Hawaii Bills

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SCR 71: URGING THIS BODY TO INTRODUCE AND PASS LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH STRICT LIABILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO KEEP, HARBOR, OR FEED CERTAIN ANIMALS IN A MANNER THAT RESULTS IN DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Legislature to pass a law establishing strict liability for individuals who keep, harbor, or feed chickens, ungulates, or felids that cause property damage. The bill aims to address the growing problem of feral chicken populations in residential areas by making owners legally responsible for damage their animals cause to others' property. It also requests the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to study whether feral chickens should be classified as an invasive species and submit recommendations to the Legislature. This measure would create legal accountability similar to existing laws for dogs and livestock, targeting property owners who intentionally maintain or feed these animals in urban settings.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

GM 690: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawai'i Retirement Savings Board, Gubernatorial Nominee, JESSIE DEAN, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

Governor Green has nominated Jessie Dean to serve on the Hawai'i Retirement Savings Board for a term ending June 30, 2030, pending Senate confirmation. This procedural nomination requires the Senate to review and approve the appointment to fill a vacancy on the board. The board oversees the state's retirement savings program, which directly affects public employees participating in Hawaii's retirement system. The nomination follows constitutional requirements for gubernatorial appointments to state boards.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

GM 696: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Advisory Board on Pesticides, Gubernatorial Nominee, JAMES FALCONER, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

This bill is a routine gubernatorial nomination submission, not a substantive legislative measure. Governor Green formally submits James Falconer for confirmation to serve on Hawaii's Advisory Board on Pesticides, with a term expiring June 30, 2030. The nomination requires Senate confirmation under Hawaii Constitution Article V, Section 6. This affects the board's composition but does not change pesticide regulations or policy.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

GM 726: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawai'i Workforce Development Council, Gubernatorial Nominee, GINA ANONUEVO, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

This is not a legislative bill but a gubernatorial nomination submission. Governor Green has submitted Gina Anonuevo for confirmation to the Hawai'i Workforce Development Council, with a proposed term ending June 30, 2030. The submission requires Senate confirmation per Hawaii's Constitution (Article V, Section 6). If confirmed, Anonuevo would serve on the council, which advises on workforce development policy. The document is procedural and does not create new law or directly affect specific groups.

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1002: RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review of proposed state projects and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants under certain circumstances. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to publish a draft of its proposed rules and later present its proposed final rules to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 7/1/2032. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 26: RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Establishes the Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force to conduct a study, subject to legislative appropriation, to assess the viability of housing development in transit-oriented development zones or other areas on state or county lands. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 1161: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Beginning 7/1/2028, authorizes a county to impose a mileage-based road usage charge on electric vehicles. Provides and requires a county to establish the rate of the road usage charge. Repeals the requirement for the Department of Transportation to establish county subaccounts within the State Highway Fund. Clarifies the disposition of funds for state mileage-based road usage charge. Clarifies the rate and calculation of the state mileage-based road usage charge. Specifies that rental motor vehicle companies may visibly pass the costs of the mileage-based road usage charges to the consumer. Expands allowable uses of the State Highway and Highway Funds. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1117: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Prohibits a person from operating a moped or electric motorcycle in certain areas designated for bicycles. Renames the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program to the Electric Mobility Device Rebate Program. Expands eligibility for the rebate program and amends the maximum rebate amounts. Reduces the deadline to submit an application to six months from the date of purchase. Requires applicants who are enrolled in a school, community college, or university to demonstrate a financial need to be eligible for an additional assistance rebate. Exempts certain class 3 electric bicycles from registration requirements. Establishes a cap for the Electric Mobility Device subaccount and requirements for transferring funds into the subaccount. Amends the age requirement for required helmet use from 16 to 18 years of age. Prohibits a person under the age of fifteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Establishes rules for electric bicycle operation. Allows use of electric bicycles on public sidewalks, subject to certain conditions. Prohibits individuals under 18 years of age from operating an electric motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Changes the term "motor scooter" to "motor-driven vehicle". Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 643: RELATING TO THE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE PROGRAM.

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Appropriates funds for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 86: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the establishment of full-time equivalent permanent Makai Watch Coordinator positions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 443: RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LANDS.

Requires that lands within the agricultural district with class B or C soils that have solar or wind energy facilities must also obtain certification from the Department of Agriculture that the lands are also used for a farming operation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✗ Energy

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 657: RELATING TO THE CENTER FOR CLIMATE RESILIENT DEVELOPMENT.

Appropriates funds for the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology within the University of Hawaii at Manoa to establish and operate a Center for Climate Resilient Development. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment

Bill results