#senate
Kamaʻāina housing bill dies in Senate amid statewide affordable housing crisis
A bill aimed at boosting local homeownership and affordable rentals through state-funded county acquisitions of voluntary deed restrictions has stalled in the Senate Housing Committee and will not advance this legislative session, which ends Friday. However, during its regular meeting Friday, the Maui County Council will consider its own legislation to use voluntary deed restrictions […]
$800 million Maui wildfire settlement closes in on final approval at Legislature
House and Senate conference committees are recommending final passage of House Bill 1001, which provides more than $800 million in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for deposit into the Maui wildfires settlement fund for a “timely and compassionate resolution” for fire survivors. The bill commits the state to spending $400 million in fiscal 2026 and […]
Vegetation removal bill cut back after concerns raised about letting utilities off the hook
Two state House committees have decided to defer action on a Senate bill that would, among other things, require private and public property owners to trim grass within certain proximities of public rights of way and utility lines.
Legislation would redefine what’s a ‘historic’ building in Hawaiʻi
A bill that would change rules for assessing “historic” buildings in Hawaiʻi has crossed over from the Senate and is being considered by the state House of Representatives. Senate Bill 15 Senate Draft 1 would amend the definition of “historic property” by requiring that a property meets the criteria for inclusion in the Hawai‘i Register […]
House majority bills cross over to Senate
The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives has approved all seven bills in the House Majority Package on third reading ahead of the first crossover deadline on Thursday. The bills move on to the Senate for further consideration.
Marijuana legalization bill alive in Senate
Two Senate committees voted Thursday to recommend passage of a bill to legalize adult personal use of cannabis Hawaiʻi and establish taxes on its retail sale and medical use.
Senate bill advances to strip county council approval of state-funded housing projects
A bill to exempt state-financed housing developments from county council approval has passed second reading on the Hawaiʻi Senate floor and advanced to the Ways and Means Committee.
Fireworks task force bill passes out of committee; now headed for final reading
The Hawaiʻi Senate Ways and Means Committee passed Senate Bill 222, which would fund an illegal fireworks task force. Although the amount of funding is not specified, the measure is now headed for third reading on the Senate floor before crossing over to the House of Representatives.
Wildfire protection bill advances in Senate; House defers decision-making until Wednesday
The Senate Committees on Labor & Technology and Public Safety & Military Affairs unanimously passed Senate Bill 1383 on Monday at the State Capitol. The bill would prevent wildfires by adopting an extensive revamping of Hawaiʻi’s fire prevention laws, as proposed by Gov. Josh Green’s administration.
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.
New rental vehicle surcharge would fund revenue bonds for north end of Lahaina Bypass
A revenue bond with repayment funded by a rental car surcharge is being proposed as a source of funding for building the northern portion of the Lahaina Bypass.
Bills introduced to establish Maui Wildfires Settlement Trust Fund
Companion bills in the state House and Senate have been submitted to establish the Maui Wildfires Settlement Trust Fund to pay claims from about 2,200 plaintiffs who’ve filed claims from injuries suffered in the August 2023 disaster.
Ways and Means Passes Senate Budget Bill
HB 1900 HD1 SD1 highlights include funding to increase the state’s affordable housing inventory, early childhood education, and natural resource preservation.
Senate Passes 208 Bills Ahead of Crossover Deadline
The Hawaiʻi state Senate passed a total of 208 bills on third reading, ahead of the Second Crossover deadline of April 13.
Senate Pass Hundreds of Bills on Third Reading
Among the bills that passed over include a measure that prohibits electronic cigarettes for anyone under 18 years of age, and a bill that creates a trust fund from public and private funding for Hawaiʻi’s elderly population.
HAWAII MARKS OPENING DAY OF 25TH LEGISLATURE
Today is opening day of the 25th Hawaii Legislative Session. Ceremonies get underway at 10 a.m. in the House and Senate chambers. Rep. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, who was appointed by the Governor after the passing of Maui Rep. Bob Nakasone, has been added to the directories, and Rep. Pono Chong has been named Housing (HSG) […]