The Hawaii legislature adjourned its 2025 legislative session on May 2. 3,172 bills were introduced, with 257 bills passing both chambers. Governor Josh Green (D) has until July 9 to sign or veto bills. Here is what you may have missed:
Hotel Tax and Climate Mitigation
Hawaii passed SB 1396, which is a first of its kind “green fee” aimed at the tourism and accommodation industry. The measure increases the state hotel tax to 11% and requires the revenue to be split between mitigating natural resource management, climate-related disasters, and the impacts of tourism on the state’s natural environment. After similar legislation was pushed by Governor Josh Green (D) in previous years, this bill was passed and signed by the Governor on May 27. He stated that “today Hawaiʻi ushers in the first Green Fee in the nation. Once again, Hawaiʻi is at the forefront of protecting our natural resources, recognizing their fundamental role in sustaining the ecological, cultural and economic health of Hawaiʻi. As an island chain, Hawaiʻi cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action. We must build resiliency now, and the Green Fee will provide the necessary financing to ensure resources are available for our future.”
Medical Marijuana and Telehealth Services
The Hawaii legislature passed HB 302, which allows patients to engage with medical professionals regarding medical marijuana use using telehealth services rather than solely in person. Despite near-unanimous support for the final version of this measure, there was opposition within the House Democratic caucus to a provision allowing the Department of Health to inspect patient medical records, with Representative Della Au Belatti (D) comparing it to the ability of DOGE to access tax records. In addition, the provision led the Marijuana Policy Project, which initially supported the bill, to withdraw its support. In December 2024, Governor Green (D) issued an executive order to protect caregivers who provide medical cannabis to patients from “undue enforcement” of existing laws by the Department of Health.
Budget
Hawaii operates on a biennial budget covering fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The 2025 budget, which awaits action by Governor Green (D), includes a $56 million investment in public housing development in response to the 2023 wildfires, $53 million in funding for early learning programs, just under $44 million in funding for workforce development programs, and $6 million for Planned Parenthood. In Hawaii, the Governor has the authority to use a line-item veto on budget bills.
Looking Ahead
Rumors of a special session in November in response to predicted federal funding cuts were reported as soon as the legislature adjourned. The 2026 session is scheduled to convene on January 14, 2026. All bills in Hawaii carry over from odd to even-year sessions, excluding resolutions.