Legislative Update: May 1, 2025
The 2025 Hawai‘i Legislative Session is scheduled to adjourn on Friday, May 2nd. This day is known as “Sine Die,” the latin definition for legislative adjournment. However, our legislature has a biennium schedule. This means that bills which failed to pass can be revived in the coming year, retain the same bill number and, resume their standing. New bills can also be introduced and be pursued in a dual-track.
At the beginning of session, HBL was tracking more than 30 measures with potential to both positively and negatively impact the environment for biking, walking, and rolling. All things considered, there was progress, especially for priority issues like updating statute definitions about e-bikes and funding Safe Routes To Schools.
Below, you can read summaries of the measures that did not get adopted (but came very close) that we will continue to track in 2026. Together, we can build momentum for legislation that strengthens our cycling communities.
HB 1260, HD, 1, SD 2 relating to piloting Open Streets. This bill earned wide community support. In the final hours of April 25th, the bill was continually deferred as it awaited FIN/WAM clearance, which never came.
SB 106, SD 1, HD2 – also known as Freedom to Walk, this bill would have decriminalized jay walking. The bill died after the Senate disagreed with House amendments. The Senate did not appoint any conferees.
SB 1117, SD 2, HD 1 – omnibus e-bike legislation that would have also enhanced the e-bike rebate program. This bill earned wide support from the public and legislators. However on April 25th, the measure was continually deferred in conference committee meetings, awaiting FIN/WAM clearance, which never came. You can read our recent supportive testimony here. HBL will continue to advocate for expanding e-bike rebates in the coming year.
SB 1667, SD 2, HD2 – relating to transportation, this bill called for red-light cameras near schools and would have helped to fund SRTS with revenue from fines. This bill earned wide support. However, like other measures on this list, on April 25th, it was multiply deferred awaiting FIN/WAM clearance which never came. This measure also had some intention to be a technical fix to existing legislation regarding a Highway Safety Modernization Council that would oversee HDOT (HBL advocated for the establishment of HSMC in 2023). However, this committee has never convened, lacks appointed members, and is not realizing its statutory mandate.
SB 1669, SD 2, HD 2 – relating to transit-oriented development. This future-facing bill calls for establishing an agency that focuses on multi-modal transit connectivity. This bill died after the House failed to appoint members to a conference committee, despite earning decent support in the legislature and from key stakeholders. HBL will continue to advocate for transit-oriented development initiatives that help people choose biking, walking, and using public transportation.
You can read earlier recaps by following the links below:
2025 Hawai‘i Legislative Session – Update #1 – January 24
2025 Hawai‘i Legislative Session – Update #2 – February 4
2025 Hawai‘i Legislative Session – Update #3 – February 14
2025 Hawai‘i Legislative Session – Update #4 – February 20
2025 Hawai‘i Legislative Session – UPDATE #5, March 3
2025 Hawai‘i Legislative Session – Update #6, April 8
If you have any questions or need additional information, please email Advocacy Director Eduardo Hernandez