This bill, signed into law by the Governor on June 3, 2026, removes the expiration date from safety regulations for commercial harbor mooring operations established in 2024. By repealing the sunset provision that was set to delete these rules on July 1, 2028, the legislation ensures that the harbor safety requirements remain in effect indefinitely. The change directly impacts the State's commercial harbor system by providing long-term operational certainty for the regulations designed to protect harbor infrastructure.
This bill establishes a pilot program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to help local farmers and ranchers pay for transporting their goods and supplies. Eligible participants, including small-scale producers and cooperatives, can receive reimbursements covering up to 50% of their transportation costs or a maximum of $25,000 per year, with a total annual budget cap of $2 million. The program is designed to offset rising shipping expenses and tariffs that currently make it difficult for local agricultural businesses to operate profitably. To ensure accountability, the department must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing how many producers were helped and how much money was spent.
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Agriculture
This bill, officially known as Act 073, amends Hawaii state laws regarding traffic violations and vehicle tax enforcement. It directly affects drivers and vehicle owners by establishing stricter penalties for driving on road shoulders and clarifying procedures for seizing vehicles with unpaid taxes. Under the new provisions, a first-time shoulder lane violation carries a $250 fine, while repeat offenses within five years incur a $1,000 fine. Additionally, the bill updates the rules for vehicle seizure and sale due to delinquent taxes, including specific timelines for redemption and auction, and grants an exemption from these penalties for owners of antique motor vehicles that are not in use.
This bill establishes a summer streets pilot program across Hawaii counties to temporarily close roads to cars and repurpose them for pedestrians, cyclists, and community events. Modeled after a successful initiative in Sweden, the program aims to improve public health, support local businesses, and encourage sustainable transportation by creating safer, more vibrant public spaces. Counties must work with the Hawaii Community Development Authority to design these programs, submit proposals by March 2027, and receive up to $200,000 in state funding to implement the project. The Authority will also provide a report to the Legislature by July 2027 detailing the program's findings and potential future legislation.
Increases the expenditure ceiling and appropriates funds out of the State Risk Management Revolving Fund to distribute property and liability insurance proceeds related to the 2023 Maui wildfires to be expended by the School Facilities Authority, Department of Transportation, and Department of Land and Natural Resources to rebuild and restore certain state facilities in Lahaina. Requires the Department of Accounting and General Services to submit to the Legislature a master coordinated project plan developed in collaboration with certain state agencies and in consultation with the County of Maui and other relevant entities. Requires the Department of Education to transfer exclusive site control over the new King Kamehameha III Elementary School property to the SFA while the School is under construction. Requires DAGS to transfer to the SFA any materials deemed necessary for the construction of the School and to provide further support as necessary upon request. Requires the SFA to submit monthly progress reports to the Governor and Legislature. Allows the Governor to transfer certain authorities and responsibilities from the SFA to another state agency under certain conditions. Requires full funding for the projects for which funds are appropriated to be available before expenditure. (CD1)
This bill creates a general excise tax exemption for the sale of aircraft parts and tools to airlines in Hawaii. It directly affects aviation companies that purchase materials for servicing planes or building maintenance facilities. The law corrects a previous legal ruling that had excluded these parts from the tax exemption, aligning the rules with those used for importing such items. By removing the tax on these specific purchases, the state aims to support the airline industry and remain competitive with other states. The changes will officially take effect on January 1, 2027.
This bill amends Hawaii law to allow individuals under the age of twenty-one to obtain a commercial driver's license for intrastate commerce. To qualify, applicants must be at least eighteen years old, hold a standard driver's license for two years without suspensions or serious traffic violations, and either participate in a registered apprenticeship or complete a structured on-the-job training program with at least 320 hours of supervised instruction. The law specifically restricts these young drivers from transporting hazardous materials, carrying passengers in school vehicles, or operating outside the scope of their approved training.
This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed SB3218 into law on May 22, 2026. The legislation establishes a new funding mechanism known as "resilient infrastructure for shelter and equity bonds" to support public works projects. It defines specific areas, such as zones near transit hubs, where these bonds can be issued and outlines how property tax assessments will be adjusted to cover project costs. The law amends existing statutes to clarify terms related to financing, assessment bases, and project expenditures for these designated districts.
This bill, signed into law on May 28, 2026, clarifies and strengthens penalties for violations of boating and ocean recreation laws in Hawaii. It directly affects anyone operating boats, using small boat harbors, or engaging in related activities within the state. The key provision updates the legal code to specify that offenses such as operating a vessel without insurance, ignoring speed limits, or abandoning animals in harbors are punishable as petty misdemeanors. These violations can now result in fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to thirty days, or both, whereas previous penalties were less defined. Additionally, the bill sets specific escalating fines for traffic infractions related to parking and movement within these facilities.
This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on May 14, 2026, establishes new requirements for vehicle inspections and license plate visibility in Hawaii. Effective January 1, 2027, the state will require all vehicles and mopeds to pass safety inspections that specifically check for compliant mufflers, functioning headlights, and unobstructed license plates. The legislation prohibits the use of any covers, shields, or films over license plates, regardless of whether they are clear or tinted, and sets a fine of up to $1,000 for each violation. Enforcement authority is granted to state and county law enforcement officers, who can issue citations for these infractions.
