Hawaii Legislative Events

State Health Planning and Development Agency Amendment

Hawaii HB2319 amends Chapter 323D HRS to modify the functions and responsibilities of the State Health Planning and Development Agency. The bill adds a definition of "health care," increases the bed change exemption threshold to 30% of existing licensed bed types, and exempts the Department of Health from certificate of need requirements.

Hawaii HB2297 Updates Adult Education Framework

Hawaii passed HB2297 on March 10, 2026, updating the state's statutory framework for adult and community education programs. The bill, sponsored by Representative Nadine Nakamura, aligns state programs with federal funding requirements and incorporates current best practices. The legislation becomes effective July 31, 2055.

Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Transient Accommodations

Hawaii HB1960 was passed by the House on March 10, 2026, requiring the Department of the Attorney General to develop a Human Trafficking Awareness Training Program for workers in the transient accommodations sector. Transient accommodations employers and third-party contractors must provide periodic training to employees, maintain training records, post signage, and implement human trafficking prevention policies with reporting procedures. Penalties are established for non-compliance.

Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program Codification

The Hawaii House of Representatives passed HB1574, formally codifying the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program into state law. The bill requires participants who receive new awards on or after July 1, 2027, to remain and work in Hawaii for a specified number of years based on the amount of financial assistance received. The measure passed the House with 48 aye votes and no opposition, then cleared the Senate committees on EDU, HHS, and WAM before final passage.

Hawaii HB2207 creates biosecurity working group

Hawaii HB2207 creates biosecurity working group

Emergency Appropriations for Collective Bargaining Unit 11

The Hawaii State Legislature passed HB2272, making emergency appropriations for collective bargaining cost items for bargaining unit 11 and their excluded counterparts. The bill funds salary adjustments negotiated between the State and the bargaining unit representative for fiscal biennium 2025-2027. The measure passed the House on March 5, 2026, and transmitted to the Senate.

School Meals Cost Recovery Requirement

Hawaii HB2296 passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee 12-0 on April 6, 2026, advancing through the legislative process. The bill requires the Department of Education to charge no less than one-quarter of meal preparation costs for each school meal served.

Hawaii HB2343 removes Maui Veterans Home assimilation deadline

Hawaii HB2343 removes the June 30, 2027 deadline for assimilating the Maui State Veterans Home into a state agency, replacing it with a requirement to complete assimilation as soon as practicable. The bill passed the Hawaii House and Senate in March 2026.

Hawaii General Obligation Bond Authorization

The Hawaii State Legislature passed HB2452 authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds and making the findings required by Article VII, Section 13 of the Hawaii State Constitution. The bill declares that the issuance of authorized bonds will not cause the state debt limit to be exceeded. The measure passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee with amendments on April 6, 2026.