Bill > HB686

This bill aims to clarify and expand the legal status of community outreach boards in Hawaii's Sunshine Law (a state law ensuring transparency in government meetings). The bill defines a "community outreach board" as a board established to serve in an advisory capacity under a county department, such as the Hawaii county community development plan action committees. It amends existing law to include community outreach boards alongside neighborhood boards in several key provisions, which means these boards will now have the same legal rights and responsibilities. Specifically, the bill allows members of both neighborhood and community outreach boards to attend public meetings or presentations related to their official board business statewide, without geographic restrictions. The bill also ensures that these boards can receive public input during meetings, discuss unanticipated events if timely action is necessary for public health and safety, and operate with similar procedural protections. By doing so, the legislation seeks to enhance grassroots community participation in local government and provide clearer legal guidelines for these advisory boards. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder date).

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=686&year=2026