SB 2607: Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects; Landscape Architects; Licensing Requirements
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-04-29
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-05-29: Act 064, on 05/29/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1164).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill lets Hawaii’s Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects set the education and exam requirements for landscape architect licensure. It clarifies experience paths: degree holders from board‑approved programs need two years' experience, while other applicants can qualify with eight years of experience. The board may require a Hawaii‑focused written exam and allow certain schooling to count toward the experience requirement.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Authorizes the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational and examination requirements for landscape architect licensure. Clarifies experience requirements for landscape architect licensure. (CD1)
Authorizes the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational and examination requirements for landscape architect licensure. Clarifies experience requirements for landscape architect licensure. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational and examination requirements for landscape architect licensure. Clarifies experience requirements for landscape architect licensure. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Authorizes the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational, examination, and experience requirements for landscape architect licensure.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2607 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the board is the entity best suited to determine the eligibility requirements for the licensure of landscape architects in the State and should be authorized to implement standards as it deems appropriate.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Authorize the board of professional engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects to determine the appropriate educational and examination requirements for landscape architect licensure in the State; and
(2) Clarify experience requirements for landscape architect licensure.
SECTION 2. Section 464-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:
""Board" means the board of professional engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects established in section 464-6."
SECTION 3. Section 464-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§464-8 Qualifications for licensure. (a) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional engineer unless:
(1) The person is the holder of an unexpired license issued to the person by any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, in which the requirements for licensure at the time the person was first licensed are of a standard satisfactory to the board; provided that if the board is in doubt as to whether the standards are satisfactory, or as to whether the holder was required to fully comply with them, it shall require that the holder successfully pass a written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the holder's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of engineering;
(2) The
person is the holder of a master's degree in engineering from an institution of
higher education approved by the board; is a graduate of a school or college
approved by the board as of satisfactory standing and has completed an
engineering curriculum of four years or more; has had three years of full-time
lawful experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the board,
or part-time experience [which] that the board finds to be the
equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a written examination,
prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and
competency in the profession of engineering;
(3) The
person is the holder of a master's degree in engineering from an institution of
higher education approved by the board; has had four years of full-time lawful
experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the board, or
part-time experience [which] that the board finds to be the
equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a written examination,
prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and
competency in the profession of engineering;
(4) The
person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of
satisfactory standing, and has completed an engineering curriculum of four
years or more; has had four years of full-time lawful experience in engineering
work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience [which]
that the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully
passed a written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the
person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of engineering;
(5) The
person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of
satisfactory standing, and has completed an engineering technology or arts and
science curriculum of four years or more; has had eight years of full-time
lawful experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the board,
or part-time experience [which] that the board finds to be the
equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a written examination,
prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and
competency in the profession of engineering; or
(6) The
person has had twelve years of full-time lawful experience in engineering work
of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience [which]
that the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully
passed a written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's
knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of engineering.
(b) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional architect unless:
(1) The person is the holder of an unexpired license in architecture issued to the person by any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, and the person meets the requirements of this chapter and the rules of the board;
(2) The
person is the holder of a bachelor's, master's, or higher degree in
architecture from a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory
standing; has had three years of full-time lawful experience in architecture
work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience [which]
that the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully
passed a professional written examination, prescribed by the board and designed
to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of
architecture;
(3) The
person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of
satisfactory standing and has completed an architectural curriculum of four
years or a pre-architecture or arts and science curriculum of four years or
more; has had five years of full-time lawful experience in architecture work of
a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience [which] that
the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a
professional written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test
the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of
architecture;
(4) The
person is a graduate of a community college or other technical training school
approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed an
architectural technology curriculum of two years or more; has had eight years
of full-time lawful experience in architecture work of a character satisfactory
to the board, or part-time experience [which] that the board
finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a professional
written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's
knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of architecture; or
(5) The
person has had eleven years of full-time lawful experience in architecture work
of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience [which]
that the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully
passed a professional written examination, prescribed by the board and designed
to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of
architecture;
provided that those persons who qualify under paragraphs (2) through (5), as of June 30, 2000, shall be required to fulfill the requirements of the intern development program of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards or of any similar program satisfactory to the board, and approved by the board. For paragraph (2), the intern development program shall fulfill the experience requirement. For paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), time participating in the intern development program shall be credited toward the experience requirement.
(c) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional land surveyor unless:
(1) (A) The person is the holder of an unexpired license issued to the person by any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, in which the requirements for licensure at the time the person was first licensed are of a standard satisfactory to the board; provided that if the board is in doubt as to whether the standards are satisfactory, or as to whether the holder was required to fully comply with them, it shall require that the holder successfully pass the national land surveyor licensing examinations and a written, multiple-choice examination on the subject of Hawaii land matters and Hawaii land description;
(B) The
person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of
satisfactory standing, and has completed a geoscience, civil engineering, or
general engineering curriculum of four years or more; has had three years of
full-time lawful experience in land surveying of a character satisfactory to
the board, or part-time experience [which] that the board finds
to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national land
surveyor licensing examinations and a written, multiple-choice examination on
the subject of Hawaii land matters and Hawaii land description;
(C) The
person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of
satisfactory standing, and has completed a civil engineering technology (survey
option) curriculum of two years or more or arts and sciences curriculum of four
years or more; has had seven years of full-time lawful experience in land
surveying of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience [which]
that the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully
passed the national land surveyor licensing examinations and a written,
multiple-choice examination on the subject of Hawaii land matters and Hawaii
land description; or
(D) The
person has had eleven years of full-time lawful experience in land surveying of
a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience [which] that
the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the
national land surveyor licensing examinations and a written, multiple-choice
examination on the subject of Hawaii land matters and Hawaii land description;
and
(2) Any applicant shall certify on the application that the applicant has read, understood, and agrees to comply with the laws and rules that the board determines are required for licensure.
(d) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional landscape architect unless:
(1) The person is the holder of an
unexpired license in good standing issued to the person by any
jurisdiction[, domestic or foreign, in which the requirements for licensure
at the time the person was first licensed are of a standard satisfactory to the
board; provided that if the board is in doubt as to whether the standards are
satisfactory, or as to whether the holder was required to fully comply with
them, it] approved by the board to practice landscape architecture;
provided that the board shall require that the holder successfully pass [the
national landscape architect licensing examination and] a written
examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the holder's knowledge of
the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use
ordinance and special management area requirements, and cultural and historical
conditions affecting landscape architecture;
(2) The person is the holder of a [master's]
degree in landscape architecture from [an institution of higher education
approved by the board; is a graduate of] a school or college approved by
the board [as of satisfactory standing and has completed a landscape
architectural curriculum of four years or more]; has had two years of
full-time lawful experience in landscape architecture work of a character
satisfactory to the board, or part-time lawful experience [which]
that the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully
passed the national landscape architect licensing examination and a written
examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the person's knowledge of
the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use
ordinance and special management area requirements, and cultural and historical
conditions affecting landscape architecture; or
[(3) The person is a graduate of a school
or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed
a landscape architectural curriculum of four years or more; has had three years
of full-time lawful experience in landscape architecture work of a character
satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be
the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national landscape
architect licensing examination and a written examination, prescribed by the
board designed to test the person's knowledge of the State's climatic
conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use ordinance and special
management area requirements, and cultural and historical conditions affecting
landscape architecture;
(4) The person is a graduate of a school
or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed
a pre-landscape architecture or arts and science curriculum of four years or
more; has had five years of full-time lawful experience in landscape
architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time
experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has
successfully passed the national landscape architect licensing examination and
a written examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the person's
knowledge of the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native
ecosystems, land use ordinance and special management area requirements, and
cultural and historical conditions affecting landscape architecture; or
(5)] (3) The person has had [twelve] eight
years of full-time lawful experience in landscape architecture work of a
character satisfactory to the board, or part-time lawful experience [which] that the board finds to be
the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national landscape
architect licensing examination and a written examination, prescribed by the
board designed to test the person's knowledge of the State's climatic
conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use ordinance and special
management area requirements, and cultural and historical conditions affecting
landscape architecture.
[(6)] The
person may earn credit toward the required years of lawful experience
through one of the following options:
(A) If the person holds a degree or certificate in landscape architecture from a school or college not approved by the board, then the person may be credited with one year of experience for each year of schooling completed up to a maximum of four years of credited experience; or
(B) If the person holds any degree or certificate, then the applicant may be credited with six months of experience for each one year of schooling completed up to a maximum of two years of credited experience.
(e) The applicant shall also certify on the application that the applicant has read, understood, and agrees to comply with the laws and rules that the board determines are required for licensure.
In
addition to the [foregoing] requirements[,] under this
section, the board, in its discretion, may also require additional proof
that the applicant is competent to practice professionally, and whenever the
board is not fully satisfied [from] with the results of an
examination that any applicant is competent to practice professionally, it may
give the applicant a further examination or examinations.
No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional engineer, architect, land surveyor, or landscape architect if the person does not possess a history of honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing."
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects; Landscape Architects; Licensing Requirements
Description:
Authorizes the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational and examination requirements for landscape architect licensure. Clarifies experience requirements for landscape architect licensure. (CD1)
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. |
2607 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the board is the entity best suited to determine the eligibility requirements for the licensure of landscape architects in the State and should be authorized to implement standards as it deems appropriate.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Authorize the board of professional engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects to determine the appropriate educational and examination requirements for landscape architect licensure in the State; and
(2) Clarify experience requirements for landscape architect licensure.
SECTION 2. Section 464-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:
""Board" means the board of professional engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects established in section 464-6."
SECTION 3. Section 464-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§464-8 Qualifications for licensure. (a) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional engineer unless:
(1) The person is the holder of an unexpired license issued to the person by any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, in which the requirements for licensure at the time the person was first licensed are of a standard satisfactory to the board; provided that if the board is in doubt as to whether the standards are satisfactory, or as to whether the holder was required to fully comply with them, it shall require that the holder successfully pass a written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the holder's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of engineering;
(2) The person is the holder of a master's degree in engineering from an institution of higher education approved by the board; is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing and has completed an engineering curriculum of four years or more; has had three years of full-time lawful experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of engineering;
(3) The person is the holder of a master's degree in engineering from an institution of higher education approved by the board; has had four years of full-time lawful experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of engineering;
(4) The person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed an engineering curriculum of four years or more; has had four years of full-time lawful experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of engineering;
(5) The person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed an engineering technology or arts and science curriculum of four years or more; has had eight years of full-time lawful experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of engineering; or
(6) The person has had twelve years of full-time lawful experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of engineering.
(b) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional architect unless:
(1) The person is the holder of an unexpired license in architecture issued to the person by any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, and the person meets the requirements of this chapter and the rules of the board;
(2) The person is the holder of a bachelor's, master's, or higher degree in architecture from a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing; has had three years of full-time lawful experience in architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a professional written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of architecture;
(3) The person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing and has completed an architectural curriculum of four years or a pre-architecture or arts and science curriculum of four years or more; has had five years of full-time lawful experience in architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a professional written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of architecture;
(4) The person is a graduate of a community college or other technical training school approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed an architectural technology curriculum of two years or more; has had eight years of full-time lawful experience in architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a professional written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of architecture; or
(5) The person has had eleven years of full-time lawful experience in architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed a professional written examination, prescribed by the board and designed to test the person's knowledge, skill, and competency in the profession of architecture;
provided that those persons who qualify under paragraphs (2) through (5), as of June 30, 2000, shall be required to fulfill the requirements of the intern development program of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards or of any similar program satisfactory to the board, and approved by the board. For paragraph (2), the intern development program shall fulfill the experience requirement. For paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), time participating in the intern development program shall be credited toward the experience requirement.
(c) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional land surveyor unless:
(1) (A) The person is the holder of an unexpired license issued to the person by any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, in which the requirements for licensure at the time the person was first licensed are of a standard satisfactory to the board; provided that if the board is in doubt as to whether the standards are satisfactory, or as to whether the holder was required to fully comply with them, it shall require that the holder successfully pass the national land surveyor licensing examinations and a written, multiple-choice examination on the subject of Hawaii land matters and Hawaii land description;
(B) The person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed a geoscience, civil engineering, or general engineering curriculum of four years or more; has had three years of full-time lawful experience in land surveying of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national land surveyor licensing examinations and a written, multiple-choice examination on the subject of Hawaii land matters and Hawaii land description;
(C) The person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed a civil engineering technology (survey option) curriculum of two years or more or arts and sciences curriculum of four years or more; has had seven years of full-time lawful experience in land surveying of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national land surveyor licensing examinations and a written, multiple-choice examination on the subject of Hawaii land matters and Hawaii land description; or
(D) The person has had eleven years of full-time lawful experience in land surveying of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national land surveyor licensing examinations and a written, multiple-choice examination on the subject of Hawaii land matters and Hawaii land description; and
(2) Any applicant shall certify on the application that the applicant has read, understood, and agrees to comply with the laws and rules that the board determines are required for licensure.
(d) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional landscape architect unless:
(1) The person is the holder of an
unexpired license in good standing issued to the person by any
jurisdiction[, domestic or foreign, in which the requirements for licensure
at the time the person was first licensed are of a standard satisfactory to the
board; provided that if the board is in doubt as to whether the standards are
satisfactory, or as to whether the holder was required to fully comply with
them, it] approved by the board to practice landscape architecture;
provided that the board shall require that the holder successfully pass [the
national landscape architect licensing examination and] a written
examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the holder's knowledge of
the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use
ordinance and special management area requirements, and cultural and historical
conditions affecting landscape architecture;
(2) The person is the holder of a [master's]
degree in landscape architecture from [an institution of higher education
approved by the board; is a graduate of] a school or college approved by
the board [as of satisfactory standing and has completed a landscape
architectural curriculum of four years or more]; has had two years of
full-time lawful experience in landscape architecture work of a character
satisfactory to the board, or part-time lawful experience [which]
that the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully
passed the national landscape architect licensing examination and a written
examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the person's knowledge of
the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use
ordinance and special management area requirements, and cultural and historical
conditions affecting landscape architecture; or
[(3) The person is a graduate of a school
or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed
a landscape architectural curriculum of four years or more; has had three years
of full-time lawful experience in landscape architecture work of a character
satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be
the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national landscape
architect licensing examination and a written examination, prescribed by the
board designed to test the person's knowledge of the State's climatic
conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use ordinance and special
management area requirements, and cultural and historical conditions affecting
landscape architecture;
(4) The person is a graduate of a school
or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed
a pre-landscape architecture or arts and science curriculum of four years or
more; has had five years of full-time lawful experience in landscape
architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time
experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has
successfully passed the national landscape architect licensing examination and
a written examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the person's
knowledge of the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native
ecosystems, land use ordinance and special management area requirements, and
cultural and historical conditions affecting landscape architecture; or
(5)] (3) The person has had [twelve] eight
years of full-time lawful experience in landscape architecture work of a
character satisfactory to the board, or part-time lawful experience [which] that the board finds to be
the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national landscape
architect licensing examination and a written examination, prescribed by the
board designed to test the person's knowledge of the State's climatic
conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use ordinance and special
management area requirements, and cultural and historical conditions affecting
landscape architecture.
[(6)] The
person may earn credit toward the required years of lawful experience
through one of the following options:
(A) If the person holds a degree or certificate in landscape architecture from a school or college not approved by the board, then the person may be credited with one year of experience for each year of schooling completed up to a maximum of four years of credited experience; or
(B) If the person holds any degree or certificate, then the applicant may be credited with six months of experience for each one year of schooling completed up to a maximum of two years of credited experience.
(e) The applicant shall also certify on the application that the applicant has read, understood, and agrees to comply with the laws and rules that the board determines are required for licensure.
In
addition to the [foregoing] requirements[,] under this
section, the board, in its discretion, may also require additional proof
that the applicant is competent to practice professionally, and whenever the
board is not fully satisfied [from] with the results of an
examination that any applicant is competent to practice professionally, it may
give the applicant a further examination or examinations.
No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional engineer, architect, land surveyor, or landscape architect if the person does not possess a history of honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing."
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION
5. Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken. New statutory
material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects; Landscape Architects; Licensing Requirements
Description:
Authorizes the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational and examination requirements for landscape architect licensure. Clarifies experience requirements for landscape architect licensure. 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. |
2607 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the board is the entity best suited to determine the eligibility requirements for the licensure of landscape architects in the State and should be authorized to implement standards as it deems appropriate.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Authorize the board of professional engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects to determine the appropriate educational and examination requirements for landscape architect licensure in the State; and
(2) Clarify experience requirements for landscape architect licensure.
SECTION 2. Section 464-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:
""Board" means the board of professional engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects established in section 464-6."
SECTION 3. Section 464-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
"(d) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional landscape architect unless:
(1) The person is the holder of an
unexpired license in good standing issued to the person by any
jurisdiction[, domestic or foreign, in which the requirements for licensure
at the time the person was first licensed are of a standard satisfactory to the
board; provided that if the board is in doubt as to whether the standards are
satisfactory, or as to whether the holder was required to fully comply with
them, it] approved by the board to practice landscape architecture;
provided that the board shall require that the holder successfully pass [the
national landscape architect licensing examination and] a written examination,
prescribed by the board designed to test the holder's knowledge of the State's
climatic conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use ordinance
and special management area requirements, and cultural and historical
conditions affecting landscape architecture;
(2) The person is the holder of a [master's]
degree in landscape architecture from [an institution of higher education
approved by the board; is a graduate of] a school or college approved by
the board [as of satisfactory standing and has completed a landscape
architectural curriculum of four years or more]; has had two years of
full-time lawful experience in landscape architecture work of a character
satisfactory to the board, or part-time lawful experience [which]
that the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has successfully
passed the national landscape architect licensing examination and a written
examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the person's knowledge of
the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use
ordinance and special management area requirements, and cultural and historical
conditions affecting landscape architecture; or
[(3) The person is a graduate of a school
or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed
a landscape architectural curriculum of four years or more; has had three years
of full-time lawful experience in landscape architecture work of a character
satisfactory to the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be
the equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national landscape
architect licensing examination and a written examination, prescribed by the
board designed to test the person's knowledge of the State's climatic conditions,
native plants and native ecosystems, land use ordinance and special management
area requirements, and cultural and historical conditions affecting landscape
architecture;
(4) The person is a graduate of a school
or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, and has completed
a pre-landscape architecture or arts and science curriculum of four years or
more; has had five years of full-time lawful experience in landscape
architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time
experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has
successfully passed the national landscape architect licensing examination and
a written examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the person's
knowledge of the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native
ecosystems, land use ordinance and special management area requirements, and
cultural and historical conditions affecting landscape architecture; or
(5)]
(3) The
person has had [twelve] eight years of full-time lawful
experience in landscape architecture work of a character satisfactory to the
board, or part-time lawful experience [which] that the board finds to be the
equivalent thereof; and has successfully passed the national landscape
architect licensing examination and a written examination, prescribed by the
board designed to test the person's knowledge of the State's climatic
conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use ordinance and special
management area requirements, and cultural and historical conditions affecting
landscape architecture.
[(6)] The
person may earn credit toward the required years of lawful experience
through one of the following options:
(A) If the person holds a degree or certificate in landscape architecture not from a school or college approved by the board, then the person may be credited with one year of experience for each year of schooling completed up to a maximum of four years of credited experience; or
(B) If the person holds any degree or certificate, then the applicant may be credited with six months of experience for each one year of schooling completed up to a maximum of two years of credited experience.
The applicant shall also certify on the application that the applicant has read, understood, and agrees to comply with the laws and rules that the board determines are required for licensure.
In
addition to the foregoing requirements, the board, in its discretion, may also
require additional proof that the applicant is competent to practice
professionally, and whenever the board is not fully satisfied [from] with
the results of an examination that any applicant is competent to practice
professionally, it may give the applicant a further examination or
examinations.
No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional engineer, architect, land surveyor, or landscape architect if the person does not possess a history of honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing."
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects; Landscape Architects; Licensing Requirements
Description:
Authorizes the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational and examination requirements for landscape architect licensure. Clarifies experience requirements for landscape architect licensure. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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. |
2607 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to landscape architects.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that the board is the entity best suited to determine the eligibility requirements for the licensure of landscape architects in the State and should be authorized to implement standards as it deems appropriate.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to authorize the board of professional engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects to determine the appropriate educational, examination, and experience requirements for landscape architect licensure in the State.
SECTION 2. Section 464-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:
""Board" means the board of professional engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects established in section 464-6."
SECTION 3. Section 464-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
"(d) No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional landscape architect unless:
(1) The
person [is the holder of an unexpired license issued to the person by any
jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, in which the requirements for licensure at
the time the person was first licensed are of a standard satisfactory to the
board; provided that if the board is in doubt as to whether the standards are
satisfactory, or as to whether the holder was required to fully comply with
them, it shall require that the holder successfully pass the national landscape
architect licensing examination and a written examination, prescribed by the
board designed to test the holder's knowledge of the State's climatic
conditions, native plants and native ecosystems, land use ordinance and special
management area requirements, and cultural and historical conditions affecting
landscape architecture;] satisfies the board's requirements for
licensure by endorsement, including:
(A) Completing all education and experience requirements; and
(B) Passing a state examination, as prescribed by the board, testing the person's knowledge of the State's:
(i) Climatic conditions;
(ii) Native plants and ecosystems;
(iii) Land use ordinances and special management area requirements; and
(iv) Historical conditions affecting landscape architecture; or
(2) The
person is the holder of a [master's] degree in landscape architecture
from [an institution of higher education approved by the board; is a
graduate of] a school or college approved by the board [as of
satisfactory standing and has completed a landscape architectural curriculum of
four years or more; has had two years of full-time lawful experience in
landscape architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or
part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and
has successfully passed the national landscape architect licensing examination
and a written examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the
person's knowledge of the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native
ecosystems, land use ordinance and special management area requirements, and
cultural and historical conditions affecting landscape architecture;] and
satisfies the board's requirements for licensure, including:
(A) Completing all education and experience requirements; and
(B) Passing a state examination, as prescribed by the board, testing the person's knowledge of the State's:
(i) Climatic conditions;
(ii) Native plants and ecosystems;
(iii) Land use ordinances and special management area requirements; and
(iv) Historical conditions affecting landscape architecture.
[(3) The
person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of
satisfactory standing, and has completed a landscape architectural curriculum
of four years or more; has had three years of full-time lawful experience in
landscape architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or
part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and
has successfully passed the national landscape architect licensing examination
and a written examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the
person's knowledge of the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native
ecosystems, land use ordinance and special management area requirements, and
cultural and historical conditions affecting landscape architecture;
(4) The
person is a graduate of a school or college approved by the board as of
satisfactory standing, and has completed a pre-landscape architecture or arts
and science curriculum of four years or more; has had five years of full-time
lawful experience in landscape architecture work of a character satisfactory to
the board, or part-time experience which the board finds to be the equivalent
thereof; and has successfully passed the national landscape architect licensing
examination and a written examination, prescribed by the board designed to test
the person's knowledge of the State's climatic conditions, native plants and
native ecosystems, land use ordinance and special management area requirements,
and cultural and historical conditions affecting landscape architecture; or
(5) The
person has had twelve years of full-time lawful experience in landscape
architecture work of a character satisfactory to the board, or part-time
experience which the board finds to be the equivalent thereof; and has
successfully passed the national landscape architect licensing examination and
a written examination, prescribed by the board designed to test the person's
knowledge of the State's climatic conditions, native plants and native
ecosystems, land use ordinance and special management area requirements, and
cultural and historical conditions affecting landscape architecture.
(6)] The applicant shall also certify on the
application that the applicant has read, understood, and agrees to comply with
the laws and rules that the board determines are required for licensure.
In addition to the foregoing requirements,
the board, in its discretion, may also require additional proof that the
applicant is competent to practice professionally, and whenever the board is
not fully satisfied [from] with the results of an examination
that any applicant is competent to practice professionally, it may give the
applicant a further examination or examinations.
No person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional engineer, architect, land surveyor, or landscape architect if the person does not possess a history of honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing."
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects; Landscape Architecture Licensing Requirements
Description:
Authorizes the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational, examination, and experience requirements for landscape architect licensure.
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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| May 29, 2026 | Act 064, on 05/29/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1164). |
| May 29, 2026 | Act 064, 05/29/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1164). |
| May 8, 2026 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 74-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 29, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 74-26). |
| Apr 29, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 2 Ayes: Representative(s) Grandinetti, Tam; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Pierick. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Lamosao, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-29-26 2:25PM; Conference Room 224. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-28-26 2:00PM; Conference Room 224. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 724). |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Keohokalole Chair; Lamosao, Awa. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 787). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Grandinetti Chair; Tam, Pierick. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 564). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 516). |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1; placed on the calendar for Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Lowen, Olds, Quinlan excused (3). |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Reported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1811-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and placement on the calendar for Third Reading. |
| Mar 31, 2026 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Grandinetti, Chun, Ilagan, Iwamoto, Kong, Marten, Tam, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Ichiyama, Lowen. |
| Mar 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by CPC on Tuesday, 03-31-26 2:05PM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to CPC, referral sheet 17 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 270) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1). |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2877) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and placement on the calendar for Third Reading. |
| Mar 4, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, Lamosao, McKelvey, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 26, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-04-26 9:35AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to CPN. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 31, 2026 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce |
Passed |
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection |
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
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Date
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| American Institute of Architects, Hawaii Chapter | ** Support | |
| American Institute of Architects, Hawaiʻi State Council (AIA Hawaii) | *** Support | Mar 31, 2026 |
| American Society of Landscape Architects | ** Support | |
| American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) | *** Support | Mar 4, 2026 |
| Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects | ** Support | |
| Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects | *** Support | Mar 31, 2026 |
| Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards | ** Support | |
| Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) | *** Support | Mar 4, 2026 |
| Hawaii State Licensing Board of Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects (PIG) | *** Support | Mar 4, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2877
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2607
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 Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2607 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to determine the appropriate educational, examination, and experience requirements for landscape architect licensure.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects; American Institute of Architects, Hawaii Chapter; Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards; American Society of Landscape Architects; and five individuals.
Your Committee finds that the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects oversees licensure of landscape architects in the State. This measure would enable the Board to modernize and align the State's landscape architect licensure requirements with current national standards, enabling greater mobility and expanded access to licensure for the landscape architecture profession.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Restoring language in existing law that specifies the experience required for certain landscape architect licensure pathways and incorporating the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards Uniform Standard's core requirements concerning accredited education or acceptable alternatives, supervised experience in defined practice domains, and examination requirements;
(2) Inserting language that clarifies the conditions for credit earned toward required years of lawful experience;
(3) Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose;
(4) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and
(5) 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 Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2607, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2607, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,
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________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 31, 2026 | SB2607_SD1_TESTIMONY_CPC_03-31-26_.PDF |
| Mar 4, 2026 | SB2607_TESTIMONY_CPN_03-04-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
3MIN
Conference Committee
56SEC
Conference Committee
3MIN
House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
48SEC
House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
39SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
39SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
Bill Author
