Budget & Taxes

signed · Hawaii · House May 29, 2026

HB 649: RELATING TO SMALL BOAT HARBORS.

This bill updates rules for fees and permits related to state small boat harbors, affecting harbor operators and users. It revises existing provisions to clarify how charges are assessed and what documentation is required for permits. The changes take effect on July 1, 2030, and aim to streamline administrative processes for small boat harbor management. The legislation does not alter the fundamental structure of harbor operations but focuses on updating fee schedules and permit requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases commercial vessel moorage fees (tax) and appropriates revenue for harbor improvements, directly funding a program through dedicated tax revenue.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

passed · Hawaii · House May 27, 2026

HB 2415: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

HB 2415 appropriates state funds to the Department of Transportation for installing pedestrian safety improvements (like crosswalks or signage) at locations directly adjacent to school properties. It also directs the department to consider implementing similar safety measures at other high-risk sites beyond school areas. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to use these allocated funds for specific traffic safety projects, effective July 1, 3000. This policy change directly affects school communities and pedestrians near schools by directing state resources toward physical safety infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates state funds for DOT traffic safety projects, directly allocating budget resources to a public safety program.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill funds traffic safety improvements (crosswalks, signage) at school properties to enhance student safety and access, directly supporting school infrastructure and educational access per Safe Routes to School initiative.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill appropriates state funds for DOT to install pedestrian safety infrastructure (crosswalks/signage) at schools/high-risk sites, directly funding transportation safety projects to enhance infrastructure.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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passed · Hawaii · House May 27, 2026

HB 2436: RELATING TO ARTS INTEGRATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Establishes within the Department of Education arts integration coordinator or specialist positions to support fine arts education and arts integration in public schools statewide. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for arts integration coordinator positions in public schools, directly increasing state budget allocation for education programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates DOE arts integration positions and appropriates funds for fine arts education, directly advancing curriculum and program support in public schools.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 27, 2026

HB 2438: RELATING TO THE HAWAII CULTURAL TRUST.

HB 2438 establishes the Hawaii Cultural Trust within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to support cultural preservation. It creates an income tax credit for individuals and businesses donating to the Trust or qualified Hawaii cultural organizations, subject to specific conditions. The bill also introduces a special vehicle license plate with proceeds funding the Trust, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. These provisions directly affect donors and cultural organizations by providing new tax incentives and dedicated funding streams.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates income tax credit for donations to cultural trust, providing tax relief to fund preservation programs.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 27, 2026

HB 2437: RELATING TO ARTS EDUCATION.

HB 2437 allocates state funds to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to support its "Artists in the Schools" program. This program directly brings professional artists into public schools to provide hands-on arts education. The bill provides concrete funding for the program's operations, including artist stipends and materials. It affects participating public schools and their students by expanding access to in-person arts instruction.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funds for arts education program, increasing public service funding under budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates state funds to expand in-person arts education access via Artists in the Schools program, directly funding artist stipends and materials for public schools.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 1972: RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates family caregiver tax credit (tax relief) and appropriates funds, aligning with support indicators for middle-income tax relief and fiscal responsibility.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFamily caregiver tax credit reduces financial burden on unpaid caregivers, improving access to in-home healthcare support for patients.75% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 2606: RELATING TO OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION.

Implements certain recommendations of the SPEED Task Force. Establishes a working group within the State Building Code Council to develop proposals for an off-site construction program. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2055. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates funds for a working group to develop off-site construction proposals, directly allocating state budget resources for program development.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 2546: RELATING TO TAX CREDIT FOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.

Amends the tax credit for research activities by: allowing qualifying taxpayers to claim the credit for all qualified research expenses without regard to the amount of expenses for previous years; amending from March 31 to March 1 the deadline for qualified high technology businesses to submit to the Department of Business, Economic development, and Tourism written, certified statements identifying qualified expenditures and the tax amount of tax credits claimed in the previous taxable year; for any taxable year the annual aggregate cap is reached, requiring the credit to be divided between all qualified high technology businesses in proportion to the amount of qualified research expenses claimed; and requiring DBEDT to establish an annual application period and notify each qualified high technology business applicant of the credit amount certified. Applies to costs incurred beginning after 12/31/2025. Repeals the credit on 1/1/2029. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax credit cap for research activities, providing tax relief to businesses and promoting innovation through expanded fiscal incentives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 939: RELATING TO ALCOHOL.

Defines "low alcohol by volume spirits beverage". Establishes a tax on low alcohol by volume spirits beverages at a rate of $0.93 per wine gallon. Increases small craft producer production limits. Sunsets 12/31/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes new $0.93 tax on low ABV spirits, generating state revenue under liquor tax law.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1002: RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review of proposed state projects and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants under certain circumstances. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to publish a draft of its proposed rules and later present its proposed final rules to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 7/1/2032. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for third-party consultant reviews under affordable housing program, directly funding a state program per budget topic.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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