Establishes an Industrial Hemp Program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity that includes education and support for non-cannabinoid industrial hemp cultivation and use. Establishes the Industrial Hemp Program Advisory Board to develop a strategic plan to establish and expand the processing infrastructure and commercialization of industrial hemp. Requires the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to support research and development focused on local adaptation, sustainability, and economic development goals. Requires DAB to promote partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners, cooperatives, and aina-based programs. Adopts state building codes for hemp-based materials, including hempcrete. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Requires the Governor or mayor of a county, during a state of emergency, to provide an American Sign Language interpreter at each live broadcast press conference. Requires the Governor or mayor of a county to provide a primary pool feed for any live official announcement that includes an American Sign Language interpreter in a picture-in-picture window, and does not require broadcasters that rebroadcast the official announcement to independently generate or insert this accessibility feature. Requires, to the fullest extent possible, that the American Sign Language interpreter's face, body, arms, and hands are visible. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Requires that whenever there is a difference between the English and Hawaii version of law that is material to its interpretation, priority shall be given to the language that aligns with the intent of the legislature as evidenced by legislative history, context, and purpose. Clarifies that Hawaiian shall not be required for public acts and transactions, but is welcomed. (SD1)
Establishes a three-year Health Coverage Continuity Pilot Program to be administered by the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, to subsidize the cost of certain health insurance deductibles for eligible individuals. Authorizes the Department to contract with a nonprofit health insurer or community-based organization to operate the Pilot Program; provided that the Department shall allow the operator to access state-backed reinsurance or risk stabilization support for the operation of the Pilot Program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals 6/30/2029. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
SB 2298 requires common interest communities (like homeowner associations) to include specific language on proxy forms about how owners can select representatives for meetings. This directly affects community members who use proxies to vote on behalf of their property. The bill mandates clearer disclosure of proxy selection options in the forms themselves, ensuring owners understand their choices. The bill is currently pending committee review after its January 2026 introduction.
HB 2288 expands parole eligibility for incarcerated individuals by allowing them to qualify for parole through participation in a broader range of rehabilitation programs. The bill directly affects committed persons (those serving prison sentences) by adding new program types to the existing criteria for parole consideration. Key provisions require correctional facilities to recognize these additional programs as meeting the eligibility requirements for parole hearings. This change aims to provide more pathways for inmates to demonstrate rehabilitation progress before parole consideration.
Authorizes captive insurance companies to underwrite, reinsure, or otherwise assume catastrophic property and casualty risks, subject to the approval and continuing supervision of the Insurance Commissioner. Allows the Commissioner to set certain minimum standards for captive insurance companies underwriting catastrophic property and casualty risk. Requires captive insurance companies underwriting catastrophic property and casualty risk to provide certain information in reports to the Commissioner. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Adopts the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act (2023), as modified, to replace existing chapters related to advance health care directives and advance mental health care directives. Requires the Attorney General to convene a working group. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 1/30/2050. Implementation effective 7/1/20209. (SD2)
SB 2849 requires government offices to include specific details at the start of all public meeting notices. This affects local and state agencies that hold public meetings, ensuring attendees see key information like the meeting's purpose and location upfront. The bill mandates adding this required content to all official notices, making it easier for the public to understand and participate in meetings. The measure is currently pending committee review after passing its first reading.
Taxes capital gains tax for individuals, estates, and trusts as ordinary income, except for capital gains that are eligible for a county homeowner's exemption. Repeals the alternative capital gains tax for corporations. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
SB 2444 increases the amount of real property (like homes or land) protected from being seized to pay debts. This change directly affects property owners, particularly those with modest home values, by shielding more of their home equity from creditors. The bill raises the exemption threshold, meaning a higher value of property remains protected during legal actions like debt collection. It does not alter other debt collection procedures or create new requirements. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.
Repeals future adjustments to income tax brackets. For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, increases the income tax rates for the three highest income tax brackets by one percentage point each. Increases a taxpayer's applicable percentage of employment-related expenses that is used to calculate the household and dependent care services tax credit. Establishes certain disallowance periods following a final decision that a claim for the credit was due to fraud and that the claim was disallowed. Extends the sunset for amendments made by Act 163, SLH 2023, to the Household and Dependent Care Services Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and Food/Excise Tax Credit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
