Senate Public Safety Committee pushes forward public protection bills

Sen. Brandon J.C. Elefante (District 16 – ʻAiea, ʻAiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City), chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM), announced several significant bills that passed the committee this session. 

“These bills address some of the most urgent challenges we’re facing right now in our state,” said Elefante. “We’ve made real progress by passing key legislation on public health, safety in correctional facilities, funding for law enforcement, cracking down on illegal fireworks, improving fire prevention, and supporting our Department of Defense.” 

Key measures advanced by the PSM Committee include: 

• SB 222 extends funding of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and the annual reporting requirements to the Legislature from 2025 to 2030. 
• SB 88 – expands medical, dental, and vision coverage to more Hawai‘i National Guard members to better support their health and readiness. 
• Act 26 – updates state law so the leader of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard can hold the federally authorized rank of Major General, and ensures fair pay aligned with US Air Force standards. 
• SB 1377 – improves the way veterans’ cemeteries are managed and maintained, ensuring proper care and oversight. 
• SB 224 – requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilition to assist individuals exiting correctional facilities with obtaining proper identification to aid in successful reintegration into the community. 
• SB 104 – starting July 1, 2026, limits the use of solitary confinement in prisons, creates a working group to improve how it’s used – especially for vulnerable people – and requires regular oversight, reporting, and policy changes to ensure more humane treatment for inmates. 
• SB 223 – supports fire prevention initiatives and enhances coordination between agencies to reduce fire risks across the state. 
• SB 601 – updates the rules around warrantless searches to balance law enforcement needs with protecting people’s rights. 

“No one wants to return to a ransacked house and be confused about what transpired,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai (District 15 – Kalihi, Māpunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, and portions of ʻAiea and Pearl City), PSM Committee vice-chair, regarding SB 601. “This bill provides a measure of accountability for law enforcement, while giving property owners information on why their home was turned upside down.” 

• HB 1064 – establishes a permanent State Fire Marshal to lead fire safety efforts and coordinate enforcement across the islands. 
• HB 1002 – extends the operational timeline of the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission to continue promoting transparency and accountability in correctional facilities. 

These legislative efforts highlight the Legislature’s broader mission to ensure that Hawaiʻi’s public safety systems are effective, equitable, and prepared to meet evolving challenges.