Hawaii Bills

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2602: RELATING TO THE GENERAL FUND.

Requires that tuition, tuition-related course and fee charges, and other charges to students deposited into the University of Hawaii Tuition and Fees Special Fund be allocated and expended in accordance with Board of Regents policies governing systemwide operations. On 6/30/2029, requires unencumbered funds in the University of Hawaii Tuition and Fees Special Fund that exceeds the reserve level established by the Board of Regents to lapse to the general fund. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✗ Education

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2145: RELATING TO RECORDINGS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES.

Establishes the right of a person to record law enforcement activities. Establishes a private right of action for any violation of the right to record law enforcement activities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

GM 624: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawaii Paroling Authority, Gubernatorial Nominee, CHERYL INOUYE, for a term to expire 06-30-2029.

This is a procedural submission, not a legislative bill. Governor Green has submitted Cheryl Inouye's nomination for confirmation to the Hawaii Paroling Authority, where she would serve until June 30, 2029. The submission follows Hawaii's constitutional requirement for Senate confirmation of gubernatorial appointments to certain boards. This action directly affects the Paroling Authority's composition and the Governor's executive authority over appointments. The Senate must now consider and vote on confirming this nomination.

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 1619: RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE.

Excludes from the definition of "development", as it applies to special management areas, the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of an electric vehicle charging system. Includes the Public Utilities Commission in the development and implementation of plans to meet the long-term goals for zero-emissions transportation in the State. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

GM 623: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee, Gubernatorial Nominee, RAYMOND MULLINS, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

This is not a legislative bill but a gubernatorial nomination submission (GM 623) for the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee. Governor Green has submitted Raymond Mullins for Senate confirmation to serve on the committee, with his term set to expire June 30, 2028. The committee advises the state on prison work programs and inmate employment initiatives. The Senate must confirm this appointment before Mullins can assume the role.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

GM 625: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawai'i Advisory Council on Emergency Management, Gubernatorial Nominee, ROBERT HARTER, for a term to expire 06-30-2029.

This bill is a routine nomination by Governor Josh Green for Robert Harter to serve on the Hawai'i Advisory Council on Emergency Management, with a term ending June 30, 2029. It requires the Hawaii Senate to confirm the appointment before Harter can assume the role. The bill does not change existing laws or policies but follows standard procedure for filling a state council position. The council advises the governor on emergency management planning and response.

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 1749: RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires sellers to provide buyers with a cesspool disclosure form before the execution of a real estate purchase contract. Establishes standards for the cesspool disclosure form by 11/1/2026. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 3294: RELATING TO WRONGFUL IMPRISONMENT.

Establishes the procedure that a circuit court shall follow upon the reversal or vacation of a person's judgment of conviction on grounds consistent with innocence, and where the charges were dismissed. Requires the State to pay, through a warrant for payment issued by the Comptroller, advance compensation to any petitioner who was convicted in a court of the State, imprisoned for at least one year, and whose judgment of conviction was reversed or vacated, or was pardoned, on grounds consistent with innocence. Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to immediately notify the Department of Human Services so the Department of Human Services may assign a case manager to a petitioner upon the petitioner's release. Requires the State to provide medical coverage to a person for a certain duration upon the reversal or vacation of the person's judgment of conviction on grounds consistent with innocence and where the charges were dismissed. Provides that the Judiciary and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall retain jurisdiction over the person for the purposes of effectuating this process. Authorizes the State to seek reimbursement from the applicable county for any losses incurred by the State pursuant to this process. Requires the Department of the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Clarifies eligibility to seek compensation for persons whose judgment of conviction was reversed or vacated, or who were pardoned, on grounds consistent with innocence, and where the charges were dismissed. Shifts the burden of proof to the State to prove by a preponderance of evidence that the reversal or vacation of the judgment of conviction for a petitioner, or the pardoning of the petitioner, was inconsistent with innocence. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2805: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Establishes a nonrefundable income tax credit to incentivize significant investment in agricultural production and support the expansion of agricultural crops that take longer to become productive. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Sunsets 1/1/2031. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2447: RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

Provides that the period of limitations for criminal prosecutions under campaign finance laws commences upon discovery of the offense by the Campaign Spending Commission, rather than being limited to five years from the violation date or report filing date. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2347: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

SB 2347 requires the Office of Consumer Protection to regularly publish clear, multilingual notices explaining tenant rights under the residential landlord-tenant code. This bill directly affects renters by ensuring they receive accessible information about their legal protections, particularly in communities with limited English proficiency. Key provisions mandate that these notices be published periodically and made available in multiple languages to improve tenant awareness. The law would take effect on July 1, 2050, but is currently pending committee review.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2245: RELATING TO REVOLVING DOOR RESTRICTIONS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES.

Prohibits new state employees from taking official action on matters they worked on before state employment. Prohibits former permanent employees of the Office of the Governor and Office of the Lieutenant Governor from representing persons or businesses for a period of 12 months after termination from state employment. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Bill results