Hawaii Bills

This is a procedural notice (not a substantive bill), not a legislative measure. Governor Josh Green issued a proclamation on June 24, 2025, informing the Hawaii Legislature that he plans to return Senate Bill 935 (SB935) with objections. The notice complies with Hawaii's Constitution (Article III, Section 16), requiring the Governor to formally notify the Legislature when vetoing a bill presented within 10 days before the Legislature adjourns. SB935, titled "A Bill for an Act Relating to Government," was transmitted to the Governor too close to the adjournment date, triggering this constitutional notice. The document does not describe SB935's content or the Governor's specific objections.

This is not a bill but a governor's message (GM 1303) announcing the enactment of **HB1052 (ACT 202)** into law on June 9, 2025. The actual bill (HB1052) revives Hawaii's Universal Service Program to provide funding and clear authority for the Public Utilities Commission to support telecommunications access for people with print disabilities. It specifically requires the Commission to ensure free, disability-friendly telephonic access to time-sensitive information (like emergency alerts, government notices, and job opportunities) for blind or visually impaired residents. This law directly affects individuals with print disabilities across Hawaii by restoring a critical service previously unavailable due to an inactive program and lack of funding.

This bill establishes the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services to address broadband access and digital equity across the state. It creates a Strategic Broadband Coordinator position (exempt from standard civil service rules) and requires the office to develop strategies for increasing affordable broadband access, support public-private partnerships, promote trans-Pacific cable infrastructure, and maintain a data repository for mapping broadband coverage and digital literacy needs. The law directly affects state agencies, counties, broadband providers, and communities - particularly those with limited internet access - by mandating coordinated planning and grant programs for broadband infrastructure and digital services. The office must also incorporate findings from prior state broadband task forces and strategic plans into its work.

This bill appropriates $425,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the University of Hawaii to address debris in the Ala Wai canal. The funds will support developing a debris management and water quality control plan for the Ala Wai watershed, plus establish two graduate assistant positions to assist with the plan. The University of Hawaii will use these resources to help manage floating debris that has harmed recreational activities and aquatic habitats near the canal. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

This bill, Act 199, sets new compensation standards for court-appointed attorneys in Hawaii. It establishes a standard hourly rate of $150, with maximum total fees for different case types, including $6,000 for felony cases and $1,800 for petty misdemeanors. The bill appropriates $2.89 million for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund these payments. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.

This bill (SB1220, ACT 192) requires Hawaii gas utility companies to file proposed renewable gas tariffs with the Public Utilities Commission by August 31, 2025. The Commission must establish these tariffs within nine months if they are deemed just, reasonable, and in the public interest, provided the tariff does not increase rates for other customers. It directly affects gas utilities and customers who choose to use renewable gas service. The law aims to create a structured pricing option for renewable gas while maintaining existing rate stability for all other customers.

This bill amends Hawaii election law to standardize the content and format of nomination papers candidates must file to appear on ballots. It requires nomination papers to include specific voter statements confirming eligibility and nomination, candidate details (like residence and party affiliation), and multiple sworn certifications about qualifications and legal compliance. The law prohibits changing the office, district, or party affiliation listed on a nomination paper without obtaining a new form, directly affecting candidates running for state or county offices in Hawaii.

This bill requires that workers securing mooring lines for vessels at Hawaii's commercial harbors (including docks, piers, and wharves) must be covered by collective bargaining agreements. It directly affects commercial harbor operators and their labor force, with specific exemptions for shipyard work, ship repair, fishing vessels, government vessels, tour boats, and training vessels. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and ensures existing contracts remain unaffected by this requirement. It amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 266-61 to establish this standard for harbor safety and labor practices.

This bill (SB865, Act 184) appropriates $76,500 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support specific agricultural programs in Hawaii. It directly funds three key initiatives: coffee and orchard crop research, operations at the Kona research station, and the creation of one permanent extension agent position at the University of Hawaii's Kona cooperative extension. The funds are to be administered by the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The law took effect on July 1, 2025.

SB1567 requires Hawaii's Department of Human Resources Development to review and update the state's civil service position classification and compensation systems by October 31, 2026. The review aims to address a growing labor shortage in state agencies, where vacant positions rose from 18% to 27% between 2019 and 2023, and 30% of employees are eligible for retirement within five years. The department must submit a preliminary report to the legislature by February 28, 2026, and a final report with recommendations by January 2027. This law, effective July 1, 2025, directly affects all state agencies' ability to recruit and retain employees through updated hiring standards and pay structures.

HB 736 (Act 198) establishes a three-year pilot program at the University of Hawaii’s Water Resources Research Center to test new, affordable wastewater technologies for replacing cesspools. The bill directly affects homeowners and property owners with cesspools - Hawaii has over 80,000 - whose systems currently pollute groundwater and waterways at a cost exceeding $25,000 per traditional upgrade. Key provisions require the UH center to evaluate the affordability, feasibility, and efficiency of new technologies (including community-scale systems) and submit results to the Department of Health for certification. This program aims to accelerate cost-effective cesspool conversions while protecting public health and coral reefs, without altering the 2050 deadline for system upgrades.

This bill (SB1602, now Act 189) establishes a monitoring pilot project for Hawaii's Keauhou aquifer system. The Department of Land and Natural Resources must collect groundwater level data, salinity tests, and assess impacts on coastal ecosystems and cultural practices through monitoring wells. The project requires biannual legislative reports, public meetings, and community outreach, with $200,000 appropriated for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. It directly affects groundwater management in the Keauhou aquifer area and sets a framework for potential future decisions on the system's long-term management.