Hawaii Bill Book

The bill would protect car makers from lawsuits over smart speed devices, while forcing drivers to install and keep them, and adding fines for tampering.

Everyday drivers could lose the ability to sue manufacturers if a speed‑assist system fails, while the state spends money on a single vendor and may charge owners for removal.

Vehicle manufacturers

• Accountability (hurts) — Manufacturers shielded from civil suits. Limits liability for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Reduces right to sue. Limits consumer ability to sue over system failures.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Costs shift to drivers. Allows fees for removal and may require vendor to cover audit costs.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Single vendor selection. State selects one vendor but audit process is not fully detailed.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No clear funding changes. No specific funding provisions identified.

• Official text (HI HB2023)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2023&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB2023https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB2023/2026

The bill would make insurers send 12% of each premium straight to a patient’s primary doctor, even if the doctor sees no one.

Consumers could see higher health costs because insurers may raise premiums to cover the new 12% payment, while doctors get guaranteed money regardless of care provided.

Primary care providers

• Accountability (neutral) — adds direct payment mechanism. primary care funding
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — no change to consumer rights. none
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — cost shift to insurers and consumers. premiums may rise
• Process Transparency (neutral) — negotiation process not detailed. unknown
• Funding Tilt (helps) — directly funds primary care providers. 12% of premiums

• Official text (HI SB1646)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1646&year=2026
• LegiScan — SB1646https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/SB1646/2026

Owners of portable solar panels will have to register them online for free, and the electric company cannot be sued if the device causes damage.

Consumers could save money by using cheap portable solar panels, but they lose the ability to hold utilities responsible for fires or injuries, so the bill favors utilities over everyday people.

Electric utilities

• Accountability (hurts) — Utilities shielded from liability. No electric utility can be sued for damage caused by portable solar devices
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Removes right to sue utilities. Consumers lose the ability to take utilities to court for device‑related injuries
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Cost shift to consumers. If a device causes damage, consumers may have to pay repairs because utilities are not liable
• Process Transparency (helps) — Online registration adds transparency. PUC must maintain a free online system for registering portable solar devices
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding provision stated. Bill does not specify who funds the registration system

• Official text (HI SB2940)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2940&year=2026
• LegiScan — SB2940https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/SB2940/2026

The bill would pause the time limit for collecting taxes while a taxpayer’s appeal is pending, letting the state keep chasing money longer.

Citizens could face tax bills that never expire, paying interest and penalties for years while their case drags on, so they should speak up now.

Government Power

• Accountability (hurts) — Suspending limits makes tax collectors harder to check. Limits on collection are removed while appeals are pending
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Reduces taxpayer protection against endless collection. Taxpayers lose the usual time bar on collection actions
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Costs stay on ordinary people. Extended collection periods mean more interest and penalties for taxpayers
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Bill text is clear about when the pause applies. Specific conditions for suspension are listed
• Funding Tilt (helps) — State may collect more tax revenue. Longer collection windows can increase state receipts

• Official text (HI HB1150)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1150&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB1150https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB1150/2026

Film producers would pay less taxes and fees, and they would have to hire more local workers, which could create jobs but also reduce state tax revenue.

The bill tries to bring more movies and shows to Hawaii. It cuts fees and taxes for producers, which can make filming cheaper. It also forces them to hire at least 80% local crew, which could give more jobs to Hawaiians. But the tax breaks mean the state collects less money, so taxpayers may feel the pinch. The extra credit and fee waivers could boost the local economy if jobs grow, but the cost to the state budget is a risk.

Film production

• Accountability (neutral) — No new oversight mechanisms. The bill adds reporting requirements but does not create new accountability bodies.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No impact on personal rights. The bill does not change individuals' legal rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Tax revenue loss. State foregoes income and excise taxes, shifting cost to taxpayers.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard reporting. Requires CPA certification for large credits, but overall process is typical.
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Tax breaks favor industry. Credits and fee waivers reduce state revenue while benefiting film companies.

• Official text (HI SB732)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=732&year=2026
• LegiScan — SB732https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/SB732/2026

Anyone using a portable solar panel must register it online for free, and they cannot sue the electric company if the panel causes damage.

The bill could help renters and small businesses save on electricity by making cheap solar panels easier to use, but it also protects utilities from being sued if those panels break or cause injury, shifting risk to the user.

Everyday People

• Accountability (hurts) — utility liability removed. Utilities not liable for damage or injury caused by portable solar devices
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — rightRemoved. Consumers cannot sue utilities for device-related harm
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — costShift. Risk of injury shifts to device owner
• Process Transparency (helps) — process. Online registration system at no cost
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — neutral. No fees required for registration

• Official text (HI HB2486)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2486&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB2486https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB2486/2026

This bill would let Hawaii's Department of Transportation speed up environmental reviews for projects, which could affect how quickly roads and transit are built.

If this bill passes, it could help get projects done faster, but we need to make sure it doesn't skip important environmental checks. Now is the time to speak up.

• Accountability (neutral) — Limited accountability for environmental impacts.. The bill streamlines reviews but may reduce thoroughness.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Potentially weakens environmental protections.. Faster reviews could overlook important environmental concerns.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs are unclear.. It's unknown who will bear the costs of faster project completion.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Increased efficiency might improve transparency.. Streamlining could make processes clearer but risks skipping steps.

• Official text (HI HB2334)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2334&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB2334https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB2334/2026

This bill would change how much employers pay for health benefits, affecting workers' coverage.

If this bill passes, it could change how much money goes into health benefits for workers. It's important to pay attention now, as it could impact many people's healthcare.

• Accountability (neutral) — No clear accountability measures for employers.. The bill does not specify how employers will be held accountable for contributions.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No new rights or protections for workers.. The bill does not enhance workers' rights regarding health benefits.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs are shifted to employers without clear benefits for workers.. Employers will have fixed costs, but it's unclear how this affects workers.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Limited transparency in how contributions are determined.. The process for setting contribution rates lacks clarity.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — Funding remains unclear.. The exact funding implications for health benefits are not specified.

• Official text (HI HB848)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=848&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB848https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB848/2026

This bill would give landlords a tax break for renting to residents, which might affect rental prices for everyone.

If this bill passes, landlords could save money on taxes, but it might lead to higher rents for regular people. Now is the time to think about how this could change housing costs.

Big Business

• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Landlords benefit directly from tax savings.. Landlords receive a tax credit which reduces their tax burden.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on tenant rights.. The bill does not change tenant rights or protections.

Pushing for it: landlords
Bearing the cost: Unknown

• Official text (HI HB1214)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1214&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB1214https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB1214/2026

Hawaii would give bigger tax breaks to movie makers, hoping to bring more jobs and spending to the islands.

The bill could help local crews get more work and bring money into the community. It also means less tax revenue for schools or roads. Voters should weigh the trade‑off while the bill is still being debated.

Film production

• Accountability (neutral) — no change. Bill does not alter oversight of film industry.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — no impact. No effect on individual legal rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — taxpayers fund credits. Credits reduce state tax revenue, shifting cost to taxpayers.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — standard process. Bill follows normal legislative steps.
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — shifts money to industry. Tax credits favor film producers over general budget.

Pushing for it: Industry
Bearing the cost: Taxpayers

• Official text (HI HB1498)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1498&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB1498https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB1498/2026

This bill would help patients get treatment by allowing direct payments to providers, making it easier for them to get care.

If this bill passes, it could make getting treatment for substance use disorders much easier for many people. Now is the time to support it.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Increases accountability for insurers. Insurance companies must follow the rules or face legal actions.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Strengthens patient rights. Patients can assign their benefits directly to treatment providers.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs are shifted to insurance companies. Insurers must pay providers directly, reducing patient financial burden.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Improves transparency in payments. Providers will receive explanations of benefits upon request.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No direct funding changes noted. The bill does not introduce new funding sources.

• Official text (HI HB1698)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1698&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB1698https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB1698/2026

This bill would help hotel guests by making sure they know about problems before arriving and allowing them to cancel without fees.

If this bill passes, travelers will be better protected from surprise issues at hotels. They won't lose money if they need to cancel their stay due to disruptions. Now is the time to support this bill to help travelers feel safe and informed.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Hotels are held accountable for notifying guests.. Hotels must inform guests of issues or face penalties.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Guests have the right to cancel without penalties.. Guests can cancel without losing money if there are service problems.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Hotels bear the cost of penalties for violations.. Hotels must pay if they violate the rules.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Clear rules for notifying guests improve transparency.. Hotels must clearly communicate service disruptions.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes noted.. Unknown

• Official text (HI SB2773)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2773&year=2026
• LegiScan — SB2773https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/SB2773/2026

This bill would stop courts from charging fees or fines to kids and their parents for mistakes made when they were young, and it would erase old debts.

This bill is good news for families in Hawaii. It would stop courts from making kids and their parents pay fees and fines for things kids did when they were young. It would also wipe out any old debts from these fees. Right now, these costs often hurt families who cannot afford them and do not even help kids learn from their mistakes. Some might worry about the state losing money from these fines. But the bill itself says that most of these fines are never paid anyway, and they do not help kids get back on track. This bill would help many families avoid financial hardship and give kids a better chance to move forward.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Removes financial penalties for youth and families, shifting focus to other forms of accountability.. Prohibits assessment of fees, fines, or court costs against minors or their parents/guardians, and discharges related debt obligations.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects youth and families from financial burdens related to juvenile offenses.. The bill aims to protect minors and their families from financial hardship, recognizing that current practices disproportionately affect certain groups and are ineffective.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Removes financial costs from youth and families.. Fees and fines would no longer be levied against minors or their families, effectively removing this cost from them.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No direct impact on process transparency is mentioned.. The bill does not address how court processes are made more or less transparent.
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — State would lose potential revenue from fines, though collection rates are low.. The judiciary confirmed that only 17% of fines ordered against minors in the past five years have been paid, suggesting the revenue loss would be minimal but still a tilt against state funding.

Pushing for it: Youth and their families
Bearing the cost: State of Hawaii

• Official text (HI HB129)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=129&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB129https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB129/2026

This bill would stop landlords from charging you for background checks or credit reports if you already have them, saving you money when applying for rentals.

Right now, if you apply for many rentals, you might pay for the same background check or credit report over and over. This bill would help you save money by letting you use a copy of your reports that you already have, or a special reusable report. Landlords still need to check who they rent to, but this bill would make it easier and cheaper for people looking for a home. It would also make landlords give you a copy of your own reports if you ask. This bill is still being discussed, so now is the time to tell your lawmakers if you think it's a good idea to help renters save money.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Landlords would be more accountable for not charging duplicate fees.. The bill prohibits landlords from charging for background checks or credit reports if an applicant provides a certified copy or a reusable tenant screening report.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects renters from unfair or repeated application fees.. The bill aims to reduce the financial burden on applicants by preventing landlords from charging for information already provided or easily accessible through reusable reports.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts some application costs away from renters.. Renters would save money by not having to pay for multiple background checks and credit reports, especially in a tight housing market.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No direct impact on process transparency.. The bill focuses on fee structure and report sharing, not on making the application process itself more transparent.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No specific funding changes are mentioned.. The bill addresses application fees, not government funding or subsidies.

Pushing for it: Renters
Bearing the cost: Landlords or their agents

• Official text (HI HB638)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=638&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB638https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB638/2026

This bill would give people money back on their taxes if they fix or buy a water system or get water delivered, helping them get clean water.

This bill would help people in Hawaii who do not have city water lines. It would give them a tax credit for fixing their rainwater systems or buying water. This could make it easier for families to afford clean water, especially in poorer areas. Some might say that tax credits cost the state money, but supporters believe it helps people get a basic need and saves water too. This bill is still moving, so people can let their lawmakers know if they think it is a good idea to help more families get water.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — No direct impact on accountability.. The bill focuses on providing financial relief rather than changing accountability standards for services or systems.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps protect access to a basic need.. By making water access more affordable through a tax credit, the bill supports the ability of residents to secure a basic necessity for their homes.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts some cost from individuals to the state.. The tax credit would reduce the financial burden on individuals for water systems or delivery, with the cost being borne by the state through reduced tax revenue.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No specific impact on transparency.. The bill does not address government transparency or public access to information regarding legislative processes or services.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Provides financial benefit to individuals.. The refundable income tax credit directly benefits taxpayers by reducing their tax liability or providing a refund, supporting their access to alternative water sources.

Pushing for it: Taxpayers who install, repair, or use a water catchment system or buy water delivery services ($500)
Bearing the cost: State of Hawaii

• Official text (HI HB690)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=690&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB690https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB690/2026

This bill would make sure all vacation rental prices show all fees upfront, so people know what they will pay.

If this bill passes, families will avoid surprise fees when booking their vacations. Now is the time to support clear pricing for everyone.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Encourages honest pricing. The bill holds companies accountable for showing all fees.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects consumers. It helps consumers by ensuring they know the total cost upfront.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs are shifted to companies. Companies must include fees, but this is fair for consumers.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Clear rules for pricing. The bill sets clear rules for how prices should be displayed.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes. The bill does not change how funding works.

• Official text (HI HB973)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=973&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB973https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB973/2026

This bill would help patients by making it easier to report complaints against health care providers and increase the money they can get for pain and suffering.

Patients could gain more rights and protections if this bill passes. It would make it easier to hold health care providers accountable for their actions. Now is the time to support this change.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Increases reporting requirements for health care providers. Providers must report complaints to licensing boards
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Extends time frame for filing claims. Patients will have more time to seek justice
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Higher costs for providers may be passed to patients. Increased liability could lead to higher insurance costs

• Official text (HI SB2086)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2086&year=2026
• LegiScan — SB2086https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/SB2086/2026

Hawaii would limit how much it costs to ask the government for documents about itself, capping search fees at $5 per 15 minutes and review fees at $7.50 per 15 minutes, and letting people skip those charges if the disclosure serves the public interest.

Right now, Hawaii agencies can charge whatever they want to find and review your records, which means poor people and watchdogs often can't afford to hold government accountable. This bill would put a price ceiling on those fees and create a 'public interest waiver', if you're digging into something that helps the public understand how government actually works (not just your own private records), you might not have to pay at all. That's a big deal because it means local journalists, nonprofits, and ordinary citizens could actually afford to investigate city hall. The catch: the bill doesn't set a hard rule, the Office of Information Practices still has to write the actual rules, and 'public interest' can be fuzzy. But right now there's no cap and no waiver option at all, so this moves the needle toward transparency. This is moving quietly through committees (JHA and Finance) and has broad Democratic backing, but it hasn't gotten much attention yet. If you care about government staying honest, now is the time to let your rep know this matters.

Everyday People

• Right to Access (helps) — Lowers financial barrier to public records. Capping fees and creating a public-interest waiver removes a major cost obstacle that prevents ordinary people from requesting and obtaining government records.
• Accountability & Transparency (helps) — Enables public oversight of government. Cheaper access to records allows journalists, nonprofits, and citizens to investigate government operations and hold officials accountable, core to democracy.
• Process Fairness (helps) — Standardizes fee rules. The bill requires uniform rules set by the Office of Information Practices rather than leaving agencies to set their own fees, reducing arbitrary charges.
• Implementation Clarity (hurts) — Leaves details to rulemaking. The bill sets caps and lists waiver factors but doesn't define 'public interest' precisely, so the final rules could narrow or broaden who qualifies for a waiver.
• Cost Neutrality (neutral) — No fiscal impact specified. The bill does not fund the Office of Information Practices to handle potentially more requests under lower fees; agencies may face staffing strain.

Pushing for it: Citizens, journalists, nonprofits, and watchdog groups seeking government records
Bearing the cost: Hawaii state and county agencies (lower fee revenue)

• Official text (HI HB130)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=130&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB130https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB130/2026

This bill would help people who lose Medicaid by providing health insurance options and support.

If this program passes, it could give many people access to health care when they need it most. Now is the time to support it.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — The program requires reports to the legislature.. The department must submit reports on enrollment and health outcomes.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — The program offers support for those losing coverage.. It provides subsidies for preventive care and access to insurance.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — State funding supports the program.. The state will appropriate funds for the pilot program.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Details on eligibility and application will be established.. The department will set clear criteria for enrollment.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — Funding is allocated to help those in need.. The program aims to reduce financial strain on healthcare providers.

Pushing for it: Department of Human Services
Bearing the cost: Unknown

• Official text (HI HB1546)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1546&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB1546https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB1546/2026

Health insurers in Hawaii must honor patients' written assignment of benefits to substance‑use treatment providers, stopping them from blocking payments.

This bill could make it easier for people with addiction problems to get care, because providers will be paid directly and won’t have to chase insurers. Insurers will lose a loophole that let them delay or refuse payment, and they could be sued if they don’t pay.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Adds civil enforcement. Providers can sue insurers and recover fees
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Strengthens patient rights. Patients can assign benefits to treatment providers
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Cost stays with insurers. No new cost to consumers
• Process Transparency (helps) — Requires explanation of benefits. Insurers must provide EOB to providers
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding. Bill does not allocate money

• Official text (HI HB2209)https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2209&year=2026
• LegiScan — HB2209https://legiscan.com/HI/bill/HB2209/2026