SB 2151: Emergency Management; State of Emergency; Local State of Emergency
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-04-10
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-04-16: Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill limits what the governor and county mayors can do during declared emergencies by narrowing the legal definitions of “disaster” and “emergency,” defining “catastrophic harm” and “severe weather warning,” and forbidding blocking access to public records and vital statistics. It requires any suspension of laws to be narrowly justified and identified and lets the Legislature or county councils stop a state or local emergency by a simple majority vote, while preventing agencies from refusing record requests solely because an emergency exists.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Clarifies and limits the suspension of laws and access to records during an emergency. Defines "catastrophic harm" and "severe weather warning". Amends the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency" under emergency management laws. Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and county councils to terminate a local state of emergency. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Defines "catastrophic harm" and "severe weather warning". Amends the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency" under chapter 127A, HRS. Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and county councils to terminate a local state of emergency. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Defines "severe weather warning". Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and county councils to terminate a local state of emergency. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)
Clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Defines "severe weather warning". Amends the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency" to limit the use of emergency powers except to address sudden events that cause or are likely to cause catastrophic harm or immediate danger. Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and city councils to terminate a local state of emergency. (SD1)
Clarifies State and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Adds definition of "severe weather warning". Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and city councils to terminate a local state of emergency.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2151 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the decision of the Hawaii Supreme Court in Nakoa v. Governor of State, 156 Hawaii 416, 575 P.3d 506 (2025), threatens to upset this vital constitutional balance. The Hawaii Supreme Court interpreted chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to grant the governor emergency powers, including the power to suspend laws enacted by the legislature, to address "conditions that threaten substantial harm to Hawaiʻi's people, property, or environment", including but not only discrete, sudden events, but also "long-term issues", such as the nearly century-long shortage of affordable housing in Hawaii.
The legislature additionally finds that in order to preserve the separation of powers and avoid executive overreach, it must remain the exclusive province of the legislature to address longstanding public-policy challenges.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to clarify the emergency powers granted by chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to the governor and county mayors.
SECTION 2. Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§127A- Suspension of access to certain records; prohibited. (a) The governor or mayor shall not, through any proclamation or declaration of emergency, or any rule or order adopted pursuant to this chapter, suspend or deny access, under the authority of this chapter, to:
(1) Records pursuant to chapter 92F; or
(2) Vital records or statistics pursuant to section 338‑18.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit an agency's authority to deny access to records or information on grounds otherwise authorized by law. Due to extenuating circumstances, there may be a reasonable delay in an agency's response to a request; provided that an agency shall not reject or refuse to accept a request solely on the basis of an emergency declared under this chapter."
SECTION 3. Section 127A-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By adding two new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read:
""Catastrophic harm" means extraordinary levels of loss of life, mass casualties, or life-threatening physical injury to a large number of persons, or the sudden failure or destruction of critical infrastructure essential to immediate public safety or life-sustaining public health functions.
"Severe weather warning" means the issuance of a public notification by the National Weather Service, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, United States Geological Survey, or other public authority that a dangerous condition exists that could impact the State, or any portion of it, within a specified period of time. "Severe weather warning" includes but is not limited to warnings of coastal inundation, high surf, flash flooding, volcanic activity, a tsunami, or a hurricane."
2. By amending the definition of "disaster" to read:
""Disaster"
means [any emergency,] the occurrence or imminent threat [thereof,
which results
or may likely result in]
of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life, property, or
environment [and] resulting from any sudden natural or artificial
cause, including hurricanes, windstorms, floods, extreme rain events,
earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, volcanic activity, tsunamis, fires,
explosions, air or water contamination, blight, droughts, infestations, riots,
sabotage, hostile military or paramilitary action, hazardous material
accidents, disease or contagion outbreaks, bioterrorism, cyberterrorism,
terrorism, or incidents involving weapons of mass destruction, that
requires, or may require, assistance from other counties, states, the federal
government, or from private agencies."
3. By amending the definition of "emergency" to read:
""Emergency"
means [any] the occurrence[,] or imminent threat [thereof,
which results or may likely result in substantial injury or] of a
disaster that causes or may be likely to cause catastrophic harm and
immediate danger to the population [or], substantial damage
to or loss of property, or substantial damage to or loss of the
environment[.] and that timely action can avert or minimize."
SECTION 4. Section 127A-13, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-13 Additional powers in an emergency period. (a) In the event of a state of emergency declared by the governor pursuant to section 127A-14, the governor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) Provide for and require the quarantine or segregation of persons who are affected with or believed to have been exposed to any infectious, communicable, or other disease that is, in the governor's opinion, dangerous to the public health and safety, or persons who are the source of other contamination, in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety; provide for the care and treatment of the persons; supplement the provisions of sections 325-32 to 325-38 concerning compulsory immunization programs; provide for the isolation or closing of property that is a source of contamination or is in a dangerous condition in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety, and designate as public nuisances acts, practices, conduct, or conditions that are dangerous to the public health or safety or to property; authorize that public nuisances be summarily abated and, if need be, that the property be destroyed by any police officer or authorized person, or provide for the cleansing or repair of property, and if the cleansing or repair is to be at the expense of the owner, the procedure therefor shall follow as nearly as may be the provisions of section 322-2, which shall be applicable; and further, authorize without the permission of the owners or occupants, entry on private premises for any of these purposes;
(2) [Relieve] Except as provided in section 127A- ,
relieve hardships and inequities, or obstructions to the public health,
safety, or welfare, found by the governor to exist in the laws and to result
from the operation of federal programs or measures taken under this chapter, by
suspending the laws, in whole or in part, or by alleviating [the provisions
of laws on], subject to terms and conditions [as] that
the governor may [impose,] specify, the provisions of laws,
including licensing laws, quarantine laws, and laws relating to labels, grades,
and standards;
(3) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any law that
impedes or tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient
execution of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by
this chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
governor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions,
and any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for
each section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated
and justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be delayed by
any permit, authorization, or approval;
(4) Suspend the provisions of any regulatory law prescribing the procedures for out-of-state utilities to conduct business in the State including any licensing laws applicable to out-of-state utilities or their respective employees, as well as any order, rule, or regulation of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any law, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action of a state utility in coping with the emergency or disaster with assistance that may be provided under a mutual assistance agreement;
(5) In the event of a disaster
or emergency beyond local control, [or] an event that in the opinion of
the governor[, renders] makes state operational control or
coordination necessary, or upon request of the [local entity,] county,
and notwithstanding sections 127A-14 and 127A‑25, requires the county to
obtain the governor's approval, or the approval of the director of the Hawaii
emergency management agency, before issuing any emergency order, rule, or
proclamation under this chapter, assume direct operational control over all
or any part of the emergency management functions within the affected area;
(6) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(7) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population;
(8) Exercise additional emergency functions to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto;
(9) Suspend section 8-1, relating to state holidays, except the last paragraph relating to holidays declared by the president, which shall remain unaffected, and in the event of the suspension, the governor may establish state holidays by proclamation;
(10) Adjust the hours for voting to take into consideration the working hours of the voters during the emergency period, and suspend those provisions of section 11-131 that fix the hours for voting, and fix other hours by stating the same in the election proclamation or notice, as the case may be;
(11) Assure the continuity of service by critical infrastructure facilities, both publicly and privately owned, by regulating or, if necessary to the continuation of the service thereof, by taking over and operating the same; and
(12) Except as provided in section 134-7.2, whenever in the governor's opinion, the laws of the State do not adequately provide for the common defense, public health, safety, and welfare, investigate, regulate, or prohibit the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution of, as well as any transaction related to, explosives, firearms, and ammunition, inflammable materials and other objects, implements, substances, businesses, or services of a hazardous or dangerous character, or particularly capable of misuse, or obstructive of or tending to obstruct law enforcement, emergency management, or military operations, including intoxicating liquor and the liquor business; and authorize the seizure and forfeiture of any objects, implements, or substances unlawfully possessed, as provided in this chapter.
(b) In the event of a local state of emergency declared by the mayor pursuant to section 127A-14, the mayor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) [Relieve] Except as provided in section 127A- , relieve
hardships and inequities, or obstructions to the public health, safety, or
welfare, found by the mayor to exist in the laws of the county and to result
from the operation of federal programs or measures taken under this chapter, by
suspending the county laws, in whole or in part, or by alleviating [the
provisions of county laws on], subject to terms and conditions [as]
that the mayor may [impose,] specify, the provisions of county
laws, including county licensing laws[,] and county laws relating to
labels, grades, and standards;
(2) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any county law that
impedes or tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient
execution of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by
this chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
mayor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions, and
any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for each
section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated and
justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be
delayed by any permit, authorization, or approval;
(3) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(4) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population; and
(5) Exercise additional emergency functions, to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and any other county law to the contrary notwithstanding, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto."
SECTION 5. Section 127A-14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-14 State of emergency. (a) The governor may declare the existence of a state of emergency in the State by proclamation if the governor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the State.
(b) A mayor may declare the existence of a local state of emergency in the county by proclamation if the mayor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the county.
(c) [The] Except as provided in
subsections (e) and (f), the governor or mayor shall be the sole judge of
the existence of the danger, threat, or circumstances giving rise to a
declaration, an extension, or a termination of a state of emergency in the
State or a local state of emergency in the county, as applicable. This section shall not limit the power and
authority of the governor under section 127A-13(a)(5).
(d) A state of emergency and a local state of emergency shall terminate automatically sixty days after the issuance of a proclamation of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, unless extended or terminated by a separate or supplementary proclamation of the governor or mayor. The governor or mayor shall proclaim the termination of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant.
(e) The legislature may, by an affirmative vote of a simple majority of the members to which each house is entitled, terminate a state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the governor pursuant to this section.
(f) The county council may, by an affirmative vote of a simple majority, terminate a local state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the mayor pursuant to this section."
SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Emergency Management; State of Emergency; Local State of Emergency
Description:
Clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Clarifies and limits the suspension of laws and access to records during an emergency. Defines "catastrophic harm" and "severe weather warning". Amends the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency" under emergency management laws. Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and county councils to terminate a local state of emergency. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2151 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the decision of the Hawaii Supreme Court in Nakoa v. Governor of State, 156 Hawaii 416, 575 P.3d 506 (2025), threatens to upset this vital constitutional balance. The Hawaii Supreme Court interpreted chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to grant the governor emergency powers, including the power to suspend laws enacted by the legislature, to address "conditions that threaten substantial harm to Hawaiʻi's people, property, or environment", including but not only discrete, sudden events, but also "long-term issues", such as the nearly century-long shortage of affordable housing in Hawaii.
The legislature additionally finds that in order to preserve the separation of powers and avoid executive overreach, it must remain the exclusive province of the legislature to address longstanding public-policy challenges.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to clarify the emergency powers granted by chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to the governor and county mayors.
SECTION 2. Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§127A- Suspension of access to certain records; prohibited. (a) The governor or mayor shall not, through any proclamation or declaration of emergency or any rule or order adopted pursuant to this chapter, suspend access to:
(1) Records pursuant to chapter 92F; or
(2) Vital records or statistics pursuant to sections 338‑18.
(b) Due to extenuating circumstances, there may be a reasonable delay in an agency's response to a request; provided that an agency shall not reject a request at any time, regardless of whether an emergency has been declared."
SECTION 3. Section 127A-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By adding two new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read:
""Catastrophic harm" means extraordinary levels of loss of life, mass casualties, or life-threatening physical injury to a large number of persons, or the sudden failure or destruction of critical infrastructure essential to immediate public safety or life-sustaining public health functions.
"Severe weather warning" means the issuance of a public notification by the National Weather Service, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, United States Geological Survey, or other public authority, that a dangerous condition exists that could impact the State, or any portion of it, within a specified period of time. "Severe weather warning" includes but is not limited to warnings of coastal inundation, high surf, flash flooding, volcanic activity, a tsunami, or a hurricane."
2. By amending the definition of "disaster" to read:
""Disaster"
means [any emergency,] the occurrence or imminent threat [thereof,
which results
or may likely result in]
of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life, property, or
environment [and] resulting from any sudden natural or artificial
cause, including hurricanes, windstorms, floods, extreme rain events,
earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, volcanic activity, tsunamis, fires,
explosions, air or water contamination, blight, droughts, infestations, riots,
sabotage, hostile military or paramilitary action, hazardous material
accidents, disease or contagion outbreaks, bioterrorism, cyberterrorism,
terrorism, or incidents involving weapons of mass destruction, that
requires, or may require, assistance from other counties, states, the federal
government, or from private agencies."
3. By amending the definition of "emergency" to read:
""Emergency"
means [any] the occurrence[,] or imminent threat [thereof,
which results or may likely result in substantial injury or] of a
disaster that causes or may be likely to cause catastrophic harm and
immediate danger to the population [or], substantial damage
to or loss of property, or substantial damage to or loss of the
environment[.] and that timely action can avert or minimize."
SECTION 4. Section 127A-13, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-13 Additional powers in an emergency period. (a) In the event of a state of emergency declared by the governor pursuant to section 127A-14, the governor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) Provide for and require the quarantine or segregation of persons who are affected with or believed to have been exposed to any infectious, communicable, or other disease that is, in the governor's opinion, dangerous to the public health and safety, or persons who are the source of other contamination, in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety; provide for the care and treatment of the persons; supplement the provisions of sections 325-32 to 325-38 concerning compulsory immunization programs; provide for the isolation or closing of property that is a source of contamination or is in a dangerous condition in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety, and designate as public nuisances acts, practices, conduct, or conditions that are dangerous to the public health or safety or to property; authorize that public nuisances be summarily abated and, if need be, that the property be destroyed by any police officer or authorized person, or provide for the cleansing or repair of property, and if the cleansing or repair is to be at the expense of the owner, the procedure therefor shall follow as nearly as may be the provisions of section 322-2, which shall be applicable; and further, authorize without the permission of the owners or occupants, entry on private premises for any of these purposes;
(2) Relieve hardships and
inequities, or obstructions to the public health, safety, or welfare, found by
the governor to exist in the laws and to result from the operation of federal
programs or measures taken under this chapter, by suspending the laws, in whole
or in part, or by alleviating [the provisions of laws on], subject
to terms and conditions [as] that the governor may [impose,]
specify, the provisions of laws, including licensing laws, quarantine
laws, and laws relating to labels, grades, and standards;
(3) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any law that impedes or
tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient execution
of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by this
chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
governor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions,
and any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for
each section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated
and justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be delayed by
any permit, authorization, or approval;
(4) Suspend the provisions of any regulatory law prescribing the procedures for out-of-state utilities to conduct business in the State including any licensing laws applicable to out-of-state utilities or their respective employees, as well as any order, rule, or regulation of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any law, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action of a state utility in coping with the emergency or disaster with assistance that may be provided under a mutual assistance agreement;
(5) In the event of disaster or
emergency beyond local control, [or] an event that in the opinion of the
governor[, renders] makes state operational control or
coordination necessary, or upon request of the [local entity,] county,
and notwithstanding sections 127A-14 and 127A‑25, requires the county to
obtain the governor's approval, or the approval of the director of the Hawaii
emergency management agency, before issuing any emergency order, rule, or
proclamation under this chapter, assume direct operational control over all
or any part of the emergency management functions within the affected area;
(6) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(7) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population;
(8) Exercise additional emergency functions to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto;
(9) Suspend section 8-1, relating to state holidays, except the last paragraph relating to holidays declared by the president, which shall remain unaffected, and in the event of the suspension, the governor may establish state holidays by proclamation;
(10) Adjust the hours for voting to take into consideration the working hours of the voters during the emergency period, and suspend those provisions of section 11-131 that fix the hours for voting, and fix other hours by stating the same in the election proclamation or notice, as the case may be;
(11) Assure the continuity of service by critical infrastructure facilities, both publicly and privately owned, by regulating or, if necessary to the continuation of the service thereof, by taking over and operating the same; and
(12) Except as provided in section 134-7.2, whenever in the governor's opinion, the laws of the State do not adequately provide for the common defense, public health, safety, and welfare, investigate, regulate, or prohibit the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution of, as well as any transaction related to, explosives, firearms, and ammunition, inflammable materials and other objects, implements, substances, businesses, or services of a hazardous or dangerous character, or particularly capable of misuse, or obstructive of or tending to obstruct law enforcement, emergency management, or military operations, including intoxicating liquor and the liquor business; and authorize the seizure and forfeiture of any objects, implements, or substances unlawfully possessed, as provided in this chapter.
(b) In the event of a local state of emergency declared by the mayor pursuant to section 127A-14, the mayor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) Relieve hardships and
inequities, or obstructions to the public health, safety, or welfare, found by
the mayor to exist in the laws of the county and to result from the operation
of federal programs or measures taken under this chapter, by suspending the
county laws, in whole or in part, or by alleviating [the provisions of
county laws on], subject to terms and conditions [as] that
the mayor may [impose,] specify, the provisions of county laws,
including county licensing laws[,] and county laws relating to labels,
grades, and standards;
(2) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any county law that
impedes or tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient
execution of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by
this chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
mayor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions, and
any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for each
section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated and
justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be
delayed by any permit, authorization, or approval;
(3) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(4) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population; and
(5) Exercise additional emergency functions, to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and any other county law to the contrary notwithstanding, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto."
SECTION 5. Section 127A-14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-14 State of emergency. (a) The governor may declare the existence of a state of emergency in the State by proclamation if the governor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the State.
(b) A mayor may declare the existence of a local state of emergency in the county by proclamation if the mayor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the county.
(c) [The] Except as provided in
subsections (e) and (f), the governor or mayor shall be the sole judge of
the existence of the danger, threat, or circumstances giving rise to a
declaration, an extension, or a termination of a state of emergency in the
State or a local state of emergency in the county, as applicable. This section shall not limit the power and
authority of the governor under section 127A-13(a)(5).
(d) A state of emergency and a local state of emergency shall terminate automatically sixty days after the issuance of a proclamation of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, unless extended or terminated by a separate or supplementary proclamation of the governor or mayor. The governor or mayor shall proclaim the termination of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant.
(e) The legislature may, by an affirmative vote of a simple majority of the members to which each house is entitled, terminate a state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the governor pursuant to this section.
(f) The county council may, by an affirmative vote of a simple majority, terminate a local state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the mayor pursuant to this section."
SECTION
6. Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken. New statutory
material is underscored.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Emergency Management; State of Emergency; Local State of Emergency
Description:
Clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Defines "catastrophic harm" and "severe weather warning". Amends the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency" under chapter 127A, HRS. Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and county councils to terminate a local state of emergency. 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.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2151 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, should clearly specify and articulate the bases for emergency actions.
To that end, the purpose of this Act is to clarify state and county emergency management authority, ensure effective and adaptable emergency responses, and further the goals of transparency and democratic accountability within the State's constitutional system.
SECTION 2. Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§127A- Suspension of certain record requests; prohibited. (a) The governor or mayor shall not, through any proclamation or declaration of emergency or any rule or order adopted pursuant to this chapter, suspend agency response deadlines for requests for:
(1) Public records pursuant to part II of chapter 92F; or
(2) Vital records or statistics pursuant to sections 338‑18.
(b) Due to extenuating circumstances, there may be a reasonable delay in an agency's response to a request; provided that an agency shall not reject a request at any time, regardless of whether an emergency has been declared."
SECTION 3. Section 127A-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:
""Severe weather warning" means the issuance of a public notification by the National Weather Service, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, United States Geological Survey, or other public authority, that a dangerous condition exists that could impact the State, or any portion of it, within a specified period of time. "Severe weather warning" includes but is not limited to warnings of coastal inundation, high surf, flash flooding, volcanic activity, a tsunami, or a hurricane."
SECTION 4. Section 127A-13, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-13 Additional powers in an emergency period. (a) In the event of a state of emergency declared by the governor pursuant to section 127A-14, the governor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) Provide for and require the quarantine or segregation of persons who are affected with or believed to have been exposed to any infectious, communicable, or other disease that is, in the governor's opinion, dangerous to the public health and safety, or persons who are the source of other contamination, in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety; provide for the care and treatment of the persons; supplement the provisions of sections 325-32 to 325-38 concerning compulsory immunization programs; provide for the isolation or closing of property that is a source of contamination or is in a dangerous condition in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety, and designate as public nuisances acts, practices, conduct, or conditions that are dangerous to the public health or safety or to property; authorize that public nuisances be summarily abated and, if need be, that the property be destroyed by any police officer or authorized person, or provide for the cleansing or repair of property, and if the cleansing or repair is to be at the expense of the owner, the procedure therefor shall follow as nearly as may be the provisions of section 322-2, which shall be applicable; and further, authorize without the permission of the owners or occupants, entry on private premises for any of these purposes;
(2) Relieve hardships and
inequities, or obstructions to the public health, safety, or welfare, found by
the governor to exist in the laws and to result from the operation of federal
programs or measures taken under this chapter, by suspending the laws, in whole
or in part, or by alleviating [the provisions of laws on], subject
to terms and conditions [as] that the governor may [impose,]
specify, the provisions of laws, including licensing laws, quarantine
laws, and laws relating to labels, grades, and standards;
(3) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any law that impedes or
tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient execution
of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by this
chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
governor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions,
and any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for
each section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated
and justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be delayed by
any permit, authorization, or approval;
(4) Suspend the provisions of any regulatory law prescribing the procedures for out-of-state utilities to conduct business in the State including any licensing laws applicable to out-of-state utilities or their respective employees, as well as any order, rule, or regulation of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any law, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action of a state utility in coping with the emergency or disaster with assistance that may be provided under a mutual assistance agreement;
(5) In the event of disaster or
emergency beyond local control, [or] an event that in the opinion of the
governor[, renders] makes state operational control or
coordination necessary, or upon request of the [local entity,] county,
and notwithstanding sections 127A-14 and 127A‑25, requires the county to
obtain the governor's approval, or the approval of the director of the Hawaii
emergency management agency, before issuing any emergency order, rule, or
proclamation under this chapter, assume direct operational control over all
or any part of the emergency management functions within the affected area;
(6) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(7) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population;
(8) Exercise additional emergency functions to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto;
(9) Suspend section 8-1, relating to state holidays, except the last paragraph relating to holidays declared by the president, which shall remain unaffected, and in the event of the suspension, the governor may establish state holidays by proclamation;
(10) Adjust the hours for voting to take into consideration the working hours of the voters during the emergency period, and suspend those provisions of section 11-131 that fix the hours for voting, and fix other hours by stating the same in the election proclamation or notice, as the case may be;
(11) Assure the continuity of service by critical infrastructure facilities, both publicly and privately owned, by regulating or, if necessary to the continuation of the service thereof, by taking over and operating the same; and
(12) Except as provided in section 134-7.2, whenever in the governor's opinion, the laws of the State do not adequately provide for the common defense, public health, safety, and welfare, investigate, regulate, or prohibit the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution of, as well as any transaction related to, explosives, firearms, and ammunition, inflammable materials and other objects, implements, substances, businesses, or services of a hazardous or dangerous character, or particularly capable of misuse, or obstructive of or tending to obstruct law enforcement, emergency management, or military operations, including intoxicating liquor and the liquor business; and authorize the seizure and forfeiture of any objects, implements, or substances unlawfully possessed, as provided in this chapter.
(b) In the event of a local state of emergency declared by the mayor pursuant to section 127A-14, the mayor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) Relieve hardships and
inequities, or obstructions to the public health, safety, or welfare, found by
the mayor to exist in the laws of the county and to result from the operation
of federal programs or measures taken under this chapter, by suspending the
county laws, in whole or in part, or by alleviating [the provisions of
county laws on], subject to terms and conditions [as] that
the mayor may [impose,] specify, the provisions of county laws,
including county licensing laws[,] and county laws relating to labels,
grades, and standards;
(2) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any county law that
impedes or tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient
execution of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by
this chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
mayor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions, and
any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for each
section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated and
justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be
delayed by any permit, authorization, or approval;
(3) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(4) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population; and
(5) Exercise additional emergency functions, to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and any other county law to the contrary notwithstanding, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto."
SECTION 5. Section 127A-14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-14 State of emergency. (a) The governor may declare the existence of a state of emergency in the State by proclamation if the governor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the State.
(b) A mayor may declare the existence of a local state of emergency in the county by proclamation if the mayor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the county.
(c) [The] Except as provided in
subsections (e) and (f), the governor or mayor shall be the sole judge of
the existence of the danger, threat, or circumstances giving rise to a
declaration, an extension, or a termination of a state of emergency in the
State or a local state of emergency in the county, as applicable. This section shall not limit the power and
authority of the governor under section 127A-13(a)(5).
(d) A state of emergency and a local state of emergency shall terminate automatically sixty days after the issuance of a proclamation of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, unless extended or terminated by a separate or supplementary proclamation of the governor or mayor. The governor or mayor shall proclaim the termination of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant.
(e) The legislature may, by an affirmative vote of two‑thirds of the members to which each house is entitled, terminate a state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the governor pursuant to this section.
(f) The county council may, by an affirmative vote of two‑thirds, terminate a local state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the mayor pursuant to this section."
SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on March 22, 2075.
Report Title:
Emergency Management; State of Emergency; Local State of Emergency
Description:
Clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Defines "severe weather warning". Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and county councils to terminate a local state of emergency. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2151 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature finds that chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, should clearly specify and articulate the bases for emergency actions. To that end, the purpose of this Act is to clarify state and county emergency management authority, ensure effective and adaptable emergency responses, and further the goals of transparency and democratic accountability within the State's constitutional system.
SECTION 2. Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§127A- Suspension of certain record requests; prohibited. (a) The governor or mayor shall not, through any proclamation or declaration of emergency or any rule or order adopted pursuant to this chapter, suspend agency response deadlines for requests for:
(1) Public records pursuant to part II of chapter 92F; or
(2) Vital records or statistics pursuant to sections 338‑18.
(b) Due to extenuating circumstances, there may be a reasonable delay in an agency's response to a request; provided that an agency shall not reject a request at any time, regardless of whether an emergency has been declared."
SECTION 3. Section 127A-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read:
""Severe weather warning" means the issuance of a public notification by the National Weather Service, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, United States Geological Survey, or other public authority, that a dangerous condition exists that could impact the State, or any portion of it, within a specified period of time. "Severe weather warning" includes but is not limited to warnings of coastal inundation, high surf, flash flooding, volcanic activity, a tsunami, or a hurricane."
2. By amending the definition of "disaster" to read:
""Disaster" means [any emergency,] the
occurrence or imminent threat [thereof, which results or may likely result in] of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of
life, property, or environment [and] resulting from any sudden
natural or artificial cause, including hurricanes, windstorms, floods, extreme
rain events, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, volcanic activity, tsunamis,
fires, explosions, air or water contamination, blight, droughts, infestations,
riots, sabotage, hostile military or paramilitary action, hazardous material,
accidents, disease or contagion outbreaks, bioterrorism, terrorism, or
incidents involving weapons of mass destruction, that requires, or may
require, assistance from other counties, states, the federal government, or
from private agencies."
3. By amending the definition of "emergency" to read:
""Emergency" means [any] the
occurrence[,] or imminent threat [thereof, which results or may
likely result in substantial injury or] of disaster that causes or may
be likely to cause catastrophic harm and immediate danger to the
population [or], substantial damage to or loss of property,
or substantial damage to or loss of the environment[.], and that
timely action can avert or minimize."
SECTION 4. Section 127A-13, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-13 Additional powers in an emergency period. (a) In the event of a state of emergency declared by the governor pursuant to section 127A-14, the governor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) Provide for and require the quarantine or segregation of persons who are affected with or believed to have been exposed to any infectious, communicable, or other disease that is, in the governor's opinion, dangerous to the public health and safety, or persons who are the source of other contamination, in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety; provide for the care and treatment of the persons; supplement the provisions of sections 325-32 to 325-38 concerning compulsory immunization programs; provide for the isolation or closing of property that is a source of contamination or is in a dangerous condition in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety, and designate as public nuisances acts, practices, conduct, or conditions that are dangerous to the public health or safety or to property; authorize that public nuisances be summarily abated and, if need be, that the property be destroyed by any police officer or authorized person, or provide for the cleansing or repair of property, and if the cleansing or repair is to be at the expense of the owner, the procedure therefor shall follow as nearly as may be the provisions of section 322-2, which shall be applicable; and further, authorize without the permission of the owners or occupants, entry on private premises for any of these purposes;
(2) Relieve hardships and
inequities, or obstructions to the public health, safety, or welfare, found by
the governor to exist in the laws and to result from the operation of federal
programs or measures taken under this chapter, by suspending the laws, in whole
or in part, or by alleviating [the provisions of laws on], subject
to terms and conditions [as] that the governor may [impose,]
specify, the provisions of laws, including licensing laws, quarantine
laws, and laws relating to labels, grades, and standards;
(3) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any law that impedes or
tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient execution
of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by this
chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
governor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions,
and any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for
each section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated
and justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be delayed by
any permit, authorization, or approval;
(4) Suspend the provisions of any regulatory law prescribing the procedures for out-of-state utilities to conduct business in the State including any licensing laws applicable to out-of-state utilities or their respective employees, as well as any order, rule, or regulation of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any law, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action of a state utility in coping with the emergency or disaster with assistance that may be provided under a mutual assistance agreement;
(5) In the event of disaster or
emergency beyond local control, [or] an event that in the opinion of the
governor[, renders] makes state operational control or
coordination necessary, or upon request of the [local entity,] county,
and notwithstanding sections 127A-14 and 127A‑25, requires the county to
obtain the governor's approval, or the approval of the director of the Hawaii
emergency management agency, before issuing any emergency order, rule, or
proclamation under this chapter, assume direct operational control over all
or any part of the emergency management functions within the affected area;
(6) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(7) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population;
(8) Exercise additional emergency functions to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto;
(9) Suspend section 8-1, relating to state holidays, except the last paragraph relating to holidays declared by the president, which shall remain unaffected, and in the event of the suspension, the governor may establish state holidays by proclamation;
(10) Adjust the hours for voting to take into consideration the working hours of the voters during the emergency period, and suspend those provisions of section 11-131 that fix the hours for voting, and fix other hours by stating the same in the election proclamation or notice, as the case may be;
(11) Assure the continuity of service by critical infrastructure facilities, both publicly and privately owned, by regulating or, if necessary to the continuation of the service thereof, by taking over and operating the same; and
(12) Except as provided in section 134-7.2, whenever in the governor's opinion, the laws of the State do not adequately provide for the common defense, public health, safety, and welfare, investigate, regulate, or prohibit the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution of, as well as any transaction related to, explosives, firearms, and ammunition, inflammable materials and other objects, implements, substances, businesses, or services of a hazardous or dangerous character, or particularly capable of misuse, or obstructive of or tending to obstruct law enforcement, emergency management, or military operations, including intoxicating liquor and the liquor business; and authorize the seizure and forfeiture of any objects, implements, or substances unlawfully possessed, as provided in this chapter.
(b) In the event of a local state of emergency declared by the mayor pursuant to section 127A-14, the mayor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) Relieve hardships and
inequities, or obstructions to the public health, safety, or welfare, found by
the mayor to exist in the laws of the county and to result from the operation
of federal programs or measures taken under this chapter, by suspending the
county laws, in whole or in part, or by alleviating [the provisions of
county laws on], subject to terms and conditions [as] that
the mayor may [impose,] specify, the provisions of county laws,
including county licensing laws[,] and county laws relating to labels,
grades, and standards;
(2) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any county law that
impedes or tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient
execution of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by
this chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
mayor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions, and
any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for each
section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated and
justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be
delayed by any permit, authorization, or approval;
(3) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(4) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population; and
(5) Exercise additional emergency functions, to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and any other county law to the contrary notwithstanding, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto."
SECTION 5. Section 127A-14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-14 State of emergency. (a) The governor may declare the existence of a state of emergency in the State by proclamation if the governor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the State.
(b) A mayor may declare the existence of a local state of emergency in the county by proclamation if the mayor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the county.
(c) [The] Except as provided in
subsections (e) and (f), the governor or mayor shall be the sole judge of
the existence of the danger, threat, or circumstances giving rise to a
declaration, an extension, or a termination of a state of emergency in the
State or a local state of emergency in the county, as applicable. This section shall not limit the power and
authority of the governor under section 127A-13(a)(5).
(d) A state of emergency and a local state of emergency shall terminate automatically sixty days after the issuance of a proclamation of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, unless extended or terminated by a separate or supplementary proclamation of the governor or mayor. The governor or mayor shall proclaim the termination of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant.
(e) The legislature may, by an affirmative vote of two‑thirds of the members to which each house is entitled, terminate a state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the governor pursuant to this section.
(f) The county council may, by an affirmative vote of two‑thirds, terminate a local state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the mayor pursuant to this section."
SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Emergency Management; State of Emergency; Local State of Emergency
Description:
Clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Defines "severe weather warning". Amends the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency" to limit the use of emergency powers except to address sudden events that cause or are likely to cause catastrophic harm or immediate danger. Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and city councils to terminate a local state of emergency. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2151 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to emergency management.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature finds that chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, should clearly specify and articulate the bases for emergency actions. To that end, the purpose of this Act is to clarify state and county emergency management authority, ensure effective and adaptable emergency responses, and further the goals of transparency and democratic accountability within the State's constitutional system.
SECTION 2. Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§127A- Suspension of certain record requests; prohibited. (a) The governor or mayor shall not, through any proclamation or declaration of emergency or any rule or order adopted pursuant to this chapter, suspend agency response deadlines for requests for:
(1) Public records pursuant to part II of chapter 92F; or
(2) Vital records or statistics pursuant to sections 338‑18.
(b) Due to extenuating circumstances, there may be a reasonable delay in an agency's response to a request; provided that an agency shall not reject a request at any time, regardless of whether an emergency has been declared."
SECTION 3. Section 127A-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:
""Severe weather warning" means the issuance of a public notification by the National Weather Service, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, United States Geological Survey, or other public authority, that a dangerous condition exists that could impact the State, or any portion of it, within a specified period of time. "Severe weather warning" includes but is not limited to warnings of coastal inundation, high surf, flash flooding, volcanic activity, a tsunami, or a hurricane."
SECTION 4. Section 127A-13, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-13 Additional powers in an emergency period. (a) In the event of a state of emergency declared by the governor pursuant to section 127A-14, the governor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) Provide for and require the quarantine or segregation of persons who are affected with or believed to have been exposed to any infectious, communicable, or other disease that is, in the governor's opinion, dangerous to the public health and safety, or persons who are the source of other contamination, in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety; provide for the care and treatment of the persons; supplement the provisions of sections 325-32 to 325-38 concerning compulsory immunization programs; provide for the isolation or closing of property that is a source of contamination or is in a dangerous condition in any case where, in the governor's opinion, the existing laws are not adequate to assure the public health and safety, and designate as public nuisances acts, practices, conduct, or conditions that are dangerous to the public health or safety or to property; authorize that public nuisances be summarily abated and, if need be, that the property be destroyed by any police officer or authorized person, or provide for the cleansing or repair of property, and if the cleansing or repair is to be at the expense of the owner, the procedure therefor shall follow as nearly as may be the provisions of section 322-2, which shall be applicable; and further, authorize without the permission of the owners or occupants, entry on private premises for any of these purposes;
(2) Relieve hardships and
inequities, or obstructions to the public health, safety, or welfare, found by
the governor to exist in the laws and to result from the operation of federal
programs or measures taken under this chapter, by suspending the laws, in whole
or in part, or by alleviating [the provisions of laws on], subject
to terms and conditions [as] that the governor may [impose,]
specify, the provisions of laws, including licensing laws, quarantine
laws, and laws relating to labels, grades, and standards;
(3) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any law that impedes or
tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient execution
of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by this
chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
governor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions,
and any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for
each section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated
and justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be delayed by
any permit, authorization, or approval;
(4) Suspend the provisions of any regulatory law prescribing the procedures for out-of-state utilities to conduct business in the State including any licensing laws applicable to out-of-state utilities or their respective employees, as well as any order, rule, or regulation of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any law, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action of a state utility in coping with the emergency or disaster with assistance that may be provided under a mutual assistance agreement;
(5) In the event of disaster or
emergency beyond local control, [or] an event that in the opinion of the
governor[, renders] makes state operational control or
coordination necessary, or upon request of the [local entity,] county,
and notwithstanding sections 127A-14 and 127A‑25, requires the county to
obtain the governor's approval, or the approval of the director of the Hawaii
emergency management agency, before issuing any emergency order, rule, or
proclamation under this chapter, assume direct operational control over all
or any part of the emergency management functions within the affected area;
(6) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(7) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population;
(8) Exercise additional emergency functions to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto;
(9) Suspend section 8-1, relating to state holidays, except the last paragraph relating to holidays declared by the president, which shall remain unaffected, and in the event of the suspension, the governor may establish state holidays by proclamation;
(10) Adjust the hours for voting to take into consideration the working hours of the voters during the emergency period, and suspend those provisions of section 11-131 that fix the hours for voting, and fix other hours by stating the same in the election proclamation or notice, as the case may be;
(11) Assure the continuity of service by critical infrastructure facilities, both publicly and privately owned, by regulating or, if necessary to the continuation of the service thereof, by taking over and operating the same; and
(12) Except as provided in section 134-7.2, whenever in the governor's opinion, the laws of the State do not adequately provide for the common defense, public health, safety, and welfare, investigate, regulate, or prohibit the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution of, as well as any transaction related to, explosives, firearms, and ammunition, inflammable materials and other objects, implements, substances, businesses, or services of a hazardous or dangerous character, or particularly capable of misuse, or obstructive of or tending to obstruct law enforcement, emergency management, or military operations, including intoxicating liquor and the liquor business; and authorize the seizure and forfeiture of any objects, implements, or substances unlawfully possessed, as provided in this chapter.
(b) In the event of a local state of emergency declared by the mayor pursuant to section 127A-14, the mayor may exercise the following additional powers pertaining to emergency management during the emergency period:
(1) Relieve hardships and
inequities, or obstructions to the public health, safety, or welfare, found by
the mayor to exist in the laws of the county and to result from the operation
of federal programs or measures taken under this chapter, by suspending the
county laws, in whole or in part, or by alleviating [the provisions of
county laws on], subject to terms and conditions [as] that
the mayor may [impose,] specify, the provisions of county laws,
including county licensing laws[,] and county laws relating to labels,
grades, and standards;
(2) [Suspend] Except
as provided in section 127A- , suspend any county law that
impedes or tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient
execution of, or to conflict with, emergency functions, including laws that by
this chapter specifically are made applicable to emergency personnel; provided
that any suspension of law shall be no broader and last no longer than the
mayor deems necessary for the execution of emergency management functions, and
any suspension of law shall identify the section of law suspended and, for each
section, shall both specify the emergency management functions facilitated and
justify the suspension based on protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare; provided further that any suspension of law that requires permits,
authorizations, or approvals from any state or county agency may continue
beyond the emergency period to allow for the completion of any repairs,
reconstruction, rebuilding, or construction of any state or county
infrastructure, facilities, or properties that would otherwise be
delayed by any permit, authorization, or approval;
(3) Shut off water mains, gas mains, or electric power connections, or suspend other services;
(4) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population; and
(5) Exercise additional emergency functions, to the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require; to investigate; and any other county law to the contrary notwithstanding, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto."
SECTION 5. Section 127A-14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§127A-14 State of emergency. (a) The governor may declare the existence of a state of emergency in the State by proclamation if the governor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the State.
(b) A mayor may declare the existence of a local state of emergency in the county by proclamation if the mayor finds that an emergency or a disaster has occurred or that there is imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster in any portion of the county.
(c) [The] Except
as provided in subsections (e) and (f), the governor or mayor shall be the
sole judge of the existence of the danger, threat, or circumstances giving rise
to a declaration, an extension, or a termination of a state of emergency in the
State or a local state of emergency in the county, as applicable. This section shall not limit the power and
authority of the governor under section 127A-13(a)(5).
(d) A state of emergency and a local state of emergency shall terminate automatically sixty days after the issuance of a proclamation of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, unless extended or terminated by a separate or supplementary proclamation of the governor or mayor. The governor or mayor shall proclaim the termination of a state of emergency or local state of emergency, respectively, at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant.
(e) The legislature may, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members to which each house is entitled, terminate a state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the governor pursuant to this section.
(f) The county council may, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds, terminate a local state of emergency, in part or in whole, declared by the mayor pursuant to this section."
SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Emergency Management; State of Emergency; Local State of Emergency
Description:
Clarifies State and local authority during a state or local state of emergency. Adds definition of "severe weather warning". Allows the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and city councils to terminate a local state of emergency.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 632). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Souza voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 04-14-26. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2127-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Takayama, Garcia, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Sayama, Cochran. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Wednesday, 04-08-26 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Souza voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4). |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from PBS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1563-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. |
| Mar 27, 2026 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Belatti, Iwamoto, Hashem, Ichiyama, Woodson; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Shimizu; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Souza; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Morikawa, Poepoe. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Friday, 03-27-26 11:00AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | The committee(s) on PBS recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 03-27-26 11:00AM. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Wednesday, 03-25-26 11:00AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on PBS recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 03-25-26 11:00AM. |
| Mar 18, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by PBS on Friday, 03-20-26 10:30AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to PBS, JHA, referral sheet 17 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 182) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Gabbard. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3099) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Mar 5, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Gabbard ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC deferred the measure until 03-05-26 10:00AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-24-26 10:00AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Reported from PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2131) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC. |
| Feb 9, 2026 | Reported from PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2131) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in PSM were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Fukunaga, Lee, C., Inouye, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Hashimoto. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on PSM has scheduled a public hearing on 01-28-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Referred to PSM, JDC. |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Introduced and passed First Reading. |
| Jan 14, 2026 | Pending Introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
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| Mar 27, 2026 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Passed |
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 5, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Jan 28, 2026 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs |
Passed |
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.
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Organization
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Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Big Island Press Club | *** Support | Jan 28, 2026 |
| Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) | *** Support | Jan 28, 2026 |
| Department of Defense | *** Against | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Earthjustice (Mid-Pacific Office) | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Free Access Coalition | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Grassroot Institute of Hawaii | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Hawaii Emergency Management Agency | ** Against | |
| Hawaiian Islands Republican Women | *** Against | Feb 24, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency | *** Against | Mar 20, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency | *** Against | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Hawai’i Christian Coalition | *** Against | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Kauai Indivisible | *** Support | Feb 24, 2026 |
| Kauai Women's Caucus | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Kauaʻi County Council | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Kūpuna for the Moʻopuna | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| League of Women Voters of Hawaii | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Libertarian Party of Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Maui County Council | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Public First Law Center | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Sierra Club of Hawai‘i | *** Support | Apr 8, 2026 |
| State of Hawaii Department of Defense | *** Against | Mar 20, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3099
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2151
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2151, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Clarify state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency;
(2) Define "severe weather warning";
(3) Amend the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency" to limit the use of emergency powers except to address sudden events that cause or are likely to cause catastrophic harm or immediate danger; and
(4) Allow the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and county councils to terminate a local state of emergency.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, Earthjustice, Libertarian Party of Hawaii, Public First Law Center, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and three individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from eighty-eight individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Information Practices, Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, and one individual.
Your Committee finds that existing law does not provide clear guardrails on the use of emergency powers by the Governor and mayors during a state of emergency. This measure will establish guardrails on the use of emergency powers to ensure the constitutional balance of powers and mitigate executive overreach.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Deleting language that would have amended the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency";
(2) Inserting an effective date of March 22, 2075, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2151, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2151, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2131
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2151
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2151 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Clarify state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency;
(2) Add a definition of "severe weather warning"; and
(3) Allow the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency and city councils to terminate a local state of emergency.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Earthjustice, Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, League of Women Voters of Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, Public First Law Center, and two individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Department of Emergency Management of the City and County of Honolulu, and Libertarian Party of Hawaii.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Information Practices.
Your Committee finds that existing statutory provisions governing states of emergency are vague and overly permissive of emergency actions, allowing the governor's and mayors' use of emergency powers without oversight and with few restrictions. Additionally, recent court decisions threaten to exacerbate this problem by allowing the use of emergency powers to address long‑term issues of public policy. Without legislative action, these court decisions would undermine the balance of powers that is central to effective governance in the State. This measure therefore seeks to address the potential abuse of emergency powers.
Your Committee notes that securing a supermajority vote for any legislative act, no matter how important, is extremely challenging, and therefore this measure should be amended to limit the use of emergency powers in the first place.
Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Restricting the definition of "disaster" to include only sudden, specified events; and
(2) Clarifying that an emergency means an event that causes or is likely to cause catastrophic harm and immediate danger, and that can be averted or minimized by timely action.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2151, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2151, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,
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________________________________ CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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|---|---|
| Apr 8, 2026 | SB2151_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_04-08-26_.PDF |
| Mar 20, 2026 | SB2151_SD2_TESTIMONY_PBS_03-20-26_.PDF |
| Feb 24, 2026 | SB2151_SD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_02-24-26_.PDF |
| Jan 28, 2026 | SB2151_TESTIMONY_PSM_01-28-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
20MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
5MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
6MIN
House Standing Committee on Public Safety
37MIN
House Standing Committee on Public Safety
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
5MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
27MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs
Bill Author
