State Legislature

Gov. Josh Green signed a measure Wednesday to provide additional funding to nonprofits impacted by federal cuts. But HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports some are raising constitutional issues about the new law.

The State of Hawaiʻi will contribute $807.5 million to the $4.037 billion global settlement for Maui wildfire victims. The state will pay roughly $200 million annually for the next four years into the total fund.

Gov. Josh Green signed a new law that aims to stabilize the property insurance market by offering coverage and repair loans to condominium buildings struggling to get insurance.

The state Legislature set aside $1 million for the program in 2023, and not all of it had been spent. If the Legislature had not extended the program’s length, the funds would have lapsed.

The new law establishes safeguards for these ponds and requires new ones to meet strict safety regulations before they are built. It also requires signage clearly indicating that swimming is not allowed, enclosed fencing, and flotation devices to be installed around or near each pond.

The state has started to accept applications for hurricane insurance from Condominium and Townhouse Associations that have been unable to secure full coverage on the regulated market. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on the efforts to stabilize property insurance in Hawaiʻi.

In a Friday bill-signing ceremony, Gov. Josh Green enacted Act 242, or House Bill 496, the vehicle for the new māmaki labeling rules. The law went into effect Tuesday.

Gov. Josh Green signed the state's $40 billion two-year budget into law on Monday. But he reduced it by about $110 million. Green notified lawmakers in June that these cuts were likely as the state's revenue projections dropped since the legislative session came to a close.

Gov. Josh Green signed various agriculture and biosecurity bills into law, including one that the governor had previously intended to veto.

Gov. Josh Green has signed into law several bills related to the state Judiciary, including a $400 million budget and a permanent program to help rehabilitate women in the criminal justice system.