Hawaii Bills

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2956: RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Defines the term "cosmetics". Requires all merchants that sell cosmetics to accept returns of new or unopened goods within specified time frames. Exempts certain merchants that sell cosmetics. Clarifies the definition of "conspicuous sign". Beginning 1/1/2027, requires a merchant that sells cosmetics and receives three or more warning letters from the Office of Consumer Protection for failing to post a conspicuous sign to post return and refund policy signs printed and distributed by the Office of Consumer Protection. Appropriates funds.

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2166: RELATING TO IMMUNIZATIONS.

Requires, rather than authorizes, schools to provide an exemption from required immunizations. Specifies that for purposes of the Department of Health's rulemaking authority and authority regarding infectious and communicable diseases, no child shall be subjected to medical examination, vaccination, revaccination, or immunization if a parent or legal guardian objects based on bona fide religious tenets and practices.

Topics ✗ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2146: RELATING TO SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES.

Establishes the sugar-sweetened beverage fee program. Beginning 7/1/2027, imposes a 2 cent per fluid ounce fee on all sugar-sweetened beverages sold in the State and requires all distributors of sugar-sweetened beverages to register with the Department of Health. On or after 6/30/27, prohibits retailers from selling or displaying for sale any sugar-sweetened beverage acquired from a distributor that is not registered with the Department of Health. Requires management and performance audits. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Establishes the Healthy Ohana Advisory Committee. Appropriates funds.

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2221: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of a recent criminal background check or credit report. Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee if a recent comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. Requires a landlord or the landlord's agent to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Housing

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2210: RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM.

Requires the Board of Regents to grant a waiver on all tuition for qualifying native Hawaiian and Hawaiian students enrolled within the University of Hawaii System.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 3013: RELATING TO PET ANIMALS.

Prohibits insurers from refusing to issue or renew, canceling, restricting, otherwise terminating, or charging higher rates for a commercial general liability insurance policy, homeowners insurance policy, renters insurance policy, or dwelling fire policy based on the breed of any dog that is kept on the insured premises.

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2312: RELATING TO SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE.

Requires hospitals with emergency departments that are licensed in Hawaii to submit syndromic surveillance data to the Department of Health. Authorizes the Department of Health, as needed, to establish by administrative rules a syndromic surveillance system under state jurisdiction that is independent of federal systems.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2239: RELATING TO CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS.

Requires board members of a condominium association to complete a board training and education course approved by an accredited third party organization, to be selected by the Real Estate Commission and paid for through funds in the Condominium Education Trust Fund.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2926: RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.

PART II: Allows certain extensions of the deadline for cesspool conversions. PART III: Authorizes and appropriates funds to the Department of Health to retain qualified consultants as necessary to identify necessary public outreach and education resources and tools and develop a comprehensive public outreach strategy and website to educate homeowners and wastewater industry professionals about information and resources regarding the State's cesspool upgrade, conversion, and connection requirements and deadlines.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 3054: RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LANDS.

For purposes of permissible uses in agricultural districts, establishes minimum requirements for income received from agricultural activity for a family occupying a farm dwelling. Provides that the definition of a "farm dwelling" includes agricultural activity that is considered a farming operation under section 165-2, HRS, and is conducted on more than 50 per cent of the entire lot.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2903: RELATING TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY.

Includes the Chief Energy Officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office as a member of the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Ensures that the State's zero emissions clean economy aspirational target encourages both local and global sequestration. Requires each state agency to review the impacts of its internal plans as they relate to the purpose and goals of the Commission. Requires HSEO to submit summary reports to the Governor and Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2136: RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Designates pricing practices based on surveillance data as unfair or deceptive acts or practices and unfair methods of competition in the conduct of any trade or commerce.

Topics ✓ Technology

Bill results