Bill > HB809

This bill modifies Hawaii's public procurement code to address issues with subcontractor listings in construction bids by allowing bidders to clarify or correct immaterial or technical information within twenty-four hours after the bid submission deadline. The bill defines "immaterial or technical information" as minor irregularities that do not affect the substance of the bid, such as missing signatures, typographical errors, or temporarily suspended subcontractor licenses, but explicitly excludes changes to subcontractor identity. The legislation aims to reduce bid challenges and construction project delays by providing contractors a limited window to fix minor errors in their bid submissions, while still maintaining the integrity of the bidding process. Bids for construction projects will now be required to be publicly opened no sooner than twenty-four hours after the submission deadline, giving bidders time to address technical issues. The bill is designed as a five-year pilot program, taking effect on July 1, 2025, and automatically repealing on June 30, 2027, after which the procurement code will revert to its previous form. The underlying motivation is to address the unintended consequences of current procurement laws, which have led to increased bid protests due to technical mistakes in subcontractor listings.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=809&year=2026