Technology

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 41: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO CONVENE A YOUTH DIGITAL SAFETY AND PLATFORM ACCOUNTABILITY WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE TECHNOLOGY-FACILITATED ABUSE IN THE STATE AND DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULATORY SAFEGUARDS.

This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of the Attorney General to create a working group focused on technology-facilitated abuse affecting youth and young adults. The group will include representatives from state agencies, domestic violence organizations, and youth commissions to study issues like digital stalking, spyware, and nonconsensual image sharing. The working group will assess current laws, evaluate platform safety practices, and review solutions from other states before submitting recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not create new laws but establishes a committee to study the problem and propose future policy changes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates working group to examine technology-facilitated abuse and develop regulatory safeguards for youth digital safety, protecting vulnerable populations from harmful tech practices.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Online Safety Social Media

Track

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 164: PRIORITIZING EFFORTS TO PROTECT HAWAII'S CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FROM FOREIGN INFLUENCE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages Hawaii state agencies to prioritize the security and resilience of critical infrastructure systems such as communications, energy, water, and food supply. It directs agencies to reduce dependence on imported goods and minimize exposure to foreign influence, supply disruptions, and cybersecurity risks. The resolution requests that all state plans and decisions consider infrastructure security and resilience, particularly given Hawaii's geographic isolation and reliance on global supply chains. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal expression of legislative intent to guide state agency priorities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill prioritizes energy infrastructure security and resilience, reducing dependence on imported goods and minimizing supply disruptions, which strengthens energy infrastructure protection.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity and protects critical infrastructure from foreign influence, directly supporting technology security and resilience.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

Track

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

Track

passed both · Hawaii · House May 8, 2026

HCR 33: ENCOURAGING HAWAIʻI COUNTY, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE PUAKŌ COMMUNITY, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI AT HILO, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS, TO COMPLETE THE PUAKŌ SEWAGE PROJECT.

This bill encourages Hawaii County to work with the Puako community, the Department of Health, and other partners to finish the Puako Sewage Project, which aims to replace aging cesspools with modern wastewater systems. The project combines advanced wastewater collection technology with fiber optic internet infrastructure to address both environmental pollution and the digital divide in rural areas. By using a public-private partnership model, the initiative seeks to create a replicable solution that can help other communities across Hawaii tackle similar sewage challenges while restoring local coral reefs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directly addresses environmental pollution by replacing aging cesspools with modern wastewater systems to protect Puako Reef and reduce sewage contamination.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly integrates fiber optic internet infrastructure into sewage project to address digital divide, advancing technology access in rural areas85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 44: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CO-DEVELOP A SIXTH TO TWELFTH GRADE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY AND USAGE CURRICULUM WITH TEACHERS.

This bill urges Hawaii's Department of Education to work with teachers to create an artificial intelligence literacy curriculum for students in grades six through twelve. The resolution recommends that the curriculum be developed using peer-reviewed research, global AI literacy frameworks, and existing Hawaii-based programs, with a focus on ethical AI use, equitable access for all students, and regular assessments of student progress. It also requests that the curriculum be updated regularly to keep pace with evolving technology and social norms. As a concurrent resolution, this measure does not change law directly but serves as a formal recommendation to state education officials.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes AI literacy curriculum for K-12 students, enhancing educational content and preparing students for modern technology while involving teachers in development.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes AI literacy curriculum for students, enhancing digital skills and ethical AI use, which strengthens technology education and digital equity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Artificial Intelligence

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 33: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY CURRICULA PLANS AND PROGRAMS FOR USE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create artificial intelligence literacy curricula and programs for public schools. The bill aims to address the growing use of AI tools by students while ensuring they receive formal instruction on how to use these technologies responsibly and effectively. Key provisions include defining AI concepts, teaching ethical considerations, and incorporating local context related to Hawaii's history and culture. The Department of Education must submit the developed curriculum plans to the Legislature at least twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session begins.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates development of AI literacy curricula to enhance student education and prepare them for modern technology use95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes AI literacy education in public schools, advancing technology understanding and responsible use among students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Artificial Intelligence

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 135: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO RECOGNIZE ROBOTICS AS AN INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT AND DEDICATE FUNDING TO SUPPORT ROBOTICS PROGRAMS ACROSS THE STATE.

This bill is a House Resolution that urges the Hawaii Department of Education to officially recognize robotics as an interscholastic sport and to allocate state funding to support robotics programs across the state. The resolution highlights that robotics programs currently face challenges due to insufficient resources, a lack of mentors, and inconsistent funding, which has led to the decline of several teams. It calls on the Department of Education to conduct an assessment to determine the appropriate level of fiscal support needed to maintain these programs and directs copies of the resolution to key education officials. The measure does not create new funding but requests the department to evaluate and potentially dedicate existing resources to sustain robotics education initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly requests state funding allocation for robotics programs, directly supporting budget allocation for educational initiatives.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill urges DOE to recognize robotics as a sport and allocate funding to support robotics programs, directly expanding educational access and enhancing student programs.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly advocates for funding and recognition of robotics programs, directly supporting technology education and development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Testing & Assessment

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 170: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO EXPLORE AND PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES TO COLOCATE COMMUNITY-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATING PROJECTS WITH AGRICULTURAL RESERVOIRS AND IRRIGATION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

This House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore placing renewable energy systems on existing agricultural reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure. The bill specifically encourages studying floating solar panels and gravity-powered water turbines that can generate electricity without disrupting water delivery or requiring new dams. It aims to help Hawaii meet its clean energy goals while providing benefits like reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and local economic opportunities for farmers and communities. The resolution directs the department to collaborate with stakeholders and conduct feasibility studies for pilot projects that prioritize community-based ownership and benefits.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes renewable energy by encouraging placement of solar panels and water turbines on agricultural reservoirs to help Hawaii meet clean energy goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes renewable energy generation through floating solar and water turbines, reducing emissions and supporting clean energy goals while conserving water resources.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes renewable energy technology (floating solar panels, water turbines) to advance clean energy goals, though primarily focused on agriculture infrastructure rather than digital technology.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Solar Water Quality

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 88: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO ESTABLISH A COORDINATED DATA ENTRY SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION AND COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND PROSECUTORS TO TRACK THE STATUS OF DETAINEES INCARCERATED IN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to create a shared data system that allows county police departments and prosecutors to track the status of detainees held in state correctional facilities. The bill aims to address current inconsistencies in how different agencies record and report information about detainees, which can hinder effective oversight and access to rehabilitative programs. If implemented, the system would require DCR to report on its progress, estimated costs, and the number of participating agencies to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution serves as a formal request rather than a law, directing the department to study the feasibility of establishing the coordinated data entry system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances oversight and data transparency in corrections, improving accountability and access to rehabilitative programs for incarcerated individuals.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill proposes establishing a coordinated data entry system to improve information sharing and tracking between agencies, advancing technological infrastructure for corrections and law enforcement.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Probation & Parole

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 165: REQUESTING THE HAWAIʻI CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION TO EXAMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF EXISTING STATE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS TO ALGORITHMIC AND AUTOMATED DECISION SYSTEMS.

This Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws cover decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The Commission would examine if existing rules can properly handle complaints about bias in areas like hiring, housing, and credit checks, and identify any legal or practical challenges in enforcing protections against algorithmic discrimination. The study will also consider whether new guidance or complaint processes are needed to help people understand their rights when facing automated decision-making. The Commission must submit its findings and any recommended laws to the state legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill seeks to strengthen anti-discrimination protections in housing by examining how AI systems might violate existing laws, thereby preventing algorithmic bias in housing decisions.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill seeks to expand anti-discrimination protections to cover algorithmic decision-making in hiring, protecting workers' rights against bias in employment processes.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill seeks to protect civil rights in algorithmic decision-making, ensuring AI systems don't discriminate against protected groups in hiring, housing, and credit.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

Track