2026 Legislative Session

HAWAI ʻ I ISLAND  – This past month, m embers of the House Finance Committee visited Hawaiʻi Island to see firsthand several projects and programs supported by the Legislature. During the visit, committee members met with stakeholders to discuss community needs, assess ongoing initiatives, and identify key priorities for the upcoming legislative session.   The site visits, which took place from December 9 – 11, 2025, provided a glimpse into Hawaiʻi Island's priority items.  

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi  – House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura today shared a list of laws taking effect on January 1, 2026.   ACT 79, SLH 2025 (HB 544 CD1)  – Relating to Pet Insurance Establishes a regulatory framework specifically for pet insurance based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Pet Insurance Model Act.   ACT 203, SLH 2025 (HB 692 CD1)  – Relating to the Preschool Open Doors Program Expands the Preschool Open Doors Program's eligibility criteria. Repe

HONOLULU  – The Hawaiʻi State Legislature today announced that the Grant-In-Aid (GIA) process for the 2026 Legislative Session is now open, and eligible organizations are asked to submit their applications to the Legislature.   "Local nonprofits provide critical safety net programs in our communities and the grants-in-aid process provides an opportunity to help meet the needs of our vulnerable populations," said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz  (