#Hawaii State Legislature
A bill that would create a framework for a pre-built home industry in Hawaiʻi advances
A bill that would establish a statewide program for pre-built homes, which aims to help with Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis, on Monday passed unanimously out of the House Finance committee.
Hawaiʻi officials worry bills to help property owners with coastal erosion could put public beaches at risk
A proposal in the State Legislature calls for lifting the current ban on private shoreline hardening to allow minimal use to help property owners.
Senate hearing examines federal climate rollbacks and Hawaiʻi response
Hawaiʻi lawmakers heard stark warnings Monday about the risks posed by federal funding cuts and policy rollbacks to the state’s clean energy and climate initiatives.
Bill advances modernization of the Hawaiʻi’s unemployment insurance system
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has passed House Bill 477, advancing efforts to modernize the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) system. The bill aims to streamline interactions for both claimants and employers, while laying the groundwork for long-overdue improvements to the system.
Senate committee advances key bills on housing, agriculture, businesses and energy
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means, led by State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, passed several key bills this week aimed at tackling housing shortages, supporting local businesses, and advancing sustainability in Hawai‘i.
Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Kūpuna Caucus presents bill package
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Kūpuna Caucus convened by state Sen. Sharon Moriwaki and Rep. Cory M. Chun shared their 2025 legislative package, a set of bills focused on enhancing the quality of life for seniors across the state.
Senate Judiciary Committee passes wealth asset tax bill for assets above $20M
The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committee on Judiciary passed Senate Bill 313 in a hearing Thursday morning, which would implement a wealth asset tax for assets valued over $20 million.
Bill in Hawaiʻi Legislature would speed up rebuilding of affordable housing complexes destroyed in Lahaina fire
Measure specifically targets four affordable housing projects that offered 358 units before the fire.
Native Hawaiian legislators invited to the White House
Three Hawaiʻi state legislators and a member of the Honolulu City Council are in Washington D.C. today sharing their insights about matters facing Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders at the White House. Senators Dru Mamo Kanuha and Jarrett Keohokalole, Representative Darius K. Kila, and Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Esther Kiaʻāina have all been invited to the White House to attend the inaugural White House Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (NHPI) Convening.
Gov. Green highlights some of 253 bills signed into law
Gov. Josh Green held a news conference Wednesday at the state Capitol to detail some of the 253 bills he signed out of 260 bills passed during the 2024 legislative session.
Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group holds inaugural meeting
The Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group comprised of experts in native Hawaiian law, indigenous intellectual property, and cultural practitioners held its first meeting at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on Monday.
Legislature passes Silver Alert bill to protect vulnerable community members
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 2305 SD2 HD2 CD1 to establish a Silver Alert Program to help locate and safeguard missing persons who are particularly vulnerable, including community members who are elderly or are cognitively impaired or developmentally disabled.
State Senate approves comprehensive public funding for ‘clean elections’ by 2028
The Hawaiʻi State Senate unanimously approved SB2381 SD2, which would establish a comprehensive system of public financing for candidates seeking election to state and county public offices, beginning with the 2028 general election year.
The bill asserts that publicly funding the campaigns of candidates for state and county offices would increase public confidence in the State’s candidates and elected officials.
UH faculty vote “more support for research” as top priority for next UH president
An electronic poll taken this month by the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly showed that University of Hawaii faculty believe more support for research to maintain R1 institution status should be the top priority for the next president.
Lahaina wildfire recovery could impact legislative funding allocations in other areas
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature announced that the Grants-In-Aid process for the 2024 Legislative Session is now open, and interested parties are asked to submit their applications to the Legislature by the Jan. 19, 2024 deadline.
Hawaiʻi House Finance Committee visits Maui to see projects, programs; learn community needs
Members of the Hawaiʻi House Finance Committee, led by Chair Kyle T. Yamashita, visited Maui to view firsthand several projects and programs supported by the State Legislature, and tour state-owned properties in Lahaina and around the island.
Sen. Schatz: Indigenous Peoples’ Day should become federal holiday
US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, said in a statement issued today that Indigenous Peoples’ Day should be designated as a federal public holiday.
Hawaiʻi Energy launches state’s electric vehicle charging station incentive program
Hawai’i Energy can award a total of $592,000 in rebates for eligible installation projects of electric vehicle charging stations completed between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands soliciting legislative action requests from beneficiaries
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is soliciting beneficiary-proposed legislative action requests for consideration in its 2023 Legislative Package.
Gov. Ige unveils veto list; including renewable energy bill that could jeopardize Lānaʻi project
Hawai’i Gov. David Ige notified lawmakers and the public today of his intent to veto 30 of the 343 bills passed by the 2022 State Legislature, including a renewable energy bill that could jeopardize a solar-to-battery storage system project for Lānaʻi.
