Bill > HB673

This bill amends Hawaii's emergency management laws to enhance transparency, accountability, and democratic oversight during states of emergency. It prohibits the Governor or mayors from suspending public records or vital records requests during emergencies, ensuring citizens can still access important information. The bill adds a definition for "severe warning" to clarify notifications about potential dangerous conditions from authorities like the National Weather Service. It introduces new provisions that require the Governor and mayors to be more specific when suspending laws during emergencies, mandating that they explain which laws are suspended, why they are suspended, and how the suspension protects public health and safety. Importantly, the bill grants the state Legislature and county councils the power to terminate a state of emergency, in whole or in part, by a two-thirds vote, which provides a check on executive emergency powers. The legislation was inspired by challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to create a clearer legal framework for emergency management that balances the need for swift action with democratic principles of transparency and accountability. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder date).

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=673&year=2026