Technology

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

SB 2852: RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS.

Requires the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to adopt rules on digital accessibility for places of public accommodation that are consistent with certain federal regulations. Specifies that a violation of the rules is an unlawful discriminatory practice. Establishes that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice for a place of public accommodation to deny a person with a disability full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations, or information related thereto, by requiring the use of information and communication technology that is not accessible to the person. (CD1)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates accessible ICT in public accommodations, advancing digital equity for people with disabilities per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 14, 2026

HB 2137: RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Prohibits certain harmful uses of realistic digital imitations generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Establishes certain exemptions. Provides for civil actions and civil remedies for individuals injured by unauthorized AI-generated realistic digital imitations. (CD1)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates disclosure of AI-generated content and synthetic performers, establishes civil remedies for harm, aligning with consumer protection in digital rights and data privacy policies.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 7, 2026

SB 2135: RELATING TO PRIVACY.

SB 2135 creates a new criminal offense for sharing someone's intimate images without their consent. It directly affects individuals whose private photos or videos are distributed online or otherwise without permission. The key provision defines this act as a punishable offense, establishing legal consequences for perpetrators. The bill is currently pending before the LBT committee, having been referred for review after its initial introduction.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates criminal offense for nonconsensual intimate image distribution, protecting victim privacy rights under criminal justice framework95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy by criminalizing nonconsensual intimate image sharing, directly protecting digital rights and personal data online.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3069: RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPT POSITIONS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES.

Part I: Makes conforming amendments to section 76-16(b), HRS, for positions the Department of Accounting and General Services is authorized to establish and fill pursuant to section 26‑6(b)(9), HRS, and requires annual reports to the Legislature. Part II: Authorizes DAGS to establish and fill up to 3 full-time equivalent positions within its Public Works Division's Special Project Branch that shall be exempt from civil service and collective bargaining requirements as part of the State's efforts to undertake unique and specialized public works projects and requires DAGS to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Part II: Sunsets 12/31/2031. (CD1)

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentExempts positions from collective bargaining, removing worker negotiation rights. Directly limits a key labor protection.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts IT modernization staff from civil service rules to advance state IT infrastructure, directly supporting technology modernization efforts per bill's purpose.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 165: REQUESTING THE HAWAIʻI CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION TO EXAMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF EXISTING STATE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS TO ALGORITHMIC AND AUTOMATED DECISION SYSTEMS.

This Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws cover decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The Commission would examine if existing rules can properly handle complaints about bias in areas like hiring, housing, and credit checks, and identify any legal or practical challenges in enforcing protections against algorithmic discrimination. The study will also consider whether new guidance or complaint processes are needed to help people understand their rights when facing automated decision-making. The Commission must submit its findings and any recommended laws to the state legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill seeks to strengthen anti-discrimination protections in housing by examining how AI systems might violate existing laws, thereby preventing algorithmic bias in housing decisions.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill seeks to expand anti-discrimination protections to cover algorithmic decision-making in hiring, protecting workers' rights against bias in employment processes.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill seeks to protect civil rights in algorithmic decision-making, ensuring AI systems don't discriminate against protected groups in hiring, housing, and credit.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 184: REQUESTING THE HAWAIʻI CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION TO EXAMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF EXISTING STATE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS TO ALGORITHMIC AND AUTOMATED DECISION SYSTEMS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws apply to decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The bill directs the commission to examine how these technologies are used in areas like hiring, housing, and credit, and to identify any legal gaps or challenges in addressing potential discrimination. The commission must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027, which could lead to new rules or laws if needed. This measure does not change existing laws immediately but initiates an official review of how civil rights protections work in the age of automated decision-making.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill examines anti-discrimination laws for AI in housing, aiming to prevent algorithmic discrimination and strengthen tenant protections.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill examines AI discrimination risks in hiring and employment, strengthening worker protections against algorithmic bias in workplace decisions85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes digital equity by examining how AI systems may cause discrimination, ensuring technology serves all citizens fairly under civil rights protections.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed both · Hawaii · House May 8, 2026

HCR 33: ENCOURAGING HAWAIʻI COUNTY, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE PUAKŌ COMMUNITY, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI AT HILO, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS, TO COMPLETE THE PUAKŌ SEWAGE PROJECT.

This bill encourages Hawaii County to work with the Puako community, the Department of Health, and other partners to finish the Puako Sewage Project, which aims to replace aging cesspools with modern wastewater systems. The project combines advanced wastewater collection technology with fiber optic internet infrastructure to address both environmental pollution and the digital divide in rural areas. By using a public-private partnership model, the initiative seeks to create a replicable solution that can help other communities across Hawaii tackle similar sewage challenges while restoring local coral reefs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directly addresses environmental pollution by replacing aging cesspools with modern wastewater systems to protect Puako Reef and reduce sewage contamination.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly integrates fiber optic internet infrastructure into sewage project to address digital divide, advancing technology access in rural areas85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 24, 2026

HCR 180: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO EXPLORE AND PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES TO COLOCATE COMMUNITY-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATING PROJECTS WITH AGRICULTURAL RESERVOIRS AND IRRIGATION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

This House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to investigate and develop projects that combine renewable energy generation with existing agricultural reservoirs and irrigation systems. The bill proposes placing floating solar panels and small water turbines in water infrastructure to produce clean electricity without disrupting water delivery or requiring major construction. It encourages collaboration with farmers, local communities, and energy developers to identify suitable sites and conduct feasibility studies for pilot programs. The resolution aims to support Hawaii's clean energy goals while providing benefits like reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and local economic opportunities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes renewable energy by encouraging placement of floating solar panels and water turbines in agricultural infrastructure, advancing clean energy generation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes renewable energy generation through floating solar panels and water turbines in agricultural infrastructure, advancing clean energy and reducing emissions.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes renewable energy technology integration with agricultural infrastructure, advancing clean energy solutions through floating solar panels and water turbines.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2387: RELATING TO DIGITAL FINANCIAL ASSET TRANSACTION KIOSKS.

Establishes limits on transactions through digital financial asset transaction kiosks. Prohibits (1) the exchanging of United States currency, in an amount greater than $100, from new customers for digital financial assets; (2) any two customers from transacting to the same digital financial asset wallet address; and (3) beginning 1/1/2030, the exchange of United States currency from customers for digital financial assets. Requires operators of digital financial asset transaction kiosks to use blockchain analytics and tracing software to prevent fraud; make certain disclosures; provide receipts to customers; provide full refunds under certain circumstances; and provide live customer service and a dedicated communications line for the Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection, Department of Law Enforcement, and county police departments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates blockchain analytics for fraud prevention, enhancing cybersecurity and consumer protection in digital financial transactions through required technology use.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 81: REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE OFFICE OF THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU AND DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP AND PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON WAYS TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR SURVIVORS OF IMAGE-BASED SEXUAL ABUSE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and the Department of the Attorney General to form a working group focused on image-based sexual abuse. The group will review laws and policies from other states to identify ways to better protect survivors of nonconsensual sharing of explicit images and videos, including those involving artificial intelligence. The working group must include input from gender-based violence service providers and survivors, and it will submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not change any laws directly but instead asks state agencies to study the issue and propose future legislation.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse, including AI-generated content, enhancing cybersecurity and digital privacy safeguards.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track