Bills

HB 531: Motor Vehicles; Special Number Plates; UH Cancer Center

Session Year: 2025-2026
House: House
Latest Version Date: 2025-03-20

Current Status:

Failed

(2025-12-08: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.)

Introduced

In Committee

First Chamber

In Committee

Second Chamber

Final Decking

Enacted

Version:

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Version:

HB531 SD1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	531
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 249, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§249- Special number plates; university of Hawaii cancer center; authorized. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the director of finance shall issue to any registered owner of a motor vehicle, who is a resident of the State and has completed the application and paid the required fees, special number plates for the registered owner's motor vehicle recognizing the university of Hawaii cancer center.

(b) The director of finance of the city and county of Honolulu, in consultation with the directors of finance of the counties of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii; the chiefs of police of the city and county of Honolulu and the counties of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii; and the director of the university of Hawaii cancer center shall establish a special number plate design that:

(1) Contains words, images, or both, that indicate that the special number plate is issued to recognize the university of Hawaii cancer center;

(2) Is similar in shape and size to the uniform state number plate prescribed by law; and

(3) Does not obstruct the visibility of the number or letters or any other information that is required by law to be on a number plate, and is readily identifiable and distinguishable under actual traffic conditions.

(1) Infringe upon or otherwise violate any trademark, trade name, service mark, copyright, or other proprietary or property right;

(2) Represent any obscene or degrading image, idea, word, or phrase;

(3) Advertise or endorse a product, brand, or service that is provided for sale;

(4) Promote any religious belief;

(5) Promote any philosophy based on prejudice or that is contrary to state civil rights laws; or

(6) Is no more than inches wide by inches high.

(d) Each special number plate shall be securely fastened to the motor vehicle in lieu of the uniform state number plate.

(e) The director of finance shall charge a special number plate fee at least equal to the county's cost of providing the special number plate and administrative costs, if any, plus a fundraising fee to be determined by the director of finance in consultation with the director of the university of Hawaii cancer center. The fundraising fee shall be in addition to any other state or county fees collected for a motor vehicle registration or license plate.

(f) The director of finance may charge an additional fundraising fee, of the same or a different amount as the fundraising fee established pursuant to subsection (e), for the renewal of a special number plate. If an additional fundraising fee is implemented pursuant to this subsection, the director of finance shall not renew and instead shall revoke the special number plate of the registered owner of a motor vehicle who fails to pay the additional fundraising fee imposed by this subsection.

(g) The revenue generated by the fundraising fees, or a portion of the revenue generated by the fundraising fees as determined by the director of finance, shall be deposited in the name of the university of Hawaii cancer center in a separate county budget account. The director of finance shall determine the most efficient means of directing to the university of Hawaii cancer center the net revenue generated by the fundraising fees.

(h) The director of finance may revoke all special number plates issued pursuant to this section if the total number of registered owners of motor vehicles who obtain the special number plates is less than one hundred fifty within three years of issuance of the first special number plate.

(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any special number plates issued pursuant to section 249-9.2.

(j) For the purposes of this section, unless a different meaning appears from the context, "special number plate" means a license plate that recognizes the university of Hawaii cancer center."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Motor Vehicles; Special Number Plates; UH Cancer Center

Description:

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

HB531 HD1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	531
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 249, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

(1) Contains words, images, or both, that indicate that the special number plate is issued to recognize the university of Hawaii cancer center;

(2) Is similar in shape and size to the uniform state number plate prescribed by law; and

(1) Infringe upon or otherwise violate any trademark, trade name, service mark, copyright, or other proprietary or property right;

(2) Represent any obscene or degrading image, idea, word, or phrase;

(3) Advertise or endorse a product, brand, or service that is provided for sale;

(4) Promote any religious belief; or

(5) Promote any philosophy based on prejudice or that is contrary to state civil rights laws.

(d) Each special number plate shall be securely fastened to the motor vehicle in lieu of the uniform state number plate.

(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any special number plates issued pursuant to section 249-9.2.

(j) For the purposes of this section, unless a different meaning appears from the context, "special number plate" means a license plate that recognizes the university of Hawaii cancer center."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Motor Vehicles; Special Number Plates; UH Cancer Center

Description:

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

HB531

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	531
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to special number plates.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 249, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

(1) Contains words, images, or both, that indicate that the special number plate is issued to recognize the university of Hawaii cancer center;

(2) Is similar in shape and size to the uniform state number plate prescribed by law; and

(1) Infringe upon or otherwise violate any trademark, trade name, service mark, copyright, or other proprietary or property right;

(2) Represent any obscene or degrading image, idea, word, or phrase;

(3) Advertise or endorse a product, brand, or service that is provided for sale;

(4) Promote any religious belief; or

(5) Promote any philosophy based on prejudice or that is contrary to state civil rights laws.

(d) Each special number plate shall be securely fastened to the motor vehicle in lieu of the uniform state number plate.

(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any special number plates issued pursuant to section 249-9.2.

(j) For the purposes of this section, unless a different meaning appears from the context, "special number plate" means a license plate that recognizes the university of Hawaii cancer center."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Motor Vehicles; Special Number Plates; UH Cancer Center

Description:

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

Date	Status
Dec 8, 2025	Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Mar 21, 2025	Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
Mar 21, 2025	Reported from TCA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1334) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
Mar 18, 2025	The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TCA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
Mar 14, 2025	The committee(s) on TCA has scheduled a public hearing on 03-18-25 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
Mar 4, 2025	Referred to TCA, WAM.
Feb 28, 2025	Passed First Reading.
Feb 28, 2025	Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 22).
Feb 27, 2025	Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick, Templo, Ward excused (4). Transmitted to Senate.
Feb 27, 2025	Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 865), recommending passage on Third Reading.
Feb 20, 2025	The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Alcos, Ward.
Feb 18, 2025	Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 02-20-25 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Feb 13, 2025	Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Kitagawa, Ward excused (3).
Feb 13, 2025	Reported from HED (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 608), recommending referral to FIN.
Feb 12, 2025	The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Garrett, Amato, Evslin, Kapela, Kila, La Chica, Olds, Woodson, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Sayama.
Feb 7, 2025	Bill scheduled to be heard by HED on Wednesday, 02-12-25 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Feb 6, 2025	Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on HED with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Ward excused (1).
Feb 6, 2025	Reported from CAA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 183) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to HED.
Feb 5, 2025	The committee on CAA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Kapela, Kong, Garrett, Lee, M., Sayama; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Reyes Oda.
Jan 30, 2025	Bill scheduled to be heard by CAA on Wednesday, 02-05-25 10:30AM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Jan 28, 2025	Re-referred to CAA, HED, FIN, referral sheet 7
Jan 21, 2025	Referred to CAA, FIN, referral sheet 2
Jan 21, 2025	Introduced and Pass First Reading.
Jan 17, 2025	Pending introduction.

Date	Description	Location	Votes
Mar 18, 2025	The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS	Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts	5 0 0 Passed
Feb 27, 2025	Third Reading	House Floor	47 0 4 Passed
Feb 20, 2025	The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED	House Standing Committee on Finance	14 0 2 Passed
Feb 12, 2025	The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED	House Standing Committee on Higher Education	10 0 1 Passed
Feb 5, 2025	The committee on CAA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS	House Standing Committee on Culture & Arts	5 0 1 Passed

Key

Pro

Against

Did Not Vote

This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.

Positions by individuals are not included.

* Testimony in a hearing

** Position recorded in bill analysis

*** Position recorded in written testimony

Organization	Position	Date
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network	** Support
Lou's Quality Home Health Care Services	** Support
University of Hawaiʻi System	** Support

* Testimony in a hearing

** Position recorded in bill analysis

*** Position recorded in written testimony

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1334

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 531

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 531, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the issuance of special number plates to recognize the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and nine individuals.

Your Committee finds that special number plates offer a unique opportunity to recognize and fund worthwhile causes, such as cancer research. The University of Hawaii Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the Pacific. It performs critical work saving lives and advancing cancer treatments adapted for the uniquely diverse population of the State. Accordingly, this measure offers the University of Hawaii Cancer Center the appreciation it deserves and establishes another funding stream to support the Center's ability to provide state-of-the-art research and patient care by authorizing the issuance of special number plates recognizing the Cancer Center.

Your Committee has amended this measure by clarifying the decal size restrictions for the special number plate design.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 531, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 531, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 865

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 531

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 531, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the issuance of special number plates to recognize the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Lou's Quality Home Health Care Services; and two individuals.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 531, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 608

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 531

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 531, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the issuance of special number plates to recognize the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the introduction of a University of Hawaii Cancer Center special license plate will provide the public with a meaningful way to show their support for cancer research and treatment in the State. Your Committee further finds that the funds raised through the special license plate program will help sustain and expand the Center's ability to provide state‑of‑the‑art research and patient care, bringing direct benefits to the local workforce, healthcare industry, and economy.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 531, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

____________________________

ANDREW TAKUYA GARRETT, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 183

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 531

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 531 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the issuance of special number plates to recognize the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Your Committee finds that the University of Hawaii Cancer Center provides important cancer research, access to life-saving treatment, and patient care. Your Committee believes that issuing special number plates can provide additional funds to support the Hawaii Cancer Center's ongoing efforts in cancer research and treatment.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 531, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 531, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Higher Education.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture & Arts,

____________________________

JEANNE KAPELA, Chair

Date	Testimony PDF
Mar 18, 2025	HB531_HD1_TESTIMONY_TCA_03-18-25_.PDF
Feb 20, 2025	HB531_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-20-25_.PDF
Feb 12, 2025	HB531_HD1_TESTIMONY_HED_02-12-25_.PDF
Feb 5, 2025	HB531_TESTIMONY_CAA_02-05-25_.PDF

Discussed in Hearing

2MIN

Authors shown for version:
HB531_SD1 (3/20/2025)

HB 531: Motor Vehicles; Special Number Plates; UH Cancer Center

Current Status:

Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts

House Standing Committee on Finance

House Standing Committee on Higher Education

House Standing Committee on Culture & Arts