Hawaii Bills

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2891: RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

SB 2891 exempts grocery purchases made by individuals aged 65 and older from Hawaii's general excise tax. This policy change directly affects seniors who buy groceries, removing a sales tax on these items. The key provision is a targeted tax exemption for grocery sales specifically to this age group. The bill is currently under review by the House Health and Human Services Committee after passing its first reading.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2759: RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND DISPOSITIONS.

Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to extend the term of all leases of public lands to the United States Military that expire in 2028, 2029, 2030, or 2031 for a period of five years to allow the Military additional time to complete and submit an environmental impact statement for the leased public lands.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2870: RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, PLUS COMMISSION.

SB 2870 increases the number of voting members on Hawaii's State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission from eight to eleven. This procedural bill directly affects the commission's structure by adding three new voting positions to its membership. The change does not alter the commission's existing duties or responsibilities, only its size. The bill is currently pending in committee after being introduced and passing first reading in early 2026.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2865: RELATING TO HEARING LOSS.

Requires the Department of Health to develop and publish a state plan on hearing loss. Requires reports to the Legislature prior to the 2027 and 2028 Regular Sessions.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2750: RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.

Increases the maximum term for leases of public lands to ninety-nine years. Prohibits commercial leases and government use agreements of public lands at rates below market rate, with exceptions.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2739: RELATING TO LICENSURE.

Authorizes the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to issue a temporary license to engage in the practice of dealing and fitting of hearing aids to high school students enrolled in a structured training program.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2832: RELATING TO RETIREMENT.

Provides elective officers with the choice to be members of the Employees' Retirement System after each election. Repeals the condition that a choice to be excluded from the Employees' Retirement System is irrevocable and such choice may only be made once.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2779: RELATING TO COCONUT TREES.

Establishes recognition of coconut trees as a source of food and water, and as a cultural treasure. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to allow the use of coconut tree seed banks in the State. Requires owners or operators of property where any coconut tree is located to post and maintain a sign that clearly indicates that the coconut tree is a landscape palm. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms. Establishes an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2736: RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.

SB 2736 requires state agencies to submit and retain environmental product declarations for all state-funded construction projects, such as public buildings or infrastructure. This applies directly to state agencies overseeing construction, mandating they collect and maintain documentation on the environmental impact of materials used. The bill establishes a new record-keeping requirement for procurement, ensuring transparency about material sourcing without altering project design or funding. It focuses solely on administrative compliance for environmental reporting in state construction contracts.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2748: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Repeals the sunset date of Act 45, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, thereby making permanent the authority of the counties to share in facilitating the development, construction, financing, refinancing, or other provision of mixed-use developments, including low- and moderate-income housing projects, and issue county bonds for this purpose.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2856: RELATING TO VITAL STATISTICS.

Amends the various requirements in the event of a fetal death, including registration of certain fetal deaths, filing and preparation of a certificate of fetal death, and issuance of a permit for removal, burial, or other disposition.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2874: RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.

Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as public records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Bill results