Hawaii Bills

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 96: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS TO ADVANCE THE SYSTEM OF COASTAL TRAILS ON THE NORTH SHORE OF OAHU.

This bill urges state and city transportation agencies to collaborate with local community groups to develop and improve a network of coastal trails on Oahu's North Shore. The resolution encourages these agencies to actively involve community organizations in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of these trails to promote safe walking and biking options. It highlights existing trail infrastructure and current transportation plans as a foundation for expanding non-vehicular travel routes in the area. The measure does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal request for agencies to prioritize community input on trail development.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 90: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES ACROSS OAHU.

This bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book aims to speed up permit approvals and lower regulatory barriers for building safe, affordable homes on Oahu. It includes designs for various housing types like accessory dwelling units and mid-rise buildings, incorporates climate-responsive features suited to Hawaii, and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. The bill also calls for a public design competition to generate innovative options and mandates that the final pattern book be made publicly available to streamline construction processes.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 120: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS, TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO COORDINATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING TO REDUCE INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS DEVELOPMENTS.

This bill requests the Department of Transportation and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to form a working group to coordinate infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands developments. The group will review overlapping projects, identify opportunities to reduce duplicative costs, and develop a standardized process for sharing information between the two departments. Members will include leadership from both agencies, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and external experts in infrastructure and finance. The working group must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027 and will dissolve by June 30, 2027.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 179: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF CORPORATE INCOME REPORTING STRUCTURES, INCLUDING THE TREATMENT OF FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY INCOME, TO INFORM LONG-TERM FISCAL PLANNING.

This bill directs Hawaii's Department of Taxation to conduct a comprehensive study of how corporations report income, with a specific focus on the treatment of foreign subsidiary income. The analysis will examine different reporting methods, estimate revenue impacts from alternative structures, and compare Hawaii's approach with other states while considering administrative costs and data limitations. The Department must submit its findings to the Legislature by late 2026 to inform long-term fiscal planning without making immediate policy changes. This measure directly affects the state's tax department and provides a framework for future corporate tax policy discussions.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 175: URGING ALL COUNTY PLANNING AND PERMITTING AGENCIES TO DENY ALL PERMIT APPLICATIONS RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION, EXPANSION, OR USE OF WAREHOUSES BY UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETAINING INDIVIDUALS FACING DEPORTATION.

This bill urges Hawaii's county planning and permitting agencies to deny all applications for building, expanding, or using warehouses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detaining individuals facing deportation. It is based on concerns about the potential for mass incarceration in large facilities, the strain on local resources, and the separation of individuals from their families and legal counsel. The resolution directs copies to planning officials in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties to encourage them to reject such permit requests. It reflects Hawaii's stated values of dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 12: URGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO ESTABLISH A PERMANENT LANDFILL HOST BENEFITS PROGRAM AND PROGRAM ADVISORY GROUP.

This House Resolution urges the City and County of Honolulu to create a permanent program compensating communities hosting landfills, including those affected by past landfills like Waimanalo Gulch. It specifically recommends establishing a community-led advisory group to identify local concerns and manage compensation funds for health/environmental impacts. The resolution cites studies linking landfill proximity to respiratory issues, home damage, and medical costs, referencing past annual $2 million offsets for Leeward Coast residents. It draws on the 2022 Oahu Landfill Siting Advisory Committee’s recommendation for a formal benefits package. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests Honolulu take these steps.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 14: REQUESTING THE STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON INCREASING ACCESS TO STABLE, SUITABLE, AND AFFORDABLE FACILITIES FOR PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

This House Resolution (HR 14) requests the Hawaii Board of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to prepare a report addressing facility access challenges for public charter schools. The report must analyze why unused state facilities aren't being identified, propose policy changes to connect charters with available space (including underused public school buildings), and assess financing options like federal funds or bonds. It directly affects Hawaii's growing public charter school sector, which serves over 1,300 students but often operates in temporary or unstable facilities. The resolution requires the report to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2027, focusing on practical solutions rather than creating new laws.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 15: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

This House Resolution (HR 15) requests collaboration between Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Education, and State Public Charter School Commission to create a student-led coral stewardship program. The program would educate students and the public about reef-safe sunscreen practices (avoiding harmful chemicals like oxybenzone) and promote coral reef protection at state beaches. It requires the departments to develop the program and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027, including student input and recommendations for future action. The initiative directly affects public charter schools and students, focusing on voluntary education rather than enforcement.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 19: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A HOSPICE WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE TRENDS AND REGULATIONS IN THE HOSPICE INDUSTRY.

HR 19 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Health to form a Hospice Working Group. The group will study national and Hawaii-specific hospice industry trends, regulations, and quality concerns - including fraud risks and outcomes data - to prepare for the state's aging population (projected 1 in 4 residents over 60 by 2035). The resolution specifies the group’s composition (including health agency leaders and existing hospice providers from all major counties) and requires a 2027 report with recommendations for regulatory improvements. It does not create new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions affecting hospice care access and quality.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 2375: RELATING TO TOWING PRACTICES.

Establishes a Uniform Towing Practices for Public Parking Facilities Working Group within the Department of Transportation to examine existing state and county laws, ordinances, rules, and administrative practices relating to towing from public parking facilities and develop recommendations for uniform standards applicable to towing from state and county parking facilities. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 2333: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

HB 2333 authorizes the Hawaii Department of Transportation to create designated "airport special district zones" within airports across the state. These zones would allow the DOT to manage specific areas for development, operations, or services under its jurisdiction. The bill takes effect on July 1, 3000, and does not directly impact residents or businesses outside airport properties. It establishes a procedural framework for airport management rather than changing tax rates, fees, or public services.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 7: URGING THE COUNTIES TO ACT ON ANY BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION FOR MODIFICATION OF A RESIDENCE THAT IS PRESCRIBED BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND FOUND BY THE COUNTY TO BE ESSENTIAL TO THE SAFETY OR HEALTH OF AN OLDER ADULT OR PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WITHIN FORTY-FIVE DAYS OF RECEIPT OF A COMPLETE APPLICATION.

This House Resolution (HR 7) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications prescribed by healthcare providers for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, such as ramps or grab bars, when deemed essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but recommends a 45-day timeline to reduce delays causing fall risks and hospitalizations. It applies directly to county permitting departments and affected residents seeking urgent home modifications. (Note: As a non-binding resolution, it relies on voluntary county action, not enforcement.)

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results