Governor vetoes 8 measures, signs 12 remaining bills on his intent-to-veto list

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green on Thursday finalized vetoes, issuing just eight vetoes for bills out of the 20 on his intent-to-veto list.

He also signed the remaining 12 bills, as well as five measures relating to topics such as stormwater management and kūpuna care.

The last 16 of Hawai‘i Legislature’s total 320 bills passed during its 2025 session will become law by July 9, including measures covering issues such as condominium insurance, the Maui wildfire settlement, construction liability reform and support for nonprofit organizations throughout the state impacted by changes to federal funding.

“We have covered critical topics such as the climate impact fee, women’s court, biosecurity, free school meals, fireworks and public safety,” Green said in an announcement about the vetoes and bill signings. “Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke spearheaded efforts for broadband access and expanded Preschool Open Doors. These wins reflect what can be achieved when we work together for the good of our state.”

Green vetoed the following eight bills:

HOUSE BILL 235: Relating to traffic safety

• VETO RATIONALE: Hawai‘i Department of Transportation developed specific criteria for the selection of communities within which to implement traffic safety systems. This criteria incorporates data-driven crash, citation and traffic volume metrics, which ensure communities are chosen based on need and potential for greatest impact. Ignoring this criteria in favor of legislatively mandated location selection threatens the integrity of the photo red light imaging detector system and automated speed enforcement system programs.

HOUSE BILL 796: Relating to tax credits

• VETO RATIONALE: This bill would have a significant long-term impact on income tax credits throughout a variety of industries, including film and television, research and renewable energy. These tax credits are critical to supporting economic development and diversification, particularly within growing and emerging sectors. Categorically sunsetting income tax credits will not only disincentivize future investors from doing business in Hawai‘i, but will destabilize existing businesses that currently rely upon these tax credits.

HOUSE BILL 958: Relating to transportation

• VETO RATIONALE: While mopeds and motorcycles are exempt from the prohibition established within this bill, on “high-speed electric devices” driving on public roadways, electric cars are not exempt in the definition. Such a prohibition would likely violate the Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and conflict with the administration’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

HOUSE BILL 1296: Relating to the Major Disaster Fund

• VETO RATIONALE: The administration is committed to transparent, efficient management of state funds. During times of emergency, flexibility and quick release of funds is necessary to respond to rapidly changing situations. This bill disrupts the delicate balance between reporting requirements facilitating government transparency and fiscal flexibility for efficient emergency response and recovery efforts. Prioritizing additional administrative oversight instead of funds expended for emergencies jeopardizes public safety.

HOUSE BILL 1369: Relating to taxation

• VETO RATIONALE: The amendments to the general excise tax and use tax contained in this bill would impact sugarcane producers, commercial fishing vessels and securities exchanges. Removing the specific tax exemptions afforded to these entities would provide little financial benefit to the state while harming, in particular, sugarcane producers.

SENATE BILL 31: Relating to property

• VETO RATIONALE: By enabling anyone, including those without interest in the specified real property, to record a statement that a real property’s title includes a discriminatory restrictive covenant, this bill provides a statutorily authorized mechanism for the circulation of disinformation. This disinformation has the potential to negatively affect the marketability of a property. Because the person who recorded the statement claiming a discriminatory restrictive covenant exists is waived of any liability, no recourse is available to those who suffer financial loss because of inaccurate claims concerning their property’s title.

SENATE BILL 583: Relating to naming rights

• VETO RATIONALE: Pursuant to Section 14, Article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution, each bill can only contain one subject, which must pertain to the bill’s title. The exemption of concessions in the stadium facility and convention center from typical concession procurement procedures might violate Section 14, Article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution since the exemption appears to fall outside the titular scope of the bill, naming rights.

SENATE BILL 1102: Relating to the aircraft rescue fire fighting unit

• VETO RATIONALE: The appointment process proposed in the bill is inconsistent with the selection process for other department leadership positions. Furthermore, because of the need to obtain legislative approval for the appointment of the fire chief, following the appointment process contained in this bill could delay the appointment of this critical leadership position, impacting airport operations, safety and readiness.

Hawai‘i Senate President Ronald Kouchi and Hawai‘i House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, who both represent Kaua‘i, issued statements from their respective chambers following the governor’s final veto decisions.

After review, neither determined a special legislative session is warranted to override any of them.

These are the 12 bills from his intent-to-veto list Green signed into law Thursday:

• HOUSE BILL 302 (ACT 241): Relating to cannabis (marijuana).
• HOUSE BILL 496 (ACT 242): Relating to māmaki tea.
• HOUSE BILL 300 (ACT 250): Relating to the state budget.
• HOUSE BILL 126 (ACT 288): Relating to property forfeiture.
• HOUSE BILL 800 (ACT 289): Relating to government.
• SENATE BILL 935 (ACT 290): Relating to government.
• SENATE BILL 589 (ACT 266): Relating to renewable energy.
• SENATE BILL 447 (ACT 291): Relating to a Hawai‘i Department of Health pilot program.
• SENATE BILL 104 (ACT 292): Relating to Corrections.
• SENATE BILL 15 (ACT 293): Relating to Historic Preservation.
• SENATE BILL 38 (ACT 294): Relating to housing.
• SENATE BILL 66 (ACT 295): Relating to housing.

The governor took action on 304 of the 320 bills passed by the Hawai‘i Legislature during the 2025 state legislative session.

Bills signed by Green are tracked on the Hawai‘i Legislature’s website. You can also find additional information about other measures passed by state lawmakers during this year’s legislative session and more.