HB2581

Relating To Emergency Management.

Chamber Passed·3/5/26

Clarifies emergency powers to address sudden disasters, not long-term issues.

This bill amends Hawaii's emergency management law to clarify that emergency powers are limited to sudden disasters that cause catastrophic harm and immediate danger. It aims to prevent the governor from using emergency powers for long-term issues like affordable housing shortages. The bill redefines "emergency" and "disaster" to ensure these powers are only used for sudden, unprecedented events requiring immediate response. The changes aim to preserve the separation of powers between the legislature and the executive branch.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 12–0 · Mar 5
Current
The Senate
Next
Senate floor vote

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

12 Yea

DDDDDRDDDDDD

0 Nay

1 Absent

D

Calendar

May 1

1:45 PM

Conference Committee Meeting

May 1

3:30 PM

Conference Committee Meeting

History

May 1

Senate

Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 3:30 PM; Conference Room 016.

May 1

Senate

Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 4:30 PM; Conference Room 016.

May 1

Senate

Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 5:10 PM; Conference Room 016.