This bill (HB994) amends Hawaii law to allow prosecutors to file charges for "promoting pornography for minors" (HRS §712-1215) using written information instead of requiring an in-person court appearance. It directly affects prosecutors and law enforcement conducting undercover operations targeting online exploitation of minors, as this offense previously could not be charged via written information under HRS §806-83. The change aligns this charge with other serious offenses like child sexual assault, enabling faster prosecution during large-scale internet investigations. The amendment specifically updates HRS §806-83 to include this offense in the list of charges prosecutable by written information, streamlining legal processes for cases involving minors.
This is a procedural notification, not a substantive bill. Governor Josh Green formally withdrew his nomination of Michael Magaoay for the Board of Education (referenced as GM 775) on April 10, 2025, per the nominee's request. The communication informs the Senate of this withdrawal in accordance with Hawaii's Constitution (Article V, Section 6). It directly affects the appointment process for the Board of Education position but contains no policy changes or new legislation.
SB1319 requires fingerprinting and photographing for adults arrested for crimes, as well as for people convicted or given deferred pleas for criminal offenses. It also mandates fingerprinting for children aged 12 or older taken into custody for acts that would be felonies, misdemeanors, or petty misdemeanors if committed by an adult. The law specifies that children's fingerprint records must be deleted when they turn 25, if found not responsible by a court, or if no legal petition is filed within a year of custody. It establishes a uniform statewide system for collecting and storing identification data, with counties providing local equipment and the state managing the computerized system.
SB1447 amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 321-20 to clarify administrative enforcement procedures for regulatory violations. It authorizes agency directors to issue orders requiring violators to cease violations, pay penalties up to $1,000 per day, or correct issues, with a 20-day window to request a hearing (or 24 hours for immediate public health threats). The bill specifies that penalties must consider the violation's nature and history, and violators must prove they cannot pay the penalty. This law directly affects businesses and individuals subject to regulatory enforcement under the chapter.
HB1175 (ACT 010), signed into law by Governor Green on April 10, 2025, amends Hawaii’s tax appeal procedures to align with current judicial practices. It clarifies that taxpayers or counties appealing tax decisions may file a notice of appeal within 30 days of either the initial order or the final judgment. This change resolves inconsistencies highlighted by a 2005 court case (Alford v. City and County of Honolulu) regarding appeal timelines. The bill directly affects taxpayers, counties, and tax appeal courts handling tax disputes. It updates Section 232-19 of Hawaii Revised Statutes without altering substantive tax law.
This bill amends Hawaii's liquor licensing law to reduce background check requirements for certain applicants. It removes the need for criminal background checks for officers and directors of publicly-traded companies (or entities wholly owned by such companies) who aren't primary decision-makers about liquor sales. It also eliminates fingerprinting requirements for nonprofit organization leaders in counties with under 500,000 residents. These changes streamline the licensing process for these specific business types while maintaining background checks for other applicants.
Governor Josh Green formally withdrew the nomination of Randall Hironaka for the Defender Council on April 10, 2025, as requested by the nominee. This procedural bill (GM 793) serves only to notify the Senate that the nomination referenced in GM738 is no longer under consideration. The action directly affects the Defender Council appointment process but does not alter any laws or policies.
HB408 (ACT 006), signed into law by Governor Green on April 10, 2025, changes Hawaii's voter registration process. It allows qualified voters to register by mail up to ten days before an election (replacing the previous 30-day deadline) and requires application forms to be available at driver's license offices during renewals. The law also permits voters to simultaneously register when submitting a federal write-in absentee ballot, provided it arrives at least ten days before the election. These changes aim to increase voter registration accessibility for eligible residents.
This bill defines "ghost gun" as a firearm frame or receiver without a federally registered serial number (excluding permanently inoperable ones). It imposes mandatory minimum prison terms for using ghost guns during felony crimes, with sentences ranging from 3 years for Class C felonies to 15 years for second-degree murder. Repeat offenders or those with prior firearm convictions face longer mandatory sentences (e.g., 20 years for murder). The law directly affects individuals convicted of felonies involving ghost guns, increasing penalties for such offenses under Hawaii law.
HB386, now law after being signed by Governor Green on April 10, 2025, updates Hawaii's drug offense thresholds by setting specific weight and quantity limits for two levels of "promoting dangerous drugs." A first-degree offense now applies to possessing one ounce or more of methamphetamine, heroin, morphine, fentanyl, or cocaine (or one and a half ounces of other dangerous drugs) or distributing 25 or more individual drug doses (like pills) or specific weights. A second-degree offense covers possessing 25 or more individual drug doses or lower weights (one-eighth ounce for the listed drugs, one-fourth ounce for others) and distributing any amount of dangerous drugs. These changes directly affect individuals who possess or distribute dangerous drugs in the specified quantities.
This bill (SB289) amends Hawaii's ethics laws to streamline administrative fines for violations of the state ethics code and lobbyist rules. It changes the timeline for fines to become final from 20 days after notice (with an appeal option) and allows fines to be enforced through circuit courts like other judgments. The law directly affects individuals or entities found in violation of ethics rules who face financial penalties. Key mechanisms include clarifying the appeal process to the ethics commission and establishing court enforcement procedures for collected fines.
GM 1102 is a procedural bill that serves as a formal notice to the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed HB998 into law on April 10, 2025. It does not change any laws or affect individuals, as it is a routine administrative communication confirming the governor's approval of HB998. The bill itself contains no substantive policy changes and is solely for legislative record-keeping.
