Hawaii Bills

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 2401: RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.

HB 2401 authorizes the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to provide loans or grants to eligible individuals seeking to purchase rental properties. This directly affects potential new landlords or investors who may struggle to secure traditional financing for acquiring rental units. The bill's key mechanism allows the fund to offer financial assistance for the purchase of rental housing, rather than solely for repairs or maintenance. As a newly introduced bill (pending committee referral), it has not yet been voted on or enacted.

Topics ✓ Housing

Daniel Holt (D) Luke Evslin (D) Kanani Souza (R) Gregg Takayama (D) Terez Amato (D)

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 2414: RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.

HB 2414 implements recommendations from Act 245, SLH 2024 to amend the Hawaii Penal Code, but the provided abstract does not specify the exact changes or who the bill directly affects. The bill’s key mechanisms remain unclear from the available context, as it only references broader administrative updates to the Penal Code without detailing provisions. The Hawaii House Judiciary, Health, and Agriculture (JHA) committee recently recommended passing the bill with amendments, but no concrete policy changes are described in the summary. Without specific details on the proposed Penal Code amendments, a substantive summary of the bill’s policy impact cannot be provided.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2551: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to develop an alternative pathway for a visiting international educator permit aligned to the duration of the educator's J-1 visa program. Repeals 6/30/2031.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Immigration

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 2028: RELATING TO LABOR DAY.

HB 2028 establishes a nonrefundable tax credit for employers who provide a paid Labor Day holiday to construction workers. This policy directly affects construction employers (who may claim the credit) and construction workers (who receive a paid holiday). The key provision requires employers to grant a paid holiday on Labor Day to qualify for the tax credit, which is effective July 1, 3000. The bill passed committee in February 2026 with amendments but does not change existing Labor Day holiday requirements for other workers.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2764: RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Clarifies that condominium associations may apply any payment from or on behalf of an owner to amounts due by the owner under a money judgment in favor of the condominium association.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2728: RELATING TO ELECTIONS.

Appropriates funds to: (1) the counties for more voter service centers for in-person voting; (2) the Office of Elections to print and mail the digital voter information guide to all registered voters; and (3) the Office of Elections to support a public outreach and engagement campaign to encourage greater voter participation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2855: RELATING TO OPIOID ANTAGONISTS.

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations that issue policies, contracts, plans, or agreements that provide prescription drug coverage to provide coverage for at least one generic opioid antagonist and device.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2996: RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

SB 2996 prohibits the commercial harvesting of aquatic life (such as fish or marine animals) for sale to aquarium businesses, regardless of how the collection is done. This directly affects commercial aquarium suppliers and businesses that source live marine specimens. The bill's key provision is a complete ban on this specific activity, eliminating exceptions for collection methods. It does not address other environmental protections or commercial fishing. The bill is currently in committee review with a scheduled public hearing.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2341: RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.

Authorizes SHPD to conduct a phased review of a proposed project on private property under certain circumstances. Amends the process and deadlines by which SHPD must provide written concurrence or non-concurrence for a proposed project on private property or other project that requires entitlement for use, after which concurrence may be assumed and the project may proceed.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2358: RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE.

Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter an area closed to the public or hiking on a trail closed to the public, and there is a sign giving notice of the closure.

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1458: RELATING TO TAXATION OF ADVERTISING REVENUE BY MAJOR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.

Establishes the Broadband and Digital Equity Special Fund to receive revenues earned by major social media platforms to fund initiatives expanding broadband access and local journalism initiatives. Directs the Department of Taxation to apply the state corporate income tax to advertising revenue earned by major social media platforms if the revenue is derived from content created within the State or from audiences located in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1202: RELATING TO TEACHER COMPENSATION.

Recognizes prior teaching experience at an equal salary rating for teachers entering or reentering into the service of the Department of Education. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Education

Bill results