2026 – 33rd Legislative Priorities
Updated: Friday, February 20, 2026
| Testimony | Measure | Notes | Current Status | Introducer(s) | Referral | Companion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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HB2287 Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Correctional Workers; Peer Support Counseling RELATING TO PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING. Includes correctional workers as protected participants in peer support counseling sessions, giving them the same confidentiality protections provided to law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel. |
SUPPORT | (H ) 2/18/2026 – Passed Second Reading and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). | NAKAMURA (Introduced by request of another party) | PBS, JHA | SB3106 |
| SB3106 Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Correctional Workers; Peer Support Counseling RELATING TO PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING. Includes correctional workers as protected participants in peer support counseling sessions, giving them the same confidentiality protections provided to law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel. |
SUPPORT | (S ) 2/2/2026 – Referred to PSM/LBT, JDC. | KOUCHI (Introduced by request of another party) | PSM/LBT, JDC | HB2287 | |
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HB2288 HD1 Parole Eligibility RELATING TO PAROLE ELIGIBILITY. Amends section 353-64, HRS, to include participation in correctional programs for parole eligibility: (1) treatment (substance abuse, mental health, sex offender); (2) work furlough as part of vocational education; and (3) other programs designed to assist the committed person with successful reintegration back into the community; all of which are in the scope of programs determined by Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Receiving and Diagnostic (RAD) assessments and recommended for parole eligibility. |
OPPOSE | (H ) 2/18/2026 – Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). | NAKAMURA (Introduced by request of another party) | PBS, JHA | SB3107 |
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SB3107 SD1 Parole Eligibility RELATING TO PAROLE ELIGIBILITY. Amends section 353-64, HRS, to include participation in correctional programs for parole eligibility: (1) treatment (substance abuse, mental health, sex offender); (2) work furlough as part of vocational education; and (3) other programs designed to assist the committed person with successful reintegration back into the community; all of which are in the scope of programs determined by Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Receiving and Diagnostic (RAD) assessments and recommended for parole eligibility. |
OPPOSE | (S ) 2/18/2026 – Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC. | KOUCHI (Introduced by request of another party) | PSM, JDC | HB2288 |
| HB1800 State Budget RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET. Adjusts and requests appropriations for fiscal biennium 2025‑2027 funding requirements for operations and capital improvement projects of Executive Branch agencies and programs. |
SUPPORT | (H ) 1/26/2026 – Referred to FIN, referral sheet 1 | NAKAMURA (Introduced by request of another party) | FIN | SB2500 | |
| SB2500 State Budget RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET. Adjusts and requests appropriations for fiscal biennium 2025-2027 funding requirements for operations and capital improvement projects of Executive Branch agencies and programs. |
SUPPORT | (S ) 1/28/2026 – Referred to WAM. | KOUCHI (Introduced by request of another party) | WAM | HB1800 | |
| HB1516 Pretrial Release; Bail RELATING TO PRETRIAL RELEASE. Requires certain factors to be considered when determining a defendant’s financial ability to afford bail. |
SUPPORT | (H ) 2/19/2026 – The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Cochran, Hashem, Kahaloa, Sayama, Takayama; Ayes with reservations: none; 2 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu; and Excused: none. | TARNAS, AMATO, GRANDINETTI, ILAGAN, IWAMOTO, KUSCH, LEE, M., MARTEN, PERRUSO, POEPOE, SHIMIZU, SOUZA, TAKAYAMA, TEMPLO | JHA | SB2732 | |
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SB2732 Pretrial Release; Bail RELATING TO PRETRIAL RELEASE. Requires certain factors to be considered when determining a defendant’s financial ability to afford bail. |
SUPPORT | (S ) 2/10/2026 – Re-Referred to JDC. | RHOADS, CHANG | JDC | HB1516 |
| HB2413 Bail; Pretrial Release; Nonviolent Offenders RELATING TO PRETRIAL REFORM. Requires release on recognizance for defendants charged with violations, traffic offenses, nonviolent petty misdemeanors, nonviolent misdemeanors, and nonviolent class C felonies, subject to conditions. Establishes exclusions for specified offenses, threats to public safety, and wilful flight. Requires findings when bail or detention is imposed, ongoing review of continued detention or conditions, and a prompt hearing if bail cannot be posted. Requires prosecutors to notify victims of pretrial decisions. |
SUPPORT | (H ) 2/19/2026 – The committee(s) on JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. | TARNAS, AMATO, EVSLIN, GRANDINETTI, ILAGAN, IWAMOTO, KAHALOA, KAPELA, MARTEN, MIYAKE, PERRUSO, POEPOE, TAKAYAMA | JHA | SB3208 | |
| SB3208 Bail; Pretrial Release; Nonviolent Offenders RELATING TO PRETRIAL REFORM. Requires release on recognizance for defendants charged with violations, traffic offenses, nonviolent petty misdemeanors, nonviolent misdemeanors, and nonviolent class C felonies, subject to conditions. Establishes exclusions for specified offenses, threats to public safety, and wilful flight. Requires findings when bail or detention is imposed, ongoing review of continued detention or conditions, and a prompt hearing if bail cannot be posted. Requires prosecutors to notify victims of pretrial decisions. |
SUPPORT | (S ) 2/2/2026 – Referred to PSM, JDC. | RHOADS, CHANG, Richards, San Buenaventura | PSM, JDC | HB2413 | |
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HB1628 HD1 Hawaii Paroling Authority; Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Compassionate Release RELATING TO COMPASSIONATE RELEASE. Establishes a protocol for compassionate release for certain ill or seriously debilitated incarcerated persons. |
SUPPORT | (H ) 2/20/2026 – Reported from PBS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 600-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. | TARNAS, AMATO, BELATTI, EVSLIN, GRANDINETTI, HUSSEY, ILAGAN, IWAMOTO, MARTEN, MORIKAWA, OLDS, PERRUSO, POEPOE, REYES ODA, SOUZA, TAKAYAMA | PBS, JHA | SB2688 |
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SB2688 SD1 Hawaii Paroling Authority; Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Compassionate Release RELATING TO COMPASSIONATE RELEASE. Establishes a protocol for compassionate release for certain ill or seriously debilitated incarcerated persons. |
SUPPORT | (S ) 2/18/2026 – Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC/WAM. | FUKUNAGA, CHANG, MCKELVEY, RHOADS, SAN BUENAVENTURA | PSM, JDC/WAM | HB1628 |
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HB1518 HD1 DHS; SNAP; Incarcerated Individuals; Felony Drug Offenders RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. By 1/1/2028, requires the Department of Human Services, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to establish a pre-release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process for inmates nearing release. Allows all individuals convicted of an offense involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance to apply for SNAP benefits, regardless of treatment status. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1) |
SUPPORT | (H ) 2/19/2026 – Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with Representative(s) Muraoka voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). | TARNAS, AMATO, GRANDINETTI, ILAGAN, IWAMOTO, KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY, KUSCH, MARTEN, PERRUSO, POEPOE, SOUZA, TAKAYAMA | HSH, PBS, FIN | SB2417 |
| SB2417 DHS; SNAP; Incarcerated Individuals; Felony Drug Offenders RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. By 1/1/2028, requires the Department of Human Services, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to establish a pre-release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process for inmates nearing release. Allows all individuals convicted of an offense involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance to apply for SNAP benefits, regardless of treatment status. |
SUPPORT | (S ) 1/28/2026 – Referred to PSM/HHS, JDC/WAM. | SAN BUENAVENTURA, CHANG, RHOADS | PSM/HHS, JDC/WAM | HB1518 | |
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HB2044 HD1 Recidivism; Offender Re-entry Programs; Appropriation RELATING TO OFFENDER REENTRY. Expands programming and training for the comprehensive offender reentry program under the department of corrections and rehabilitation to reduce the rate of recidivism and increase inmate marketability. Appropriates funds. |
SUPPORT | (H ) 2/19/2026 – Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). | SHIMIZU, BELATTI, GARCIA, GEDEON, HUSSEY, IWAMOTO, MATSUMOTO, OLDS, PIERICK, REYES ODA | PBS, FIN | |
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HB2356 HD1 Offender Reentry; Employment; Certificates; Security Clearance; Appropriation RELATING TO OFFENDER REENTRY. Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide a certificate of rehabilitation to offenders who have satisfied all sentencing and post-release requirements. Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with government and private stakeholders to conduct public education regarding the certificates. Authorizes the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with state agencies to increase offenders’ eligibility for security clearance in post-release employment with the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1) |
SUPPORT w/ RESERVATIONS | (H ) 2/12/2026 – Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on LAB with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). | MURAOKA, ALCOS, BELATTI, GARCIA, IWAMOTO, KILA, KUSCH, MATSUMOTO, REYES ODA | PBS, LAB, FIN | |
| SB2381 Corrections; Restrictive Housing Requirements; Working Group RELATING TO CORRECTIONS. Extends the effective date of restrictions on the use of restrictive housing in correctional facilities to 7/1/2027. Extends the establishment of the Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group to 8/1/2026. Extends the date that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation may implement recommendations of the working group to 12/1/2028. Amends procedures for restrictive housing. Amends circumstances under which restrictive housing may be used. Repeals requirements for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to post quarterly reports on the Department’s website, update its policy and procedures manual in compliance with the restrictive housing restrictions, and report to the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission. Repeals requirements for the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to review and monitor housing placements. Repeals the requirement that the Restrictive Housing Working Group make recommendations to the Legislature by 1/1/2027. |
OPPOSE | (S ) 1/28/2026 – Referred to PSM, JDC/WAM. | FUKUNAGA | PSM, JDC/WAM | ||
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HB1769 HD1 Corrections; Private, Out-of-state Prisons; Reduction; Reports RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. Requires the Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally reduce the number of individuals incarcerated in private, out-of-state correctional institutions. Requires reports to the Legislature. |
SUPPORT | (H ) 2/20/2026 – Reported from PBS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 601-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. | KAPELA, AMATO, BELATTI, GRANDINETTI, HARTSFIELD, HUSSEY, ILAGAN, IWAMOTO, PERRUSO, POEPOE, SAYAMA, SOUZA, TARNAS | PBS, JHA | |
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SB2030 SB1 DCR; Adult Correctional Officers; Body Cameras; Appropriation RELATING TO CORRECTIONS. Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for purchasing body cameras for adult correctional officers to wear while on duty at state correctional facilities. |
SUPPORT INTENT W/ COMMENTS | (S ) 2/20/2026 – Reported from PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2667) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. | KEOHOKALOLE, CHANG, FUKUNAGA, KANUHA, KIDANI, SAN BUENAVENTURA | PSM, WAM | |
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HB2494 Judiciary; Arrests; Warrantless; Citations RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM. Establishes factors under which officers may arrest and detain persons without a warrant for petty misdemeanors and violations, and requires officers to document the justification for the arrests. Amends the circumstances under which officers may issue citations in lieu of arrest. Requires officers to issue citations in lieu of arrest for certain petty misdemeanors and violations, unless public safety or flight risks are present or the alleged offense involves operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or the abuse of family or household members. Requires the Judiciary to promulgate a standardized citation form and updates the required information for citations. |
SUPPORT IN PART | (H ) 2/19/2026 – The committee(s) on JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. | TARNAS | JHA | |
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SB2862 SD1 Gubernatorial Appointments; Salaries; Senate Confirmation; Advice and Consent RELATING TO GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS. Requires any person appointed by the Governor to serve in the Executive Branch in a position that is not subject to the civil service law to obtain the advice and consent of the Senate if that person’s salary is greater than $160,000 and is not paid from the budget of the Office of the Governor. Requires persons currently serving in positions made subject to the advice and consent of the Senate by this Act to obtain the advice and consent of the Senate during the Regular Session of 2027. |
OPPOSE | (S ) 2/20/2026 – Reported from GVO (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2664) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC. | SAN BUENAVENTURA, CHANG, HASHIMOTO, KEOHOKALOLE | GVO, JDC | |
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HB1805 HD1 Office of the Child Advocate; Establishment; Office of the Ombudsman; Child Welfare; Juvenile Justice; Oversight; Investigation; Reports; Positions; Appropriation RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE. Establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate within the Office of the Ombudsman to oversee and evaluate the delivery of services to children and their families by various state agencies and entities, receive and investigate complaints, and make recommendations for improvement. Requires annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and public. Appropriates funds. |
SUPPORT | (H ) 2/20/2026 – Reported from LMG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 607-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. | MARTEN, AMATO, CHUN, HUSSEY, ILAGAN, IWAMOTO, KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY, KILA, KITAGAWA, MATAYOSHI, MORIKAWA, OLDS, PERRUSO, POEPOE, REYES ODA, SOUZA, TAKAYAMA, TARNAS, WOODSON | LMG, FIN | SB2264 |
| SB2264 Office of the Child Advocate; Establishment; Office of the Ombudsman; Child Welfare; Juvenile Justice; Oversight; Investigation; Reports; Positions; Appropriation RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE. Establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate within the Office of the Ombudsman to oversee and evaluate the delivery of services to children and their families by various state agencies and entities, receive and investigate complaints, and make recommendations for improvement. Requires annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and public. Appropriates funds. |
SUPPORT | (S ) 1/26/2026 – Referred to GVO/HHS, WAM/JDC. | CHANG, FEVELLA, RICHARDS, SAN BUENAVENTURA, Inouye, Kanuha, Wakai | GVO/HHS, WAM/JDC | HB1805 |
