Hawaii Bills

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 40: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CO-DEVELOP A SIXTH TO TWELFTH GRADE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY AND USAGE CURRICULUM WITH TEACHERS.

This House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education to work with teachers to create an artificial intelligence literacy curriculum for students in grades six through twelve. The bill requests that the curriculum be developed using peer-reviewed research, global AI literacy frameworks, and existing local resources while focusing on ethical use, equitable access, and regular assessments. By establishing this educational framework, the resolution aims to prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven workforce without mandating specific curriculum content or funding.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 38: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO MEET THE CRITERIA NECESSARY TO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZE CHEERLEADING AS A TITLE IX SPORT IN HAWAII.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport, which would grant high school cheer athletes the same resources and protections as other varsity sports. The resolution requests that the state education department develop guidelines and safety standards in collaboration with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to meet federal criteria for classifying cheerleading as a sport. By doing so, the bill aims to ensure equitable access to certified coaching, athletic training, facilities, and transportation for female cheerleaders while promoting gender equity in school athletics. This is a non-binding resolution that calls for administrative action rather than creating new laws.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 185: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF AUDITOR'S REPORT NO. 26-08 REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HAWAII'S FARM-TO-SCHOOL AND LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT INITIATIVES.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a working group to address findings from an auditor's report on the state's farm-to-school and local food procurement initiatives. The working group will include representatives from education, agriculture, food distribution, schools, and community organizations to review challenges identified in the audit, such as lack of strategic planning and coordination issues. The group will develop strategies to improve data collection, streamline local food procurement processes, and strengthen partnerships between schools and local farmers. The Department of Education is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 76: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CREATE A PLAN THAT REMOVES CARCINOGENS FROM SCHOOL MEALS.

This House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to develop a plan for removing processed meats, which are classified as carcinogens, from school meals by 2032. The plan would require schools to either eliminate processed meats entirely or replace them with whole-food, scratch-made, or minimally processed plant-based alternatives. The Department must create an inventory of current menu items, outline a timeline for changes, establish nutritional standards for replacements, and estimate associated costs. The resolution directs the Department to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days of the resolution's passage.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 176: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING THE STORAGE AND ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL ANTIHISTAMINES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create clear policies for storing and administering oral antihistamines in public schools. It directly affects students with allergies, school staff, and parents by establishing a framework for managing mild allergic reactions during the school day. The key provisions require schools to have written parental consent, individualized physician-approved allergy plans, and trained personnel who can recognize allergy symptoms and properly administer the medication. The resolution also asks the Department to develop standardized forms for consent and protocols, and to report back to the Legislature within 20 days of the 2027 session with findings and any proposed legislation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 48: URGING THE COUNTIES TO INTEGRATE THE SAFE SYSTEM APPROACH INTO ROAD AND TRANSPORTATION DESIGN, ESPECIALLY WHEN REDUCING OR ELIMINATING OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS, TO INCREASE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.

This House Resolution urges Hawaii's four counties to incorporate the Safe System Approach into road and transportation design, particularly when reducing or eliminating off-street parking requirements to improve pedestrian safety. The resolution highlights that removing parking mandates has increased on-street parking, which blocks visibility and forces pedestrians, including children and vulnerable residents, to walk on roadways without sidewalks. It calls for infrastructure improvements such as enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and better road markings to protect people walking and biking. The measure is non-binding and directs copies to county mayors, council chairs, and transportation directors to encourage policy consideration.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 48: URGING THE GOVERNOR AND MAYORS TO TAKE ACTION TO REASSURE ALL VISITORS TO HAWAII THAT THEY WILL BE TREATED SAFELY, LEGALLY, AND ETHICALLY BY ALL STATE AND COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES UPON THEIR ARRIVAL AND THROUGHOUT THEIR STAY.

This bill is a non-binding resolution urging the Governor and local mayors to reassure visitors that they will be treated safely, legally, and ethically by law enforcement agencies in Hawaii. It is based on concerns about federal immigration policies allowing warrantless searches of electronic devices and social media, which the bill argues could lead to unfair treatment of travelers. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead calls for official statements to maintain Hawaii's reputation as a welcoming destination. It directs copies of the resolution to state and county leaders, including those in Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu.

Topics ✓ Immigration

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 62: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO COORDINATE THE TRANSFER OF SMALL BOAT HARBORS BACK TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND TO ESTABLISH A MANAGEMENT TEAM TO DEVELOP TRANSITION PLANS.

This House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Land and Natural Resources to work together on returning the state's small boat harbors to the Department of Transportation. The bill directs these two agencies to create a management team that will develop detailed plans for transferring staff, operations, and assets back to the Department of Transportation. The management team must prepare a report with recommendations for any needed legislation by early 2027 to ensure the transition happens smoothly without disrupting harbor services. This resolution serves as a planning step rather than an immediate transfer, as full legal authority changes would require separate legislation.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 104: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT TO COLLABORATE WITH STATE DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND LABOR ORGANIZATIONS IN COMPLETING THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION SYSTEMS FOR ALL CIVIL SERVICE POSITIONS UNDER ITS JURISDICTION.

This resolution asks the Department of Human Resources Development to work with state agencies and labor groups to finish reviewing how state jobs are classified and paid. The request focuses on addressing high vacancy rates and outdated pay structures that make it hard to hire and keep workers. It directs the department to prioritize departments with the most open positions and difficult-to-fill roles. This is a procedural request rather than a new law, aiming to improve the state's workforce planning process.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 115: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, AND THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU, TO CONDUCT AN ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTED MAXIMUM INFRASTRUCTURE CAPACITY AROUND TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT AREAS WITHIN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU.

This bill requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to work with state and local agencies to evaluate how much infrastructure capacity exists around transit-oriented development areas in Honolulu. The assessment will focus on sewer and water systems to determine if current infrastructure can support future growth in neighborhoods near transit stations. The resolution directs the report to be shared with city officials, housing authorities, and transit planners to inform future development decisions. This measure aims to ensure that infrastructure upgrades are planned alongside new construction in areas designated for mixed-use neighborhoods near public transportation.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 158: REQUEST THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A TEMPORARY WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE CURRENT CAPACITY OF UTILITY SERVICES, THE EXPECTED LIFESPAN OF EXISTING COASTLINE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF NECESSARY EXPANSIONS.

This bill asks Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission to create a temporary working group to study the state's utility infrastructure, particularly in the City and County of Honolulu. The group will examine how well current utility systems can handle demand, how long existing coastal infrastructure is expected to last, and the costs of expanding services to support community growth. The working group includes representatives from government agencies, utility companies, and labor unions, and will produce an assessment of infrastructure capacity, lifespan risks, funding needs, and any permit-related strain on systems. This study aims to provide data for better community planning and ensure utility services can meet current and future demands.

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 119: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ESTABLISH AN INDIRECT TRAFFIC DISRUPTION GRANT PROGRAM.

This bill requests the Department of Transportation to create a grant program that provides financial assistance to property owners and small businesses affected by unplanned road closures, detours, or utility disruptions caused by state or county roadwork. The program would offer grants to those who can demonstrate verifiable losses in property access or business revenue due to these disruptions, with eligibility based on factors such as the duration and severity of the roadwork and the economic impact on the applicant. The Department of Transportation is asked to develop application criteria, collaborate with counties on joint roadwork projects, and submit a progress report to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session detailing the number of applications, grants awarded, and process timelines.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Bill results