This bill expands the maximum size for decals on special license plates from 3 inches by 3 inches to 4 inches by 4 inches. It directly affects nonprofit organizations and other groups that sell license plate decals to raise funds, as well as county agencies that issue plates. By allowing larger decals without requiring new plate designs, the law reduces administrative burdens and procurement costs for counties. The change streamlines the process for organizations to fundraise through license plates while avoiding the need for custom plate production.
This bill, HB1220, appropriates $200,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund the removal of the invasive majano anemone from Kaneohe Bay. The funds will support the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources in conducting physical and chemical removal efforts, including personnel, equipment, and community outreach. It directly addresses the threat posed by the majano anemone, which smothers native coral species like the endemic finger coral and risks degrading reef ecosystems. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, to support conservation of Kaneohe Bay's marine biodiversity.
This bill appropriates $2 million from Hawaii's general revenues for the Green Jobs Youth Corps program for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. It directly supports youth and young adults (ages 18-24) in Hawaii by funding work and training opportunities in sustainability-related fields like conservation and agriculture. The Department of Land and Natural Resources will administer the program, allowing it to use federal or outside funds to match state appropriations. The funding continues an existing program established under prior laws, aiming to address youth unemployment while advancing Hawaii's economic diversification and environmental goals. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
This bill (SB321) transfers ownership of privately owned roads, streets, and trails to community associations in Hawaii counties with under 250,000 residents. It applies when the original developer (subdivider) has dissolved for at least five years, no prior dedication to government exists, and proper notice is given to adjacent property owners and local officials. The transfer occurs automatically after a year without challenges. The law takes effect July 1, 2027, and expires July 1, 2032. It directly affects homeowners in rural areas with private roads managed by dissolved developers.
This bill removes the requirement for a land survey to be completed before the governor sets aside public lands for state departments or agencies. It allows the governor to immediately set aside land without a prior survey, though any subsequent survey of the land must be approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the governor to be legally binding. The bill also protects the State and its officials from lawsuits regarding boundary disputes for land set aside without a survey. This change aims to streamline administrative processes for managing public lands.
This bill (SB849, Act 098) strengthens protections for Hawaii's native wildlife by specifically prohibiting the intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk ("'io"). It increases penalties for harming native species, classifying second offenses as class C felonies with fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, compared to $2,500-$5,000 for first offenses. The law directly affects individuals or entities harming the 'io or other native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants. These changes aim to deter threats like habitat loss and illegal hunting through enhanced legal consequences.
This bill amends Hawaii's definition of "draft beer" from requiring a container of seven gallons or more to five gallons or more. It directly affects restaurants, bars, and small breweries that serve draft beer, as it will allow containers between five and seven gallons to qualify for the lower tax rate previously reserved for larger draft containers. The key change lowers the container size threshold to better align with common industry practices, where many kegs are smaller than seven gallons due to space constraints. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.
This bill requires pharmacy technicians in Hawaii to obtain a state-issued registration certificate starting January 1, 2026. Pharmacies must only employ technicians with valid registration, and the supervising pharmacist must verify this before technicians perform any pharmacy tasks. The law also establishes new definitions for "registered pharmacy technicians" (distinct from auxiliary staff) and mandates that their registration certificates be displayed publicly. This directly affects pharmacy technicians, pharmacists-in-charge, and all pharmacies statewide, creating a formal verification process to ensure technician qualifications.
HB750 (Act 103) requires Hawaii's Department of Health to conduct a statewide needs assessment and establish an advisory council to plan for an extended producer responsibility program targeting packaging and paper products. The assessment will examine current waste streams, recycling collection systems, and processing infrastructure across all counties to identify steps for reducing landfill use and increasing reuse. This bill sets the foundation for a future program that would shift responsibility for managing packaging waste from taxpayers to producers, aiming to decrease landfill reliance and promote circular waste management.
This bill appropriates $1,000,000 from state general revenues for the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program to develop a beach management plan for the North Shore of Oahu, specifically from Sunset Point to Kapo'o (Sharks Cove). The plan must be submitted to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2026, and the funds must be expended by the University of Hawaii for this purpose. The appropriation is for fiscal year 2024-2025 and will lapse if unencumbered by June 30, 2026. The bill, identified as HB 3 (ACT 100), took effect on June 30, 2025.
This bill (HB667, known as the "Mila Microchip Identification Act") requires the Hawaii Department of Transportation and all counties to scan dead cats or dogs found on roadways for microchips. It mandates recording microchip information, reporting to animal services within 48 hours, and making reasonable efforts to contact the registered owner if a microchip is found. The law directly affects state and county road maintenance staff, animal services agencies, and pet owners who have microchipped pets. It implements specific procedures to address the gap identified after a dog named Mila was killed on a road without the owner being notified. The law took effect upon the governor's signature on May 27, 2025.
This bill clarifies who must undergo fingerprint-based background checks for access to federal tax information by replacing the undefined term "agents of contractors" with specific categories: contractors, contractor employees, or subcontractors. It amends state law to require these individuals to undergo background checks when handling federal tax data held by the Department of the Attorney General. The law also ensures due process by mandating notification and an opportunity to respond before employment or service decisions are made based on background findings. This change directly affects contractors and their employees working with the Department of the Attorney General on federal tax matters.
