Beginning 7/1/27, increases the number of required accessible and van-accessible parking spaces in parking facilities with more than twenty-five parking spaces that are covered by title II or III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, with an exception for qualifying public entities managing large parking inventories that are otherwise compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
HB 1986 requires the state Department of Transportation to create rules by January 1, 2028, establishing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels used in vehicles. The bill mandates regular reporting to the legislature and public informational sessions about the standard's implementation. It directly affects alternative fuel providers and the Department of Transportation, setting new requirements for fuel composition and emissions. The bill is currently pending committee review (deferred until February 2026) and has not yet become law.
HB 1915 makes it illegal to place, drop, or leave dangerous materials (like debris or hazardous substances) on public roads, including highways, streets, and alleys. This directly affects drivers, construction crews, and anyone using public roadways who might accidentally or intentionally leave such materials. The bill’s key provision is a clear prohibition on these actions, aiming to improve road safety by reducing hazards for all travelers. It does not specify penalties or enforcement details in the provided abstract.
Exempts emergency medical services personnel from commercial driver's license requirements. Expands the definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" under the State Traffic Code to replace ambulances with emergency medical services vehicles, and include disaster response and recovery vehicles, Department of Health-approved vehicles, and vehicles designated as emergency vehicles by the State or an emergency management agency. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Appropriates moneys as a grant-in-aid to the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Information Technology to upgrade the driver's license and motor vehicle application systems, subject to a dollar-for-dollar match. (HD1)
Clarifies that negligent homicide in the first degree shall include situations where a person causes the death of another person while operating a vehicle without a valid license. Establishes that a violation of this provision shall be a class B felony, with escalation to a class A felony when the person has two or more prior convictions for driving without a valid license within five years. Clarifies what constitutes a prior conviction for driving without a valid license. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel distribution in Hawaii to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Provides $1 per gallon, increasing by 2 cents per additional 1 per cent emissions reduction, up to $2 per gallon. Caps total credits at $20,000,000 annually, with carryover provisions. Requires reporting to ensure transparency and compliance. Applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and sunsets on December 31, 2035. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Upgrades the penalties for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while highly intoxicated, including outlining additional requirements for probation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
HB 2086 amends the offense of negligent injury in the first degree to explicitly include injuries caused by drivers operating vehicles while intoxicated. This change directly affects drivers who cause injuries due to alcohol impairment, expanding the legal definition of the offense. The key provision updates the existing statute to specifically name intoxication as a factor in negligent injury cases. The bill is currently pending introduction as of January 23, 2026.
HB 2347 requires the state transportation agency to create rules enabling mobile vehicle safety inspections, meaning inspectors could conduct checks at locations like homes or businesses instead of requiring drivers to visit fixed inspection stations. This directly affects vehicle owners who currently need to schedule in-person inspections for safety compliance. The bill’s key provision is mandating the agency to adopt these mobile inspection rules, aiming to increase convenience and accessibility for drivers.
