. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 1161: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Beginning 7/1/2028, authorizes a county to impose a mileage-based road usage charge on electric vehicles. Provides and requires a county to establish the rate of the road usage charge. Repeals the requirement for the Department of Transportation to establish county subaccounts within the State Highway Fund. Clarifies the disposition of funds for state mileage-based road usage charge. Clarifies the rate and calculation of the state mileage-based road usage charge. Specifies that rental motor vehicle companies may visibly pass the costs of the mileage-based road usage charges to the consumer. Expands allowable uses of the State Highway and Highway Funds. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1117: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Prohibits a person from operating a moped or electric motorcycle in certain areas designated for bicycles. Renames the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program to the Electric Mobility Device Rebate Program. Expands eligibility for the rebate program and amends the maximum rebate amounts. Reduces the deadline to submit an application to six months from the date of purchase. Requires applicants who are enrolled in a school, community college, or university to demonstrate a financial need to be eligible for an additional assistance rebate. Exempts certain class 3 electric bicycles from registration requirements. Establishes a cap for the Electric Mobility Device subaccount and requirements for transferring funds into the subaccount. Amends the age requirement for required helmet use from 16 to 18 years of age. Prohibits a person under the age of fifteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Establishes rules for electric bicycle operation. Allows use of electric bicycles on public sidewalks, subject to certain conditions. Prohibits individuals under 18 years of age from operating an electric motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Changes the term "motor scooter" to "motor-driven vehicle". Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 643: RELATING TO THE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE PROGRAM.

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Appropriates funds for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Bill results