Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced his final veto decisions, issuing eight vetoes from the initial list of 20 bills he had signaled an intent to veto. As of today, Governor Green has taken action on 304 of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature during the 2025 Session.
In addition to the vetoes, Governor Green signed 12 more bills from the Intent-to-Veto list into law today. These include legislation covering topics such as cannabis, māmaki tea, the state budget, renewable energy, property forfeiture, and housing. He also signed five bills related to stormwater management and kūpuna care, which were detailed in a separate announcement. The remaining 16 of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature will become law by July 9 without the Governor’s signature. These include measures concerning condominium insurance, Maui wildfire settlement, construction liability reform, and support for local nonprofit organizations.
“I want to thank the Legislature for its work this past legislative session to bring forward these important bills signed into law,” said Governor Green. “So far, we have covered critical topics such as the climate impact fee, women’s court, biosecurity, free school meals, fireworks and public safety. Lieutenant Governor 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.”
Regarding the late inclusion of SB 935 on the Intent-to-Veto list, Governor Green stated, “I want to thank the Legislature and Chief Justice for the thoughtful discussion on SB 935. The bill appropriates funds to analyze vesting changes and we are committed to working with the Legislature and the Judiciary to find meaningful recruitment and retention policies for public service.” Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald acknowledged the productive session and respected the Governor’s decision on SB 935, expressing gratitude for the openness to discussing recruitment for judges and other important matters.
Bills Signed into Law from Intent-to-Veto List (Selected):
- HB 302 (ACT 241): RELATING TO CANNABIS
- HB 496 (ACT 242): RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA
- HB 300 (ACT 250): RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET
- SB 589 (ACT 266): RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY
- HB 126 (ACT 288): RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE
- SB 935 (ACT 290): RELATING TO GOVERNMENT
- SB 38 (ACT 294): RELATING TO HOUSING
- SB 66 (ACT 295): RELATING TO HOUSING (Full list available in official press release)
Governor Green’s Eight Vetoed Bills:
- HB 235: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY
- Veto Rationale: The Governor stated that legislatively mandated location selection for traffic safety systems (like photo red light and automated speed enforcement) ignores data-driven criteria, potentially compromising program integrity and effectiveness.
- HB 796: RELATING TO TAX CREDITS
- Veto Rationale: Vetoed due to concerns that sunsetting income tax credits across industries (film, research, renewable energy) would disincentivize future investment and destabilize existing businesses vital for economic development and diversification.
- HB 958: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
- Veto Rationale: While intended to prohibit “high-speed electric devices” on public roadways, the bill’s definition potentially included electric cars, which the Governor argued could violate constitutional clauses (Commerce and Equal Protection) and conflict with emissions reduction goals.
- HB 1296: RELATING TO THE MAJOR DISASTER FUND
- Veto Rationale: The Governor stated that additional administrative oversight over disaster funds, as proposed by the bill, would disrupt the balance between transparency and the fiscal flexibility needed for rapid emergency response and recovery, potentially jeopardizing public safety.
- HB 1369: RELATING TO TAXATION
- Veto Rationale: The bill’s proposed amendments to general excise and use tax would remove specific exemptions for sugarcane producers, commercial fishing vessels, and securities exchanges, providing minimal financial benefit to the state while harming these sectors, particularly sugarcane.
- SB 31: RELATING TO PROPERTY
- Veto Rationale: This bill would allow any person, even without interest in a property, to record a statement claiming a discriminatory restrictive covenant exists on its title. The Governor stated this could enable the circulation of disinformation, negatively impact property marketability, and offer no recourse for those suffering financial loss due to inaccurate claims, as the filer would be exempt from liability.
- SB 583: RELATING TO NAMING RIGHTS
- Veto Rationale: Vetoed due to concerns that an exemption for stadium and Convention Center concessions from typical procurement procedures might violate the Hawaiʻi State Constitution’s single-subject rule for bills, as it appeared to fall outside the bill’s titular scope of naming rights.
- SB 1102: RELATING TO THE AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIRE FIGHTING UNIT
- Veto Rationale: The proposed appointment process for the Fire Chief in this unit was deemed inconsistent with other department leadership selections. The Governor also noted that requiring legislative approval for this critical position could delay the appointment, potentially impacting airport operations, safety, and readiness.