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Hawaii Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress

All 53,153 Active 2,085 In committee 29,059 Passed 12,714 Signed 1,934 Failed 183

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 170: ENCOURAGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARTNERSHIP WITH AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND TO ADVANCE BIOSECURITY, CONSERVATION, PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, AND OTHER ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to establish a sister state relationship with New Zealand to share expertise in biosecurity, conservation, and endangered species protection. The bill highlights shared challenges between both Pacific island nations, such as invasive species threats and the need to protect unique native wildlife. It proposes that Hawaii benefit from New Zealand's successful models for managing pests, creating protected sanctuaries, and restoring ecosystems. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, New Zealand's Consul General, and state business and tourism officials to facilitate potential collaboration.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 59: REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS TO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS IN THE STATE WITHOUT A HAWAII-ISSUED LICENSE DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Governor of Hawaii to create procedures allowing out-of-state health care professionals to practice temporarily during a state of emergency without holding a Hawaii license. The measure specifically targets physicians, nurses, pharmacists, mental health counselors, and other designated professionals who must hold valid licenses in their home jurisdictions and be affiliated with recognized emergency response organizations. Key provisions include permitting telehealth services without prior patient relationships, requiring professionals to register within 24 hours of deployment, and limiting authorization to 60 days or until the emergency ends. The resolution also establishes an online registry for tracking participating professionals and includes liability protections for the state while maintaining malpractice standards for the practitioners.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 91: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON THE PROGRESS OF THE HAWAII ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ADMINISTRATOR.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to provide a written status update on the implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, an independent entity established in 2012 to oversee electric system reliability and interconnection processes. The bill directly affects the Public Utilities Commission and stakeholders involved in Hawaii's electric grid, including renewable energy project developers and ratepayers. It asks the Commission to explain specific functions they have implemented, identify reasons for delays, and provide a forecasted timeline for full implementation of the administrator's roles. Additionally, the resolution requires the Commission to submit annual progress reports to the Legislature until the administrator is fully operational.

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 25: URGING STATE AGENCIES AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII WILLIAM S. RICHARDSON SCHOOL OF LAW TO COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP EXTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR LAW STUDENTS TO ASSIST IN THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND UPDATE OF THE HAWAII ADMINISTRATIVE RULES.

This Senate Resolution urges state agencies and the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law to collaborate on creating externship opportunities for law students to help review and update Hawaii's administrative rules. The bill addresses concerns that outdated regulations burden businesses and residents, while acknowledging that agencies currently lack the resources to conduct comprehensive rule reviews. It specifically requests the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to lead this partnership, with the goal of pairing law students' need for practical experience with agencies' need for regulatory assistance. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recommendation to establish this educational and administrative collaboration.

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 186: REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S PROCESS FOR ESTABLISHING, CLASSIFYING, AND APPROVING ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROGRAM POSITIONS, AND ITS SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION OF COMPLEX AREA SUPERINTENDENTS.

This Senate Resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive performance and fiscal audit of the Department of Education's governance structure and administrative leadership in Hawaii. The audit will examine the roles, responsibilities, staffing, and costs associated with key leadership positions including the State Superintendent, Deputy Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, and Complex Area Superintendents. The review aims to evaluate whether the current organizational structure effectively supports the Department's strategic goals, identify any overlapping responsibilities, and provide recommendations for improving administrative efficiency and accountability. The Auditor will submit a detailed report with findings and potential legislative recommendations to the Legislature before the start of the 2027 session.

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 189: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REISSUE REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE JOB ORDER CONTRACTING PROGRAM CONTRACTORS AND PREQUALIFIED SMALL CONTRACTORS TO ENSURE THE CONTINUITY OF THE FUTURE SCHOOLS NOW PROGRAM.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to reissue Requests for Proposals for contractors under the Future Schools Now program, which uses job order contracting to quickly repair school facilities. The bill directly affects the state education agency and construction firms, asking them to restart the bidding process for both general contractors and prequalified small businesses before current contracts expire. By reissuing these proposals in 2026, the resolution aims to ensure continuous funding and services for school repairs without interruption, maintaining the program's ability to address the state's backlog of facility maintenance. The Department of Education is also asked to submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027 detailing the program's progress, including the number of projects completed and total spending.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 102: URGING THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF EXPANDING THE USE OF MAIL-ORDER PHARMACY IN THE STATE.

This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to study how expanding mail-order pharmacy services could benefit residents. The study would examine impacts on medication adherence, cost savings, access for rural and disabled populations, and system reliability during emergencies. It does not change current laws but requests a report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 184: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A PROPOSAL FOR A TIERED, COORDINATED, AND STANDARDIZED BELL SCHEDULE FRAMEWORK FOR DEPARTMENT SCHOOLS.

This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to create a standardized bell schedule framework for all public schools in the state. The proposal aims to address current inconsistencies in school start and end times that create challenges for families, transportation planning, and coordination with community programs. The framework would organize schedules by school level - elementary, middle, and high school - while allowing local flexibility within state instructional hour requirements. The Department of Education is directed to consult with school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and transportation providers during the development process.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 124: URGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO TAKE NECESSARY STEPS TO FINALIZE, PRIORITIZE, AND MATERIALIZE THE MAKAKILO DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT.

This Senate Resolution urges the City and County of Honolulu to prioritize and complete the Makakilo Drive Extension Project to address traffic congestion in the Makakilo and Kapolei areas. The bill requests that city officials finalize planning, identify funding, and establish a timeline for construction, while also submitting a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027. It is based on a 2009 environmental study that found the extension would not significantly harm local resources and reflects long-standing community advocacy for improved regional connectivity. The resolution does not mandate funding or construction but serves as a formal request to the city to move the project forward.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 89: ENDORSING WAIKIKI AS A WORLD SURFING RESERVE.

This Senate Resolution formally endorses Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve, recognizing the area's historical significance to Native Hawaiian surf culture and its status as a globally renowned surf destination. The resolution highlights Waikiki's unique combination of rich surfing heritage, environmental importance, and economic value as a major tourist attraction. It acknowledges existing local management structures and the need to protect the area from climate change impacts while supporting ongoing conservation efforts. The resolution is non-binding and serves to transmit formal recognition to state and local officials, including the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 187: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK IN THE OFFICE OF FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS THAT IMPROVES RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR MONITORING ALL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE PROJECTS.

This Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to create a system that assigns responsibility for monitoring school construction and repair projects to local school leaders in each complex area. Under this proposal, local Complex Area Superintendents and their staff would oversee project progress from planning through completion, while the state Office of Facilities and Operations would keep overall management authority and provide statewide oversight. The resolution requires local leaders to submit quarterly reports on project status, budget, and any delays to the state office, which would then review the reports and offer technical assistance. The Department of Education must also develop clear procedures defining roles and responsibilities for all parties and report back to the Legislature by early 2027 with details on the new framework.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 99: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO STUDENTS ON HOW TO PREREGISTER TO VOTE BEFORE REACHING VOTING AGE.

This Senate Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education to inform students aged sixteen and older about how to preregister to vote before they turn eighteen. The bill directs schools to provide specific guidance on voter eligibility, registration procedures, and opportunities to volunteer at voter service centers, while also making paper application forms and accessibility resources available. Additionally, it designates the last two weeks of September each year as a dedicated period for high schools to hold voter registration and preregistration events with election officials present. This measure aims to increase civic engagement among youth by making voting information more accessible within the school system.

Topics ✓ Education