Budget & Taxes

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 35: URGING ALL STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT TO IMPLEMENT PROMPT PAYMENT TRANSPARENCY MEASURES AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES FOR ITS EFFORTS.

This House Resolution urges all state and county agencies in Hawaii involved in construction projects to implement transparency measures for contractor payments, similar to the system already used by the Public Works Division. The bill requires agencies to create public websites within one year that display information about job progress, payments to prime contractors, retainage amounts, and subcontractor payment status. Agencies unable to comply must submit written explanations of barriers to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session. The resolution also expresses appreciation to the Public Works Division for its existing efforts and requests that agencies report their progress to the Legislature within 20 days of the 2027 session convening.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal transparency in government spending, which strengthens budget accountability and public trust in fiscal management.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 34: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND FINANCE TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY AND BENEFITS OF CREATING A STATE-OWNED SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance to study the feasibility and benefits of establishing a state-owned sovereign wealth fund. The proposed fund would invest state assets, such as tourism revenues and budget surpluses, to generate long-term financial returns for the state's residents. The study would examine how the fund could support economic stability, fund infrastructure, and potentially distribute investment earnings to qualified residents as cash dividends. The Department is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes creating a sovereign wealth fund to generate long-term financial returns for residents, supporting fiscal management and economic stability through investment of state assets.75% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 34: REQUESTING ALL STATE AGENCIES TO UTILIZE BI-LEVEL LIGHTING SYSTEMS IN ALL NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STATE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2027.

This House Resolution requests that all state agencies in Hawaii use bi-level lighting systems in new buildings starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting adjusts brightness based on motion sensors to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs. The resolution directs copies to various state officials and agencies to implement this change in future construction projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by reducing energy costs through efficient lighting, indirectly supporting budget management through cost savings.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates bi-level lighting systems to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs, directly advancing energy efficiency goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates energy-efficient bi-level lighting in state buildings to reduce energy waste and lower electricity consumption, directly supporting environmental protection through resource conservation.90% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 158: URGING THE GOVERNOR TO RECONSIDER HIS DECISION NOT TO ALLOW HAWAII TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FEDERAL EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT PROGRAM.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider the decision to opt out of the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, which would allow Hawaii to participate in a federal scholarship initiative. The bill explains that the program provides federal tax credits to donors who contribute to scholarship organizations, with funds used to offer educational scholarships to K-12 students from low- and middle-income households. If Hawaii were to opt in, the state could designate local scholarship organizations to receive donations, potentially expanding educational options for families without reducing public school funding. The resolution highlights that 23 states have already joined the program and notes Hawaii's current academic performance statistics as context for why participation might be beneficial. This document is a non-binding recommendation rather than a law, as it does not directly change policy but instead asks the Governor to review the decision.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill urges participation in federal tax credit program providing tax relief to donors and scholarships for low/middle-income students, advancing tax policy affecting state budget.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill urges participation in federal scholarship program expanding educational access for K-12 students from low- and middle-income households.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits K-12 Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 80: URGING THE COUNTIES TO ELIMINATE REAL PROPERTY TAXES.

This House Resolution urges Hawaii's county governments to eliminate real property taxes. It asks counties to study how to replace this revenue with other funding sources while maintaining essential services like public safety and infrastructure. The resolution highlights concerns about rising property costs affecting homeowners, renters, and elderly residents, but does not mandate any specific tax changes. Copies of this non-binding recommendation are sent to county mayors and council chairs for their consideration.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill urges elimination of real property taxes, providing tax relief to homeowners and renters, aligning with support indicators for tax relief.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill aims to eliminate real property taxes, which would reduce housing costs for homeowners and renters, supporting affordable housing goals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Tags Local Government

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signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

SB 2069: RELATING TO THE DWELLING UNIT REVOLVING FUND.

Extends the sunset date of the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program pursuant to Act 92, SLH 2023, from June 30, 2028, to June 30, 2031. Requires any equity purchased by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation under the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program to be in a for-sale housing development project within a transit-oriented development zone. Authorizes HHFDC to spend up to $20,000,000 from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for the Equity Pilot Program established pursuant to Act 92, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023. (CD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill makes housing fund permanent, expands funding uses, and exempts disbursements from appropriation requirements, strengthening affordable housing financial mechanisms.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes HHFDC to use existing funds for Equity Pilot Program, advancing affordable housing initiatives through targeted funding reallocation.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires housing projects in transit-oriented development zones, promoting transit-accessible housing and supporting public transit integration.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Property Development

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 86: REQUESTING ALL STATE AGENCIES TO UTILIZE BI-LEVEL LIGHTING SYSTEMS IN ALL STATE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES, THE DESIGN OF WHICH IS FINALIZED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2028.

This bill requests that all state agencies in Hawaii install bi-level lighting systems in any new buildings or facilities constructed starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting uses motion sensors to adjust brightness based on occupancy, aiming to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs compared to traditional lighting that stays on at full intensity. The resolution directs the request to various state departments and agencies responsible for construction and facility management. As a concurrent resolution, it serves as a formal recommendation rather than a mandatory law, though it outlines a clear policy preference for energy-efficient lighting in future state projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes energy efficiency in state buildings to reduce electricity costs, aligning with fiscal responsibility and budget management goals.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates energy-efficient bi-level lighting with motion sensors in new state buildings, directly advancing energy efficiency and reducing energy waste.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates energy-efficient bi-level lighting systems in state buildings to reduce energy consumption and waste, directly supporting environmental protection through conservation measures.95% confidence

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signed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 178: URGING ALL STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT TO IMPLEMENT PROMPT PAYMENT TRANSPARENCY MEASURES AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES FOR ITS EFFORTS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges all state and county agencies in Hawaii that handle construction projects to create public websites showing payment information for contractors and subcontractors. The bill asks these agencies to display details about job progress, payments made, and retained funds within one year of the resolution's adoption. It specifically thanks the Public Works Division for its existing transparency efforts and requests agencies unable to comply explain their barriers to the Legislature. While the resolution does not mandate immediate legal changes, it sets a timeline for agencies to report on their progress and consider future legislation to improve payment transparency in public construction.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes government transparency in public works spending, which supports fiscal accountability and responsible budget management.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Feb 10, 2026

GM 3: Letter dated February 5, 2026, recommending the immediate passage of the following Emergency Appropriation bills: H.B. No. 2271, S.B. No. 3090; H.B. No. 2272, S.B. No. 3091; H.B. No. 2273, S.B. No. 3092; H.B. No. 2274, S.B. No. 3093; H.B. No. 2275, S.B. No. 3094; H.B. No. 2310, S.B. No. 3129; H.B. No. 2340, S.B. No. 3160; and S.B. No. 2211.

This bill is a governor's recommendation (GM 3) for the immediate passage of multiple emergency appropriation bills. It directs the legislature to approve urgent funding for specific state programs, including Public Employment Cost Items (through H.B. 2271/S.B. 3090 and similar paired bills), Department of Human Services (H.B. 2310/S.B. 3129 and S.B. 2211), and the University of Hawai'i (H.B. 2340/S.B. 3160). The bills provide emergency funding to address immediate budget needs for these state departments and programs. As a procedural recommendation, it does not change policy but accelerates funding approval for existing urgent requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesGovernor's recommendation for emergency funding of state programs (Public Employment, DHS, UH) directly supports budget allocation through appropriation bills.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRecommends emergency funding for University of Hawai'i (H.B. 2340/S.B. 3160), directly advancing higher education funding under the Education topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 20, 2026

SB 2227: RELATING TO RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

Requires the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to award monthly rent supplement payments on behalf of qualified tenants under the State Rent Supplement Program prioritizing certain tenants, including kupuna. Authorizes the HPHA to enter into memoranda of agreement for rental supplement payments with the counties or specialized nonprofit organizations. Amends provisions relating to the State Rent Supplement Program. Establishes the State Rent Supplement Program Special Fund. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to assess a transaction tax for each applicable recording in the Office of the Assistant Registrar of the Land Court or the Bureau of Conveyances to be deposited into the State Rent Supplement Program Special Fund. Repeals the existing separate State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna. Establishes four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) permanent public housing specialist II positions and one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent public housing specialist IV position within the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates State Rent Supplement Program Special Fund to allocate state appropriations for tenant rental assistance, prioritizing kupuna. Directly funds a public service program through dedicated budgeting.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes State Rent Supplement Program with prioritized funding for kupuna tenants and creates dedicated fund, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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