This bill changes the deadline for Hawaii's Department of Education to submit its annual computer science report from June 30 to October 31. This adjustment allows the department to include fourth-quarter data from the previous school year, resulting in a more comprehensive report. The report must still detail computer science courses, student enrollment broken down by factors like gender and race, and instructor information. The bill was signed into law by Governor Green on May 19, 2025.
This bill (HB1162) requires anyone applying for a motorcycle instruction permit in Hawaii to first complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the Department of Transportation. It directly affects individuals seeking to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, changing the eligibility requirements under state law. The key provision amends Hawaii Revised Statutes to mandate successful course completion before permit issuance, replacing previous requirements. This change became effective when Governor Green signed the bill into law on May 19, 2025.
This bill establishes the Hawaii Pet Insurance Act, requiring pet insurers to clearly disclose specific policy exclusions and coverage limitations to consumers. It defines key terms like "preexisting condition," "chronic condition," and "hereditary disorder" to standardize how insurers describe restrictions. Insurers must explicitly state whether coverage excludes chronic conditions, congenital anomalies, hereditary disorders, or preexisting conditions, and must also disclose waiting periods, deductibles, and other coverage limits. The law applies to all pet insurance policies sold to Hawaii residents or offered within the state.
This bill (HB984) modifies Hawaii's agricultural loan program to better support farmers and ranchers. It lowers and fixes interest rates (capping at 4% or below prime rate), increases loan limits, and reduces the required credit denials from two to one (except for new farmer loans under $100,000). The bill also establishes a secured line of credit program, creates new loan initiatives for large-scale "import replacement crops" (crops grown to replace imported goods), and adds food hubs as eligible for class E loans. These changes directly affect Hawaii agricultural producers seeking capital for operations, infrastructure, and expanding sustainable farming.
This bill clarifies the Hawaii Department of Health's legal authority to prevent and address nuisances threatening public or environmental health. It amends state law to explicitly include environmental health in the definition of nuisances and specifies examples like methamphetamine manufacturing materials, clandestine drug labs, and odors/filth from feeding feral birds. The Department of Health can now examine and act on these conditions - such as foul odors, mosquito-breeding water, or sources of filth - to protect community health. The law took effect upon the Governor's approval on May 19, 2025.
This bill (SB1343) amends Hawaii's law governing the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. It changes the board's operational rules by requiring at least five members to be present (a quorum) and to approve decisions, instead of needing a majority of all appointed members. The change directly affects the board's ability to function, ensuring a minimum participation level for valid actions. This is a procedural update to streamline board operations without altering the board's regulatory responsibilities. The bill was signed into law by Governor Green on May 19, 2025.
This bill designates the 'dpae 'ula (red shrimp), a native species found in Hawaii's anchialine pools, as the official state shrimp. The 'dpae 'ula serves as an indicator of the health of these culturally significant ecosystems, which are home to over 650 pools across the state, primarily in Kona and Ka‘u. The designation aims to raise public awareness and support conservation efforts for anchialine pools without impacting traditional harvesting practices for 'dpelu fishing. The law amends Hawaii Revised Statutes to formally establish this designation, effective July 1, 2025.
This document (GM 1176) is a notification from Governor Green confirming that HB 341 (Act 076) was signed into law on May 19, 2025. The actual bill (HB 341) authorizes the issuance of up to $80 million in special purpose revenue bonds to fund specific healthcare facility projects for Hawaii Island Community Health Center, a nonprofit serving residents of Hawaii Island. The funds will finance building or improving medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy facilities in Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Pahoa, and Naalehu. This directly affects the health center and the communities it serves by expanding access to primary care services. The bonds must be issued by the Department of Budget and Finance under Hawaii Revised Statutes, with the authorization expiring June 30, 2030.
This document (GM 1164) is not a bill but a governor's message informing the legislature that Governor Green signed **HB413** (Act 064) into law on May 16, 2025. HB413 clarifies administrative oversight for restrictions on lobbyist contributions established in Act 128 (2023). It specifies that the campaign spending commission oversees elected officials, candidates, and committees, while the ethics board oversees lobbyists. The bill also defines "session" as when both legislative houses are in session and extends contribution bans to five days before and after sessions, with prohibited contributions escheating to the election fund. It directly affects lobbyists, elected officials, candidates, and campaign committees.
This bill amends Hawaii Revised Statutes to require domestic mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations, and dental insurers to submit quarterly net solvency reports to the commissioner. Each organization must submit a verified report by the 45th day after each quarter's end (with the fourth quarter due by March 1), maintain a current copy at their primary business location, and face penalties of $100-$500 per day for failing to comply. The law, effective October 1, 2025, updates reporting deadlines and penalties under sections 432:1-407, 432D-8, and 432G-6. It directly affects these three types of insurance-related entities operating in Hawaii.
This bill prohibits the discharge of raw sewage and wastewater into Hawaii's state waters after December 31, 2026, directly affecting wastewater treatment facilities and public entities that discharge such water. It includes exceptions for facilities using sewage to produce clean energy under existing law (section 196-10.5) or operating under current compliance with state regulations. The law also clarifies that it does not restrict the use of reclaimed water for beneficial purposes or allow violations of federal wastewater standards. The bill took effect upon the governor's approval on May 16, 2025.
This bill (HB951, signed into law May 16, 2025) amends Hawaii law to allow telehealth prescriptions for short-term opiate pain management. Specifically, it permits physicians within the same medical group to prescribe a three-day supply of opiates via telehealth to patients who have had a prior in-person visit with a provider in that group. The law maintains existing restrictions, prohibiting prescriptions based solely on online questionnaires and requiring an in-person consultation for ongoing care. It directly affects patients seeking acute pain management and healthcare providers in Hawaii's medical groups.
