This bill, signed into law by the Governor of Hawaii on July 13, 2026, authorizes the state Department of Education to award high school diplomas to specific individuals who missed earning one due to military service or wartime disruptions. It expands eligibility beyond the previous law to include those who served in the armed forces during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, as well as those whose education was interrupted by wartime practices during those same conflicts. To receive a diploma, eligible applicants must submit the required forms to the department proving they were residents of Hawaii at the time and did not complete their high school curriculum. This change updates existing statutes to recognize the educational contributions of veterans and affected individuals from three major 20th-century wars.
This bill updates Hawaii's existing interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children to align with current federal laws. It directly affects school districts and families of active-duty military members by revising legal definitions within the state statutes. The key change involves correcting references to the United States Code to ensure the compact accurately reflects how military service and deployment are defined today. By amending specific sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislation ensures that students can continue their education without interruption when their parents are relocated due to military orders.
This bill, signed into law by the Governor on June 26, 2026, requires that protective orders issued in Hawaii be shared with military security forces when the person subject to the order is a service member. The law mandates that court clerks send copies of these orders to local police and the appropriate military investigative divisions within 24 hours. Additionally, it establishes a requirement for local law enforcement to create verification systems and develop joint training programs with military branches to improve communication and response. These measures aim to enhance safety and accountability for victims of domestic violence involving military personnel while maintaining confidentiality and due process.
This House Resolution formally recognizes the Oʻahu Veterans Council, Armed Services YMCA Hawaiʻi, U.S. Vets Hawaiʻi, and Ala Hawaiʻi Girls State for their dedicated work supporting veterans and their families in the state. The document highlights the challenges faced by local veterans, such as housing costs and employment issues, while praising these organizations for providing essential services like housing assistance, workforce development, and civic education. By expressing official appreciation and extending warm wishes, the resolution serves to honor the contributions of these groups rather than enact new laws or policies.
This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on May 19, 2026, expands Hawaii's family leave protections to include military families. It directly affects employees who are spouses, children, siblings, parents, or other relatives of active-duty service members. The key provision adds "qualifying military exigency" as a valid reason for taking up to four weeks of unpaid family leave per year, aligning state law with federal standards. To use this leave, employees must provide their employer with official military orders as proof of the qualifying situation. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026.
This bill formally notifies the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed SB2138 into law on May 29, 2026. The legislation expands tuition assistance under the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include company grade officers (ranks O-1 through O-3), in addition to enlisted personnel and warrant officers. It also clarifies that eligible recipients must be state residents and undergraduate or graduate students attending any University of Hawaii campus. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026, pending the availability of funds.
This House Resolution requests the Hawaii Comptroller to form a working group to plan a Global War on Terror memorial on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol. The working group would include representatives from state agencies, military branches, veterans' organizations, architects, and families of service members. Its task is to discuss memorial design, gather community input, develop a timeline and budget, and submit final recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. The resolution acknowledges Hawaii's significant military contributions since 2001 and aims to create a dedicated space to honor those who served.
This bill nominates Janet Covington to serve on the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services in Hawaii, a role that directly impacts veterans' support and policy recommendations. The appointment is for a term ending on June 30, 2030, and requires Senate confirmation before taking effect. The nomination follows standard constitutional procedures for filling advisory board positions within the state government. This action does not create new laws or change existing veteran services but rather appoints an individual to an existing advisory role.
This bill urges the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for health care authorizations related to the Red Hill water contamination crisis and to improve health care access for affected individuals. It directly impacts military families, civilian residents, and Department of Defense personnel who experienced health issues from fuel contamination at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu. The resolution requests a two-year renewal cycle for Secretarial Designee authorizations to ensure continuity of care, expands access to civilian medical providers under TRICARE, and calls for coordinated referral practices between military and civilian health facilities. Additionally, it asks for the establishment of reimbursement or voucher programs to help affected individuals cover out-of-pocket medical costs, particularly for those living in areas without nearby military treatment facilities.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution formally recognizes and expresses appreciation for the United States Armed Forces' contributions to Hawaii's emergency preparedness, response capacity, and community resilience. The bill references specific instances where military support was critical, including the aeromedical evacuation of burn victims after the Aliamanu fireworks explosion and assistance during the 2023 Maui wildfires. It highlights the unique capabilities of the armed forces in providing specialized medical transport, logistical resources, and personnel support when civilian resources are limited. The resolution also notes existing community appreciation events like Military Appreciation Day and the Kaneohe Bay Air Show as demonstrations of ongoing collaboration. Finally, it calls for continued coordination between state, county, federal, and military partners to strengthen emergency response efforts and protect residents' health and safety.
