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The House Republican Caucus has officially introduced its Legislative Package for the 2025 session. The caucus has worked diligently to gather input from the community and draft a set of bills that address key concerns and priorities. This package reflects their unwavering commitment to tackling critical issues and advocating for the well-being of the people of Hawaii.
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HB281 RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX: Exempts food and groceries from the general excise tax. Expands a 2024 session law exempting certain medical and dental services to include all medical and dental services.
HB282 RELATING TO TAXATION: Provides an income tax deduction for tips received by tipped employees.
HB283 RELATING TO INCOME TAX: Eliminates the state individual income tax.
HB284 RELATING TO HOUSING: Requires counties to grant building permits within sixty days if the application is stamped and certified by a licensed engineer and architect and other certain conditions are met.
HB285 RELATING TO INSURANCE: Establishes tax credits for insurers providing full property coverage to owners and associations of condominiums in the amount equal to twenty per cent of the insurance premium. Provides additional ten per cent tax credits to insurers incorporated in the State.
HB286 RELATING TO THE INDIVIDUAL HOUSING ACCOUNT PROGRAM: Updates the Individual Housing Account statute to reflect the current cost of housing down payments more accurately.
HB287 PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLE X, SECTION 2 AND ARTICLE XVIII, SECTION 12, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO ESTABLISH LOCAL ELECTED SCHOOL BOARDS: Proposes a constitutional amendment that would establish local school boards throughout the State to be elected by the voters and to serve no more than twelve years as a member.
HB288 RELATING TO SCHOOL BUS SERVICES: Authorizes the Department of Education to use alternative vehicles for student transportation under certain conditions and appropriates funds for the purchase of alternative vehicles and individuals to obtain CDL licensure. Allows Department schools to initiate staggered start times. Appropriates funds.
HB289 RELATING TO EDUCATION: Requires the department of education to prohibit cell phone use during the instructional day, prohibit student access to social media through the school's internet, and implement a social media education campaign. Creates exemptions for students requiring accommodations, emergency situations, and teacher authorizations.
HB290 RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST ELDERS: Establishes strict liability for crimes against elders with respect to the attendant circumstance that the victim was sixty years of age or older.
HB291 RELATING TO USE OF FORCE IN SELF-PROTECTION: Clarifies when the use of deadly force is not justified. Removes the requirement to retreat or surrender possessions prior to using deadly force.
HB292 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION: Categorizes electric bicycles into three classes based on speed and operation. Requires electric bicycle manufacturers and distributors to apply a label to each electric bicycle. Authorizes county police to confiscate bicycles for certain offenses. Increases penalty fee paid upon redemption. Imposes a requirement that counties inform individuals of the applicable traffic code, safety information, and penalties for violations at the time of registering a bicycle.
HB293 RELATING TO PUBLIC LAND TRUST REVENUES: Requires that all moneys in the pro rata portion of the Public Land Trust be transferred to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
HB294 RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS LEASES: Requires leases used in the conveyance of available lands as defined by section 203 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, as amended, to conform to the requirements for securitization by federally insured lending programs.
HB295 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS: Provides that a living beneficiary's place on the Department of Hawaiian Home Land's waitlist for any residential, agricultural or pastoral tract may be designated for transfer to a successor if the living beneficiary dies before receiving an offer for a tract; provided that the successor shall be at least 1/25 Hawaiian.
HB296 RELATING TO OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE ANALYST: Requires the office of legislative analyst to produce fiscal notes on all fiscal bills. Prohibits a committee from making a decision on a fiscal bill without a fiscal note. Mandates that fiscal notes be made available to the public. Appropriates funds.
HB297 RELATING TO ELECTIONS: Requires that each county council district feature at least one voter service center for elections. Provides further, that each county council district must have one voter service center open on election day.
HB298 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 4, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO ESTABLISH TERM LIMITS FOR LEGISLATORS: Proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the terms of members of the legislature to a maximum of twelve years in the house of representatives or senate, or both, for terms beginning on or after the general election of 2026.
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The 33rd Hawaii Legislative Session marks a new chapter with the addition of three newly elected Republican Representatives. At their press conference, the House Republican Caucus unveiled a bill package shaped by insights from their Listening Tour, surveys, and the Republican Legislative Advisory Board, aiming to have these proposals heard this session. Each member highlighted bills focused on key issues, including the cost of living, housing, education, crime and public safety, Native Hawaiian advocacy, and government reform. Closing the conference, Minority Floor Leader Representative Garcia emphasized, "This 2025 House Republican Caucus Package isn't just a set of policies—it’s a commitment to putting Hawaii’s future first. Our families deserve nothing less." Please click the button below to watch the full press conference.
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The Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee invites you to take a short survey to improve election accessibility for Hawaii’s disability communities. Your anonymous feedback is essential to enhancing the 2024 Elections and future voting experiences.
Access the survey here: 2024 Elections Accessibility Survey. For assistance, contact (808) 453-VOTE (8683). Please share this survey to help us hear from as many voices as possible. Mahalo for supporting accessible elections in Hawaii!
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STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
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The Republican Caucus attended the State of the State address ceremony. During this event Governor Green delivered his annual State of the State address, highlighting Hawaii’s resilience, progress, and unity. He also outlined plans to tackle key challenges like affordability, housing, homelessness, health care, and Maui’s recovery.
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Members of the House Republican Caucus, including Representative Shimizu, Representative Matsumoto, Representative Alcos, Representative Garcia, and Representative Pierick, attended the March for Life rally at the Hawaii State Capitol, standing in solidarity with advocates dedicated to protecting the lives of innocent preborn babies. They joined forces with Eva Andrade, Director of Hawaii Family Forum, as well as Pastor Brad and Esther McDaniel, Directors of Harvest of Life Hawaii, to support the cause. This year’s theme, "We will continue to pray and march in solidarity, upholding the sacredness of life and sharing God's love," reinforced their commitment to pro-life values. The event provided an opportunity to connect with community members, reaffirm their dedication to defending life from conception to natural death, and advocate for policies that protect the most vulnerable. It was a meaningful and blessed time of unity, reflection, and action in defense of life.
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On January 28, 2025, Representative Reyes Oda met with students and parents from TeenPact Leadership Schools and Christian Homeschoolers of Hawai'i.. TeenPact offers a hands-on leadership experience where students cultivate skills to make a positive impact in their communities. Rep. Reyes Oda is passionate about education and enjoys inspiring the next generation of leaders by sharing her enthusiasm for learning.
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KEIKI CAUCUS PRESS CONFERENCE
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Earlier this week, Representative Shimizu joined the Keiki Caucus Press Conference. The top priorities announced prioritized tax credits for household and dependent care services, funding for community schools, universal free school meals, and more. Other community advocates that joined the conference included Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Creeds of Peace, Hawaiʻi Afterschool Alliance, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, and Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks! (HCAN Speaks!).
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HB157: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION PASSES COMMITTEE
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HB157 Requires the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation to transfer the public roads of the Villages of Kapolei to the City and County of Honolulu by January 1, 2026. Track the bill as it moves forward this session. The bill will be referred to the House JHA Committee after it passes 2nd reading.
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HB598: RELATING TO HEALTH
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Representative Matsumoto is proud to have introduced HB598, a bill that removes burdensome patient cost-sharing requirements for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging. Access to life-saving breast cancer screenings should never be out of reach due to financial barriers. It's an honor to have this effort recognized by Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, which commends the introduction of this bill. Click here to read the article: "New Breast Imaging Legislation to Help Thousands Across Hawaii". Together, they are making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
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FOCUSING ON WORKING FAMILIES
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With the cost of living a top concern for most, Representative Shimizu has joined the Working Families Caucus. Representative Shimizu has introduced bills to lower taxes and help working families. To view Representative Shimizu’s full bill package click here: https://bit.ly/3WE1G5u. Representative Shimizu also has Caucus memberships in the Kupuna Caucus, Small Business Caucus, Keiki Caucus, Good Government Caucus, Environmental Legislative Caucus, and Maritime Caucus.
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BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY TOGETHER
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When Representative Muraoka selected his team, he prioritized choosing individuals from his own community who share his vision and goals of restoring Wai‘anae to a thriving and vibrant community. From left to right – Tanya Ka’aha’aina, Kelli Timoteo, Representative Chris Muraoka, Tessy Kekahuna, and Philip Ganaban.
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THE 2025 DISTRICT 42 TOWN HALL: ENGAGING DIALOGUE, EMPOWERING EVERY VOICE!
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Representative Garcia hosted his first legislative town hall meeting of 2025, drawing a large gathering of community members eager to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The event provided a platform for residents to gain insights into the legislative process and hear firsthand about the comprehensive bill package that he will be championing this session.
Throughout the town hall meeting, Representative Garcia actively listened to the community input and feedback, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding.
His genuine engagement and enthusiasm were evident as he thoughtfully addressed each question, ensuring that every voice was heard.
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MEETING STUDENTS AND STAFF FROM KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL
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Representative Pierick met with Kapolei High School (KHS) students, KHS staff, IM SO HI Above the Influence youth, and Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii staff at Kapolei High School. They had a "talk story" session, discussing key community issues and sharing personal stories. Some students presented prepared issue statements on topics important to them, ranging from school matters to broader concerns about the Kapolei community and Hawaii.
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KEEPING GOD AT THE CENTER
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Representative David Alcos has held God in his Heart, Mind, and Soul for all of his life. Being consistent with what he stands for and giving this time to prep for his hearing he was about to step into, he allowed the Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaii to sit with him and share everything they wanted to speak to him about. This proves that he puts God before himself. He expressed his gratitude to them for the Godly discussions that help keep him grounded day by day.
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MILILANI CITIZEN'S PATROL
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Last week Representative Matsumoto had the privilege of joining Citizen's Patrol organized by Better Together Hawaii in partnership with HPD. It was amazing to see such a strong community turnout! Representative Matsumoto sends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success!
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TOURING WAI‘ANAE COAST COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTER “COLLABORATING FOR A STRONGER COMMUNITY"
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It was an incredible experience to get an in-depth look at the amazing work being done at the Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Their dedication to serving our community through a wide range of vital programs and services is truly inspiring. We are grateful for all they do to support and uplift Wai‘anae, ensuring the health and well-being of our ‘ohana.
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INSPIRE COLLECTIVE POWER LUNCH
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Representative Matsumoto had the incredible opportunity to attend the Inspire Collective January Power Lunch – Oahu's premier networking event for high-level professionals. From connecting with inspiring leaders to hearing valuable insights from keynote speaker Marco Contreras, it was an afternoon filled with growth, motivation, and new opportunities.
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PEARL SIDE CHURCH MEETING
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Representative Pierick had the privilege of meeting with Pastor Wade and Westside resident Thomas Lovan at Pearl Side Church. They were able to talk with one another about life, church, and the community. Representative Pierick expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with them and looks forward to continuing their collaborative work to support and uplift the community.
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KHON2 OPENING DAY INTERVIEW
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On Opening Day, Representative Matsumoto joined KHON2 to reflect on this exciting and unique time at the State Capitol. During the interview, she highlighted how Hawaii's first day of the legislature stands apart from other states. In addition to its formalities, it's a day filled with aloha spirit, families, constituents, and community members coming together to celebrate democracy and the work ahead. Please click the button below to watch the full interview.
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HAWAII NEWS NOW SUNRISE INTERVIEW
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Joining Hawaii News Now Sunrise, Representative Matsumoto discussed the Minority Caucus's legislative goals for the year, focusing on proposals aimed at providing relief for Hawaii residents. One of the caucus's top priorities is eliminating the state income tax on necessities, such as food and medical services, to ease the financial burden on families. Please click the button below to watch the full interview.
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Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Republican Representatives!
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Representative Elijah Pierick
House District 39
Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honouliuli, Hoopili and Waipahu
Room: 318
Phone: 808-586-8490
Fax: 808-586-8494
[email protected]
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Representative Garner M. Shimizu
House District 32
Ft. Shafter, Moanalua, Red Hill, AMR, Foster Village, Stadium, parts of Aliamanu, Halawa, Aiea, and Pearlridge
Room: 305
Phone: 808-586-8470
Fax: 808-586-9476
[email protected]
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Mahalo,
Hawaii State House Republican Caucus
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