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Hawaii Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress

All 53,153 Active 2,085 In committee 29,059 Passed 12,714 Signed 1,934 Failed 183

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 2138: RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

Establishes a Hilo-Kona transportation pilot program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study, plan, evaluate, implement, and trial transportation routes and services connecting Hilo and Kona. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 16, 2026

HB 1655: RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT.

HB 1655 allows public employers (like city or state agencies) and union representatives to negotiate specific retirement benefits for public employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. The bill removes barriers that previously prevented these parties from discussing certain retirement benefits during contract talks. It directly affects public employees in unionized roles and their employers, focusing on retirement plan terms rather than other benefits. The bill is currently pending committee review and has not yet been enacted.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 16, 2026

HB 2367: RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS.

Requires hourly rate or salary ranges to be disclosed on job listings for full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal employees. Removes the exemption for employers having fewer than fifty employees. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 1183: RELATING TO ALLOWANCE ON SERVICE RETIREMENTS.

Includes certain law enforcement administrators and employees of the Department of Law Enforcement as class A members of the pension and retirement systems and provides guidance for the computation of retirement benefits similar to police officers. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 146: RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY'S ‘ŌLELO HAWAI‘I INITIATIVES.

HB 146 allocates state funds to the Judiciary to support its 'Ōlelo Hawai'i Initiatives, which aim to integrate the Hawaiian language into court proceedings and services. The bill directly affects the Judiciary by providing resources for language programs, including staff training, translation services, and community outreach. Key provisions involve using the appropriated funds to expand Hawaiian language access in judicial settings, such as court documents and interpreter services. The measure is effective starting July 1, 3000, as specified in the bill's abstract.

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2078: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

Clarifies that rules adopted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources pursuant to section 190-3, HRS, may regulate aquarium fish permits. Establishes a criminal penalty and monetary fines for aquarium fishing violations. Clarifies that each fish or aquatic life specimen taken in violation of certain fishing laws regarding aquarium fish and the possession and use of prohibited explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances constitutes a separate offense. (SD1)

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2022: RELATING TO STATE WATER CODE PENALTIES.

Adds a minimum penalty and maximum penalty per violation of the State Water Code. Authorizes the Commission on Water Resource Management to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors the CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Increases maximum fines every 5 years from 2031 to 2046. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2103: RELATING TO PESTICIDES.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to use consistent units of measurement in its summary to the public on the amounts of restricted use pesticides applied. Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes a one-half mile buffer zone for pesticides around schools during normal school hours and state and county public parks. Establishes certain exemptions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2003: RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

Provides for the repeal of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and reversion of management authority over Mauna Kea lands to the University of Hawaii if the timelines specified in Act 255, SLH 2022, are not met. Establishes a deadline of 7/1/2030 for the transfer of appropriations, records, equipment, and other property to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. Authorizes the Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to an additional 10-year term. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2006: RELATING TO FARM EMPLOYEE HOUSING.

Clarifies that a "farm dwelling" permitted in an agricultural district includes a single-family farm dwelling with an accessory employee housing structure, subject to certain restrictions. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 1697: RELATING TO NATURAL HAIR BRAIDING.

HB 1697 exempts natural hair braiders from state licensing requirements when operating under specific conditions, directly affecting individuals who provide natural hair braiding services. The bill removes a barrier for braiders who meet defined criteria, such as operating in non-commercial settings or adhering to safety standards. This policy change simplifies access to the profession without requiring a state-issued license for qualifying practitioners. The bill is currently in early stages, having been prefiled and introduced in January 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 1522: RELATING TO DISCRIMINATION.

HB 1522 extends the time period to file a discrimination complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission from the current limit to one year. This change directly affects individuals who experience discrimination in Hawaii, giving them more time to seek redress through the Commission. The bill’s key provision modifies the statute of limitations for filing such complaints, allowing a full year from the alleged discriminatory act to submit a formal complaint. The bill is currently pending before the House Judiciary Committee for further review.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment