Requires the Department of Education to establish an updated plan for maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for administrative and support services provided to students with special needs. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. (CD1)
Clarifies that untaxed tobacco products are subject to forfeiture as contraband, without regard to the procedures set forth in Hawaii's asset forfeiture law in the same manner as untaxed cigarettes. Confirms the authority of the Department of Taxation and the Department of the Attorney General to inspect and seize tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. Effective 9/1/2026. (CD1)
SB 2494 establishes a 9-year time limit for prosecuting bribery offenses, replacing the current statute of limitations. This bill directly affects individuals accused of bribery and prosecutors handling such cases, as it sets a specific window for bringing charges. The key provision is the fixed 9-year period from the date of the alleged offense, ensuring all bribery cases must be filed within this timeframe. The bill is currently under review by the Public Safety and Municipal Affairs committee, with a scheduled hearing.
Requires the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a state-funded financial assistance program to offer state-funded colorectal screenings and treatment for certain persons. Requires state-funded coverage for follow-up treatment for colorectal cancer for certain persons. Requires coverage to include a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive test result. Specifies that coverage is not subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements. Appropriates funds and establishes one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position. (CD1)
Prohibits any Executive Branch employee who is nominated or appointed by the Governor to a compensated position subject to confirmation by the Senate from engaging in certain campaign fundraising activities. (CD1)
Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop, implement, and administer a Medical Debt Acquisition and Forgiveness Program to acquire and forgive outstanding medical debt for residents of the State, subject to the availability of program funds. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
This bill, signed into law on July 8, 2026, requires all counties in Hawaii to allow the installation and operation of rainwater catchment systems on any property, regardless of whether it is connected to a public water system. The legislation defines these systems as setups that collect and store rainwater from rooftops for uses such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cleaning. While counties must permit these systems, the law also allows local governments to require registration, inspection, or notification if necessary to protect public health or water quality. This change aims to reduce strain on public infrastructure and support sustainable water management across the state.
This bill, signed into law as Act 214, amends Hawaii statutes to update the rules for the state's downpayment loan assistance program. It directly affects eligible homebuyers by defining how they can receive financial help for purchasing residential property. The key provisions allow the state corporation to provide loans covering up to 15% of a home's price or $60,000, whichever is less, with interest rates set based on federal requirements and market conditions. To qualify, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens, live in Hawaii, complete a homeownership counseling program, and contribute at least 3% of the purchase price themselves. The bill also specifies that these loans must be used strictly for downpayments and closing costs, and the property cannot be sold without the lender's approval.
This bill extends the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund equity pilot program in Hawaii from June 2028 to June 2031, allowing the state housing finance corporation to continue helping qualified buyers purchase homes at reduced prices. The program specifically targets residents in critical shortage professions like healthcare and education by having the state purchase a share of equity in new homes, which lowers the purchase price for the buyer. Additionally, the law requires that these equity purchases be limited to homes located in transit-oriented development zones, such as areas near major bus routes or transit hubs. By amending existing statutes, the bill ensures that the program's requirements and eligibility rules remain in effect through the extended deadline.
This bill establishes a five-year pilot program called "Hawaii Builds" within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to address the state's shortage of affordable housing for middle-income families. The program allows the corporation to use up to $20 million per year from its revolving fund for predevelopment activities like land acquisition and design, while requiring interagency coordination to speed up project timelines. To qualify, projects must be located on sites with adequate infrastructure, preferably in residential zones, and ensure all units meet specific affordability standards. Additionally, the law mandates that at least one such pilot project be designated in each county to promote statewide participation.
This bill, signed into law on July 8, 2026, requires Hawaiian counties to conduct specific studies before implementing or changing rules that mandate developers build affordable housing units. Under the new law, any requirement forcing developers to include affordable units is treated legally as a fee, meaning counties must prove the rule is necessary and financially feasible before adopting it. If a county wants to set an affordable housing requirement above ten percent, it must provide written evidence showing the rule is proportional and won't make projects unbuildable. These new rules aim to ensure that policies requiring affordable housing are based on data and do not inadvertently reduce the overall supply of homes available to residents.
This bill, signed into law by the Governor on July 8, 2026, amends Hawaii's Individual Housing Account Program to increase the tax benefits available to residents saving for a home. It directly affects Hawaii residents who wish to purchase their first principal residence by raising the maximum annual tax deduction for contributions to these accounts from $5,000 to $20,000 for individuals and from $10,000 to $40,000 for married couples filing jointly. Additionally, the bill increases the lifetime contribution limit for these accounts from $25,000 to $200,000 per individual or couple. The legislation also updates the definition of an eligible financial institution to include depository services loan companies, ensuring that contributions made to these accounts can be deducted from taxable income.
