HB403 • 2026

RELATING TO THE SUNSHINE LAW.

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor: NAKAMURA (Introduced by request of another party)
Last action: 2025-12-08
Official status: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on the communication practices of board members post-meeting, nor does it specify when the bill will be officially passed.

Sunshine Law Changes

This bill changes rules about board members attending informational meetings without needing to report back later.

What This Bill Does

Allows any member of a board to attend an informational meeting or presentation on matters relating to board business, provided that the meeting is not specifically and exclusively organized for or directed toward members of the board.
Removes the requirement for board members to report their attendance and the matters discussed at these meetings during the next official board meeting.

Who It Names or Affects

Board members who attend informational meetings or presentations.
People organizing informational meetings or presentations that board members might attend.

Terms To Know

Sunshine Law: A law that makes sure government meetings are open to the public and information is shared with citizens.
Board: A group of people who make decisions for an organization or community.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not change rights and duties that matured before its effective date.
It is unclear when the bill will be officially passed and become law.

Bill History

2025-12-08 D
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
2025-02-25 H
The committee(s) on JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
2025-02-21 H
Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Tuesday, 02-25-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2025-01-21 H
Referred to JHA, referral sheet 1
2025-01-17 H
Introduced and Pass First Reading.
2025-01-16 H
Pending introduction.

Official Summary Text

RELATING TO THE SUNSHINE LAW.
Kauai County Council Package; Sunshine Law; Boards; Members; Informational Meeting; Presentation; Board Business
Authorizes any member of a board to attend an informational meeting or presentation on matters relating to board business; provided that the meeting or presentation is not specifically and exclusively organized for or directed toward members of the board. Repeals the requirement of a subsequent report of attendance and the matters presented and discussed that related to board business at the informational meeting or presentation.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

HB403

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

403

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating
to the Sunshine Law
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

����
SECTION
1
.
�
Section 92-2.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

����
"(e)
�

[
Two or more members
]
Members
of a board[
, but less
than the number of members that would constitute a quorum for the board,
]
may attend an informational meeting or presentation on matters relating to
board business, including a meeting of another entity, legislative hearing,
convention, seminar, or community meeting; provided that the meeting or
presentation is not specifically and exclusively organized for or directed
toward members of the board.
�
The board
members in attendance may participate in discussions, including discussions
among themselves; provided that the discussions occur during and as part of the
informational meeting or presentation; provided further that no commitment
relating to a vote on the matter is made or sought.

����
[
At
the next duly noticed meeting of the board, the board members shall report
their attendance and the matters presented and discussed that related to board
business at the informational meeting or presentation.
]"

����
SECTION 2.
�

This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that
were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

����
SECTION 3.
�

Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.
�
New statutory material is underscored.

����
SECTION 4.
�

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

By Request

Report Title:

Kauai
County Council Package; Sunshine Law; Boards; Members; Informational Meeting;
Presentation; Board Business

Description:

Authorizes
any member of a board to attend an informational meeting or presentation on
matters relating to board business; provided that the meeting or presentation
is not specifically and exclusively organized for or directed toward members of
the board.
�
Repeals the requirement of a
subsequent report of attendance and the matters presented and discussed that
related to board business at the informational meeting or presentation.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.