Hawaii Bills

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3309: RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Establishes the Ombudsman's Office for Condominium Owners and Associations within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Increases the biennial Condominium Education Trust Fund fee by $2.50 a year to pay for the ongoing costs of the Ombudsman's Office. Appropriates funds from the Condominium Education Trust Fund for establishment of the Ombudsman's Office.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3284: RELATING TO THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Establishes the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Matching Program within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to provide matching grants to Hawaii-based companies that have received federal Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer awards. Establishes the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Outreach Program within HTDC to be administered in collaboration with the Department of Education to require participants in the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Matching Program to deliver presentations to public school students in the State. Requires HTDC to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3299: RELATING TO THE PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS PROGRAM.

Clarifies that the Preschool Open Doors Program is open to all children, including children in foster care, who meet the eligibility requirements of the program.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3289: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Governor to request in the executive budget or supplemental budget that an amount of general funds that approximates the additional revenue generated by assessing the Transient Accommodations Tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares be expended for maritime purposes and uses, including addressing maritime environmental issues, as determined by the Department of Transportation, rather than be expended as part of the green fee. Amends the definition of "cruise fares" with respect to the Transient Accommodations Tax.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3335: RELATING TO CREATING A LOCAL HOUSING MARKET.

Establishing a Local Housing Market that is tied to Hawaii State resident's incomes and not the global economy. Thus providing housing options that are affordable relative to wages for residents of the State.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3314: RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SIXTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

SB 3314 allocates existing state funds for physical projects (such as roads, parks, or public buildings) in the Sixth Senatorial District. It directly affects residents and local infrastructure within that specific district by providing funding for capital improvements. The bill’s key mechanism is the appropriation of funds, meaning it directs money already in the budget toward district-specific projects. This is a procedural funding measure, not a new policy, and does not create new taxes or regulations. The bill was introduced and passed its first reading in early 2026.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3307: RELATING TO HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS.

Amends the membership and responsibilities of the Public Land Trust Working Group established under Act 226, SLH 2022. Requires the Working Group to submit four reports to the Legislature: by 8/1/2027, a first interim report regarding Act 178, SLH 2006, financial reporting and accounting; by 12/1/2027, a second interim report regarding the public land trust inventory; by 6/1/2028, a third interim report that includes a preliminary draft of findings and recommendations regarding Act 178 financial reporting and accounting and the public land trust inventory; and by 10/1/2028, a final report that includes proposed legislation. Authorizes the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to provide administrative support to the Working Group in coordination with a third-party consultant.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3287: RELATING TO ENCAMPMENTS.

SB 3287 prohibits setting up new encampments within 100 feet of state highway rights-of-way. This directly affects individuals or groups who might establish temporary shelters near highways. The bill creates a clear buffer zone to prevent encampments from forming adjacent to state highways, without addressing existing encampments. It is a procedural policy change focused on location restrictions.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3274: RELATING TO COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICS.

Establishes the Community Behavioral Health Clinic Certifying Office to certify community behavioral health clinics and provide technical assistance for clinics seeking certification. Establishes the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Oversight Board. Establishes the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Special Fund. Amends the composition of the Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances and State Council on Mental Health to include a member from the Community Behavioral Health Clinic Certifying Office. Appropriates funds.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3316: RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SEVENTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

SB 3316 allocates state funds for physical upgrades like building repairs or infrastructure improvements within the 7th senatorial district. It directly affects residents and local projects in that district by providing financial resources for capital projects. The bill’s key provision is the appropriation of specific funding amounts for these district-focused improvements. This is a procedural funding measure with no policy changes beyond directing state resources to a defined geographic area.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3329: RELATING TO PUBLIC TESTIMONY.

Prohibits state and county boards from considering written testimony submitted by an individual member of the public unless the written testimony includes certain information necessary for the board to verify the authenticity of the testimony and communicate with the testifier. Prohibits boards from disclosing any personal information obtained through written public testimony, except the name of the testifier, unless authorized by the testifier. Requires each house of the Legislature to adopt or amend rules to apply the written public testimony verification process to certain hearings conducted by its standing committees. Effective 1/1/2028.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3290: RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS.

Clarifies that a county employee's code compliance review of plans for construction applicable to the specific engineering field is considered lawful experience in engineering work for purposes of professional engineering licensure.

Bill results