Budget & Taxes (State Budget)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 15, 2026

GM 1360: Informing the Legislature that on July 15, 2026, the Governor returned the following bill with specific appropriation item(s) stricken or reduced: SB2600 SD1 HD1 CD1

On July 15, 2026, the Governor of Hawaii returned Senate Bill 2600 to the Legislature after vetoing a specific funding provision. The bill originally sought to transfer $50 million from the state's general fund into the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to comply with constitutional requirements for disposing of excess revenue. The Governor objected to this transfer, arguing that the reserve fund is already well-funded and that the money should be retained for other critical state needs. Consequently, the Governor used his line-item veto authority to reduce the appropriation for the reserve fund to just $1, effectively preventing the transfer of the $50 million.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill defends fiscal responsibility by retaining funds for critical state needs rather than transferring them to a reserve, aligning with prudent budget management.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 15, 2026

GM 1368: Informing the Legislature that on July 15, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2600 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 265).

This bill directs the State of Hawaii to transfer $50 million from the general fund into the emergency and budget reserve fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The action is taken to comply with a constitutional requirement to dispose of excess tax revenues when specific conditions are met for two consecutive years. By moving the funds into a reserve account, the state sets aside money to be used as a supplemental source during future emergencies, economic downturns, or unexpected revenue shortfalls. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to the state's overall budget management rather than targeting specific individuals or agencies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates transferring $50M to a reserve fund, promoting fiscal responsibility and ensuring funds are available for future economic downturns or emergencies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1334: Informing the Legislature that on July 10, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2452 SD1 CD1 (ACT 232).

This bill serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed HB2452 into law on July 10, 2026. The legislation establishes the state's debt limits for general obligation bonds by calculating allowable borrowing amounts based on a percentage of recent general fund revenues. It includes specific numerical projections for debt limits from fiscal year 2025-2026 through 2028-2029 and outlines the constitutional rules used to determine these financial caps.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes debt limits based on revenue, promoting fiscal responsibility and sustainable budget management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

GM 1248: Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2598 HD1 CD1 (ACT 147).

This bill, signed into law on June 25, 2026, allows the executive branch to use money from specific special or revolving funds to cover the administrative and operating costs of related programs. The legislation amends state statutes to clarify that funds designated for the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Strategic Development Programs Revolving Fund can be used for general expenses, including personnel and daily operations. By permitting these funds to pay for their own management costs, the bill aims to help the state adapt to fluctuating federal revenue projections without relying solely on general fund appropriations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill clarifies that special funds can cover administrative costs, promoting fiscal responsibility and ensuring programs are properly funded.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

GM 1249: Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2921 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 148).

This bill directs the Director of Finance to move approximately $47.2 million from various state special funds into the general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027. The transfer includes balances from diverse areas such as tobacco enforcement, mental health services, and tax administration that exceed their specific annual requirements. The legislation aims to create a financial reserve to help the state maintain essential services if federal funding decreases or economic conditions worsen. It explicitly states that these transfers must not harm the state's ability to receive federal aid or meet existing contracts and bond obligations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill transfers funds to the general fund to create a financial reserve, strengthening state fiscal management and protecting essential services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill transfers funds including mental health service balances to a general reserve, ensuring continued funding for essential health services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Mental Health

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

GM 1261: Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2429 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 160).

This bill directs the state to annually evaluate tax expenditures, such as income tax credits and tax exemptions, to ensure they remain effective and aligned with current public priorities. The key provision requires the government to collect and analyze data on these financial incentives to measure their actual outcomes, like job creation or economic growth, against their costs. By reviewing this information regularly, the legislature can decide whether to continue, modify, or eliminate specific tax breaks that may no longer serve their intended purpose or create unfair market advantages. Ultimately, the law aims to improve fiscal accountability and ensure that tax policies deliver clear value to taxpayers rather than relying on outdated assumptions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates evaluation of tax expenditures to ensure effectiveness and alignment with public priorities, promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability State Budget Tax Incentives

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 33: 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 Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance to study whether the state should create a sovereign wealth fund, which is an investment account designed to generate long-term financial returns for residents. The proposed fund would invest state assets such as tourism revenues, budget surpluses, and legal settlements outside the regular annual budget to build fiscal stability and support future generations. If the study finds it feasible, the report would include recommendations for potential legislation to establish the fund and distribute some investment earnings directly to qualified residents. This resolution does not create the fund itself but initiates a formal review of its practicality and benefits for the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes creating a sovereign wealth fund to build fiscal stability and support future generations through long-term investment of state assets, promoting responsible fiscal management.75% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Feb 4, 2026

GM 2: Letter dated January 30, 2026, transmitting proposed changes to the FB 2025-27 Executive Supplemental Budget for the operating and capital improvement program budget requests for various departments.

This bill proposes adjustments to the state's 2025-2027 supplemental budget, directing additional funding to multiple state departments for specific operational and capital improvement projects. Key provisions include adding money for wildfire prevention, climate resilience, marine ecosystem restoration, and tourism sustainability initiatives across agencies like Agriculture, Education, and Land and Natural Resources. The bill also reduces earmarked funding for Green Fee projects in the Budget and Finance department while increasing allocations for weather monitoring, coral restoration, and community-led environmental programs. These changes directly affect state agencies responsible for managing natural resources, public safety, and economic development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs additional funding to state departments for wildfire prevention, climate resilience, and other essential programs, strengthening budget allocation for public services.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates funding for wildfire prevention, climate resilience, marine ecosystem restoration, and tourism sustainability initiatives, directly supporting environmental protection efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Forestry

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

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

This bill requests that all state agencies install bi-level lighting systems in new state buildings and facilities starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting uses motion sensors to adjust brightness based on occupancy, reducing energy waste compared to traditional systems that stay at full intensity. The resolution directs the House of Representatives to send copies to various state officials, including the Governor and agency directors, to implement this energy-saving measure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes energy efficiency in state buildings, reducing long-term operational costs and demonstrating fiscal responsibility through conservation measures.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates energy-efficient bi-level lighting systems in state buildings, reducing energy waste and promoting energy conservation through motion-sensor technology.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates bi-level lighting systems to reduce energy waste in state buildings, directly supporting environmental protection through energy conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Energy Efficiency Recycling

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 185: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

This Senate Resolution asks the State Auditor to review the Department of Education's list of unfinished school construction and renovation projects. The audit will examine how much money has been spent on each project, why some are delayed or over budget, and how much additional funding is needed to finish them. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the state's school infrastructure needs and suggest ways to manage future projects more effectively. The Auditor must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by auditing education spending, ensuring funds are used effectively and identifying funding gaps for infrastructure.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks audit of school infrastructure projects to identify funding needs and improve management, directly supporting school facilities and educational infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability State Budget

Track