Veterans

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 608: RELATING TO VETERANS RIGHTS AND BENEFITS.

SB 608 regulates paid advisors who provide assistance with veterans' benefits applications or appeals. It directly affects veterans who hire such advisors, as well as the advisors themselves, by requiring them to meet specific standards when charging for their services. The bill establishes rules for how these advisors can operate, including transparency requirements and restrictions on certain fees. This aims to protect veterans from unscrupulous practices while ensuring they receive accurate guidance on accessing their benefits. The law takes effect on July 1, 2077.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProtects veterans from predatory advisors in benefits applications, ensuring accurate assistance and preventing exploitation through regulatory standards.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 1942: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to develop and implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Establishes a one-year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires new Asian American history curriculum in public schools, advancing educational content and historical representation per bill's explicit curriculum mandate.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum, recognizing WWII veterans' service through education as a form of state-level recognition.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Veteran Education

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 59: RELATING TO DISABLED VETERANS.

HB 59 would exempt qualifying disabled veterans from paying county vehicle registration fees, highway beautification fees, and vehicle weight taxes. The bill directly affects disabled veterans who meet specific eligibility criteria set by the state. It removes these three specific fees from their vehicle-related costs, providing financial relief for this group. The policy change focuses solely on eliminating these targeted fees without altering other vehicle tax structures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts disabled veterans from specific vehicle taxes, providing targeted tax relief which aligns with support indicators for tax relief programs.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts disabled veterans from vehicle fees, providing direct financial relief and expanding benefits for this group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 574: RELATING TO TAXATION.

HB 574 would create a $3,000 income tax credit for retired Hawaii National Guard service members, directly reducing their state tax liability. The bill provides this credit as a specific policy change to support veterans who served in the state's National Guard. It does not alter tax rates or create new obligations but offers a concrete financial benefit to eligible retired members. The legislation is currently pending in the 2026 session after being carried over from 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides $3,000 income tax credit for retired National Guard members, directly reducing tax liability - aligns with tax relief support indicator.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates $3,000 tax credit for retired Hawaii National Guard veterans, directly expanding financial benefits for eligible veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits National Guard & Reserve

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 652: RELATING TO VETERANS RIGHTS AND BENEFITS.

HB 652 would regulate individuals or entities that charge fees for providing advice or assistance with veterans' benefits applications. It directly affects paid advisors (such as consultants or representatives) who help veterans navigate benefits systems. The bill would establish requirements for these advisors, likely including licensing, disclosure rules, or standards for their services. Currently, the bill is pending review after being referred to committees, with a recommendation to defer further action as of January 31, 2025. It has not yet become law.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRegulates paid advisors assisting veterans with benefits to prevent exploitation, establishing licensing/disclosure rules that protect veterans' access to benefits and rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2527: RELATING TO MILITARY BENEFITS.

Repeals portions of the Hawaii Revised Statutes that confer special benefits, protections, privileges, or entitlements to members of the United States armed forces in the State in the event that the United States government or any agency or entity of the United States government commences condemnation proceedings of any land or interest in land owned or held by the State.

Topics ✗ VeteransOpposes VeteransRepeals Hawaii statutes granting military members special protections in land condemnation cases, reducing a specific entitlement related to veterans' benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1415: RELATING TO TENANT SELECTION.

SB 1415 repeals existing tenant selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans within the State Low-Income Housing Program. This change directly affects veterans and their spouses who previously received priority in housing applications under this program. The bill removes these specific preferences from the program's selection criteria, meaning all applicants will now be evaluated under the same standard process. The legislation does not create new housing benefits or alter other program requirements. This change is part of the program's administrative rules, not a new funding or eligibility provision.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingRemoves veteran preference in low-income housing program, weakening targeted tenant protections for disabled veterans and spouses.85% confidence ✗ VeteransOpposes VeteransRepeals housing preference for disabled veterans and spouses, removing a specific benefit they previously received under state low-income housing program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Veteran Housing

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3117: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Authorizes the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by authorizing diplomas for veterans interrupted by military service in specific wars, directly advancing access to educational credentials.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAuthorizes diplomas for veterans interrupted by military service, recognizing service and expanding educational benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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passed · Hawaii · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 1751: RELATING TO THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD STATE TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Authorizes the Adjutant General to expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include graduate degrees at the University of Hawaii for qualified personnel in the Hawaii National Guard. Effective 1/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tuition assistance for graduate degrees at UH, increasing higher education access for National Guard members through STAP funding.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands Hawaii National Guard tuition assistance to include graduate degrees, directly advancing veteran education benefits and career opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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passed · Hawaii · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1913: RELATING TO VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

Establishes within the Office of Veterans' Services a mental health coordinator position at Tripler Army Medical Center. Provides that the mental health coordinator is appointed by and reports directly to the Director of the Office of Veterans' Services. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates mental health coordinator position at veterans home with funding, directly expanding mental health services access for veterans.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes mental health coordinator position and appropriates funds for veteran mental health services at state veterans home, directly advancing care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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