SR 78 Hawaii Senate · 2025 Regular Session

REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME PROGRAM FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS IMPACTED BY THE 2023 MAUI WILDFIRES.

Senate Resolution 78 requests Maui County to study implementing a universal basic income (UBI) program for residents and business owners affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires. The resolution asks the county to evaluate feasibility - including eligibility, funding sources, and economic impact - based on models like Tennessee’s My People Fund, which provided direct cash payments after wildfires. Maui County must submit a report with findings and recommendations by late 2025. This resolution does not fund or enact a UBI program, only directing a study on its potential.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Mar 7, 2025 Last action Apr 2, 2025

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 2, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report and Resolution Adopted.

upper

Apr 1, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported from EIG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1475) with recommendation of adoption.

upper

Mar 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in EIG were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, DeCoite; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Richards, Fevella.

upper

Mar 24, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on EIG has scheduled a public hearing on 03-27-25 4:00PM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.

upper

Mar 11, 2025

Committee

Referred to EIG.

upper

Mar 7, 2025

Introduced

Offered.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors