HB 2451 Hawaii House · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Summary

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires each county to implement fare-free access to its public transportation systems. Establishes the Fare-Free Public Transportation Tax and Dividend Special Fund. Increases the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax on petroleum products to fund fare-free public transportation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 27, 2026 Last action Feb 17, 2026

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What changed between versions

HB2451 → HB2451_HD1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates the legislative metadata to reflect House of Representatives approval (HD1) and adjusts the effective date of the fare-free transit program to January 1, 2027. It also changes the sunset date of the entire bill to July 1, 3000, ensuring the program remains in effect indefinitely. Additionally, the text clarifies that the funding amounts for counties will be adjusted annually for inflation.

Scope change

The bill's scope was extended indefinitely by changing the expiration date from the original approval date to July 1, 3000.

TIMELINE

The effective date for fare-free public transportation was set to January 1, 2027.

The sunset date for the entire bill was changed to July 1, 3000, making the program permanent.

FISCAL

The text was updated to clarify that reimbursement amounts for counties are adjusted annually for inflation.

TECHNICAL

The bill title and metadata were updated to reflect House of Representatives approval (HD1).

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 9, 2026

Committee

Reported from TRN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 90-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to EEP.

lower

Feb 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Miyake, Cochran, Evslin, Grandinetti, Kitagawa, La Chica, Muraoka; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Pierick.

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Committee

Referred to TRN, EEP, FIN, referral sheet 6

lower

Jan 28, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and Pass First Reading.

lower

Jan 27, 2026

Introduced

Pending introduction.

lower

7 primary · 2 co-sponsors