This bill (SB752) increases the notice period insurers must provide before canceling residential property insurance policies in Hawaii. It requires insurers to give written notice at least **20 days** before cancellation for most cases (including nonpayment or misrepresentation), up from the previous 10-day requirement. The law specifically applies to residential properties, including multi-family housing, and takes effect January 1, 2026. It aims to give policyholders more time to secure new coverage and reduces disruptions in Hawaii's property insurance market.
This bill, HB1291, expands Hawaii's coffee labeling law to prevent fraud by making it illegal to falsely label roasted coffee as "Hawaii-grown." It increases penalties by requiring a mandatory $7,500 fine for each separate offense (previously only applied to green/cherry/parchment coffee) and treats each false label as a distinct violation. The law directly protects Hawaii coffee farmers and the state's premium coffee brand by preventing counterfeit products from depressing market prices and damaging Hawaii's reputation for quality. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.
This law (SB 544 HD1) changes sentencing for minors convicted as adults in Hawaii. It requires judges to consider specific factors - including childhood trauma, victimization, developmental differences between minors and adults, peer pressure, and mental health - when sentencing individuals under 18 who committed offenses while minors. Judges may reduce mandatory minimum prison terms or depart from sentencing enhancements based on these factors. The law directly affects minors (under 18) tried as adults for crimes they committed during childhood, aiming to account for their developmental stage and circumstances.
This bill establishes mandatory minimum jail sentences for violating temporary restraining orders in domestic abuse cases. For a first violation without a prior qualifying felony, offenders face 5 days in jail and a $300-$500 fine; for a first violation with a prior conviction for specific violent felonies (like assault or sexual assault) against a family member, the sentence increases to 30 days and a $350-$600 fine. Repeat violations require a 45-day jail term and a $500-$1,000 fine. Offenders must also complete domestic violence intervention programs, and the court cannot reduce these mandatory sentences.
This bill, Act 105 (SB332), modifies Hawaii's foreclosure process to help maintain owner-occupied housing. It requires each foreclosed home to be sold separately at public auctions (not bundled with other properties) and delays the final sale for up to 45 days. During this period, current tenants, future owner-occupants, or qualifying nonprofits can submit a bid to purchase the home. The law applies to all power-of-sale foreclosures and aims to prevent foreclosed properties from becoming investor-owned rentals or vacant properties.
HB1316 requires commercial rental businesses to register and number kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft before renting them to the public at three specific state parks: Wailua River (Kauai), Kealakekua Bay (Hawaii Island), and Ahupuaʻa O Kahana (Oahu). Starting January 1, 2026, rental operators must register vessels with the state parks division and display a registration number, with fees deposited into the state parks special fund. The law applies only to these three parks, which the bill identifies as the only navigable waters within state parks statewide. It does not affect other parks or non-commercial rentals.
This is a notification (GM 1224) that Governor Green signed HB228 into law on May 29, 2025. The law prohibits two specific practices: (1) devices that let drivers manually or electronically switch between license plates (e.g., "flipping" devices), and (2) any covers or shields over license plates (including clear or tinted materials). Drivers violating these rules face fines of $500-$1,000 per offense. The law applies to all vehicles operated on Hawaii's public roadways.
SB1433 changes Hawaii's syringe exchange program from a strict one-to-one exchange (requiring one used syringe to be returned for one new one) to a needs-based distribution system, allowing participants to receive as many sterile needles as needed to prevent sharing and reduce bloodborne infections like HIV and hepatitis. The bill also extends legal protections to program staff and participants, shielding them from criminal charges for drug residue on used syringes and needles to encourage safe disposal of used equipment. Additionally, it removes restrictions that previously barred non-injection drug users from accessing the program, enabling broader harm reduction services for all individuals in need.
This bill creates the Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development (SPEED) task force within Hawaii's House of Representatives. The task force, composed of state agency representatives and invited stakeholders (including county planning departments and labor experts), will identify challenges and propose legislative changes to streamline state and local development permitting processes. It requires the task force to form by August 1, 2025, operate until June 30, 2027, and is funded with $100,000 for administrative costs over two fiscal years. The bill directly affects state agencies, counties, and developers involved in permitting by aiming to reduce delays in project approvals.
SB1431 establishes a state-funded hepatitis prevention program under Hawaii's Department of Health to reduce infections and deaths from hepatitis B and C. The program requires the department to develop a statewide prevention plan prioritizing public awareness, expanded screening access, health equity, and data collection to guide interventions. It also updates prenatal hepatitis B screening requirements and repeals an outdated law. This law directly affects all Hawaii residents, with specific focus on communities disproportionately impacted by viral hepatitis, such as Asian and Pacific Islander populations.
This bill (SB1008) authorizes Hawaii counties to create local rules enforcing two types of parking: accessible spaces for people with disabilities and designated electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces. Counties can set requirements for how these spaces are designed, located, and marked, and establish penalties for violations like non-disabled vehicles parking in EV spots or unauthorized use of disability spaces. It directly affects businesses and public facilities that provide parking, requiring them to comply with county ordinances for both disabled-accessible and EV parking. The law aims to prevent misuse of these spaces, ensuring they remain available for their intended users.
This bill (SB336) clarifies when the State of Hawaii must defend its professionally licensed or certified employees (e.g., doctors, engineers) in civil lawsuits arising from work-related actions. It requires the State to defend employees acting within their job scope unless the claim stems from gross negligence or the employee fails to cooperate. Employees may also hire their own lawyers at personal expense if the State declines defense. If the State withdraws representation, the attorney general must confidentially handle the transfer to the employee’s chosen counsel, avoiding public disclosure of withdrawal reasons. The law directly affects state employees in licensed professions facing civil liability claims.
