Technology

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1326: Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1642 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 224).

This bill prohibits the operation of cryptocurrency kiosks in Hawaii that accept cash from customers in exchange for digital assets, effective October 1, 2026. The legislation aims to protect residents from financial scams by banning machines that allow users to insert physical currency to purchase digital financial assets. While the law still permits these kiosks to function if they accept digital assets to buy other digital assets or to dispense cash, it specifically targets the cash-to-crypto transaction model. The measure applies to anyone who owns, operates, or manages such kiosks within the state.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts cryptocurrency kiosks by banning cash-to-crypto transactions, limiting access to digital assets and reducing technological adoption.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 143: URGING THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO CEASE PLANS RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAUI OPTICAL AND SUPERCOMPUTING SITE SMALL TELESCOPE ADVANCED RESEARCH FACILITY ATOP HALEAKALĀ.

This Senate resolution urges the U.S. Air Force to stop plans for building the AMOS STAR facility, a proposed telescope and research site on the summit of Haleakalā in Maui. The bill directly affects the Air Force and federal agencies managing the project, while also reflecting the concerns of local Native Hawaiian communities and environmental groups. It highlights that the summit is a sacred cultural site and argues that the cumulative development there has already altered the natural and cultural landscape. The resolution calls for the Air Force to halt the project, which would occupy nearly an acre of land and include up to seven telescopes, and suggests that alternative locations exist for space surveillance needs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill opposes construction on sacred ecological site, protecting natural resources and cultural environment from development85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill seeks to stop construction of a supercomputing and telescope facility, limiting advanced technology development at this site85% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 684: RELATING TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

SB 684 requires the State Board of Education to create specific administrative rules banning cell phone use in all Department of Education schools during school hours. This policy would directly affect students and staff by restricting personal phone usage while at school. The bill mandates that the Board develop and implement enforceable rules, rather than setting a direct ban. It does not specify penalties or exceptions but directs the Board to establish the administrative framework for implementation.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts cell phone use in schools, directly limiting personal technology access during educational hours, aligning with 'oppose' stance for technology access policies.95% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1343: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBans student phone use during school hours, restricting device access as a school policy.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly bans student phone/device use in schools, restricting technology access during educational hours.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 17, 2026

HB 2025: RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Prohibits digital navigation applications from providing an alert, indication, or other type of notice to users of the presence of law enforcement personnel or a law enforcement operation at any specific location.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts digital navigation apps from providing law enforcement location alerts, limiting a feature related to user privacy and digital rights as per topic definition.85% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2466: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the department of education to prohibit electronic telecommunication device usage during the instructional day and implement a social media and artificial intelligence literacy education campaign. Creates exemptions for students requiring accommodations, emergency situations, and teacher authorizations. Requires the department of education to submit a report three years after the initial effective date, and then every five years thereafter.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates AI/social media literacy education campaign, advancing digital skills curriculum for students while restricting device use to enhance instructional focus.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits electronic device usage during instruction, restricting tech access in schools despite AI literacy education component.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Artificial Intelligence Social Media

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2839: RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Prohibits digital navigation applications from providing an alert, indication, or other type of notice to users of the presence of law enforcement personnel or a law enforcement operation at any specific location.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits navigation apps from alerting users about law enforcement presence, restricting app functionality related to location data sharing.95% confidence

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signed · Hawaii · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 1642: RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Beginning 10/1/2026, prohibits the ownership, operation, or management of a digital financial asset transaction kiosk that accepts United States currency from a customer in exchange for a digital financial asset. (CD1)

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits digital asset kiosks, restricting a specific technology use in financial transactions per bill's explicit restriction on digital financial asset exchange kiosks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2003: RELATING TO DIGITAL FINANCIAL ASSET TRANSACTION KIOSKS.

Establishes limits on transactions through digital financial asset transaction kiosks. Requires operators of digital financial asset transaction kiosks to use blockchain analytics and tracing software to prevent fraud; make certain disclosures; provide receipts to customers; provide full refunds under certain circumstances; and provide live customer service and a dedicated communications line for the Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection, Department of Law Enforcement, and county police departments.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill imposes transaction limits, mandatory fraud prevention software, and operator disclosures on digital kiosks, restricting their operations rather than advancing technology.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1544: RELATING TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES IN SCHOOLS.

Requires each public school to implement a policy to prohibit students from using cellular phones and other wireless communication devices during school hours, subject to exceptions for education, health, and emergencies.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits wireless device use in schools, restricting technology access during educational hours. Directly limits technology use as per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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