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Hawaii’s latest attempts at cannabis reform, in bills like HB1246/1613   and HB1109/SB142 , have been touted as steps toward legalization. In reality, they propose an oppressive regulatory scheme that stifles progress, burdens small operators, and maintains the status quo of control rather than freedom. These bills don’t dismantle prohibition; they layer it with bureaucracy. While they permit adults over 21 to possess small amounts of cannabis (up to an ounce) and grow a handful of plants starting in 2026, the framework is shackled by heavy-handed oversight. The proposed Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office, nested within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, would wield expansive powers to license, tax, and track every seed to sale. This isn’t legalization; it’s a government chokehold dressed up as reform. The proposals would ensure the state dictates who can participate and not the people. And these regulations would not necessarily be limited to smokable products. HB 1108/SB1427  would redefine manufactured hemp products to include even topicals like shampoos and lotions.  The punitive elements remain glaringly intact. New criminal penalties, like jail time for loose cannabis in vehicles or arbitrary THC limits for drivers, defy the spirit of legalization. These measures, criticized by advocates like the Marijuana Policy Project , risk entangling more people in the justice system rather than freeing them from it. Expungements, while included, are petition-based and delayed, leaving the burden on individuals to navigate a slow, state-controlled process. True legalization would erase these relics of prohibition, not polish them. The bills disproportionately favor corporate interests over local growers. Existing medical dispensaries get first dibs on adult-use licenses, while small-scale farmers face steep barriers like high fees, residency requirements, and caps on ownership that may sound equitable but in practice exclude those without deep pockets or political connections. Testimony from small growers in past sessions has highlighted this imbalance, with fears that the system mimics other states where legalization enriched a few while sidelining grassroots operators. Hawaii’s bills promise social equity but deliver a token nod, not a real opportunity. The timelines and taxation scream control, not progress. With implementation pushed to 2026 and a 14% excise tax piled atop existing sales taxes, the state prioritizes revenue over accessibility. This delay gives regulators time to tighten their grip, while high costs ensure cannabis remains a luxury, not a right—echoing Senator Brenton Awa’s 2023 critique that dispensary-centric models price out everyday users. And just in case these three measures aren't approved, there is a third bill proposed.  HB1110/SB1429  -  would retroactively repeal the sunset date of the authorization for primary caregivers to cultivate medical cannabis for their qualifying patients, while adding a new limit of five plants per grower.  Hawaii’s 2025 cannabis bills aren’t legalization—they’re a mirage of reform, cloaking an oppressive regulatory maze that entrenches power, punishes the vulnerable, and stalls genuine change. The Aloha State deserves better than this half-measure masquerading as freedom. We don’t need a special law to allow cannabis use - we need to end the lawfare and repeal the laws that enable state abuse of cannabis users. Freedom is easy, and doesn’t require hundreds of pages of regulation & enforcement to produce.  Help Us Oppose These Bills: Take action by following the steps: Click on the hyperlinks in the article above to familiarize yourself with the bill text(s). Speak out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.   Join Our Team! You don't have to do this alone. We are here to help your actions succeed and amplify the voices of Hawaii! Contact us today to get tailored advice, collaboration, and support. And don't forget to let us know what issues matter most to you. Keep an eye out as we continue to publish on topics that affect our liberty.

The Libertarian Party of Hawaii was opposed to SB1043/HB959 , a legislative proposal related to taxation, due to several concerning points. However, we find ourselves in support of the revised version. Outlined below are our concerns regarding the original proposal and why the amended bill aligns more closely with our principles. The Original Version: Incremental Tax Increases: Increasing taxes contradicts our belief in minimal government interference in personal finances. Tax Exemption & Deduction Scheme:  By opposing this measure, we advocated for a less complicated and demanding tax structure that allows for more straightforward financial planning. We believe that the market should determine outcomes , not government intervention. Maui Recovery Special Fund: Aside from the fact that this is yet another tax increase, we were very concerned about the government’s ability to effectively manage and allocate these funds without bureaucratic inefficiencies, especially in light of their recent history . Without something like the proposed emergency bill  passing first, the expenditures would have virtually no oversight.  The New Version: Exempts Grocery taxes Exempts nonprescription drug taxes After reviewing the amended version, we were pleasantly surprised. It was slashed completely, going from 42 pages down to only 2. The amended version left only tax cuts while eliminating all the bad portions.  We believe this new version would support lower-income households and promote individual freedom in purchasing decisions. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii remains committed to advocating for individual liberties and minimal government interference. We initially opposed SB1043 due to its potential negative impacts on taxpayers and the economy, but the amendments made to the bill are a night and day difference. We believe that the revised version aligns more closely with our core values and supports the residents of Hawaii in a fair and efficient manner.  Help Us Reduce Taxes: Testimony is open now, and the hearing is set for February 27. Take action today!  Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bill text(s). SB1043/HB959 Our regularly updated schedule of hearing dates helps you to know when to submit.  Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.   Join Our Team! You don't have to do this alone. We are here to help your actions succeed and amplify the voices of Hawaii! Contact us today to get tailored advice, collaboration, and support. And don't forget to let us know what issues matter most to you. Keep an eye out as we continue to publish on topics that affect our liberty.

SB1404 & HB1085  would repeal previous tax rates on tobacco products and replace them with tax rates for cigarettes, e-smoking devices, and little cigars. It is among the many many tax hike proposals this session. Specific Tax Amounts:  16.00 cents  for each cigarette or little cigar sold, used, or possessed. Unspecified  cents for cigarettes and little cigars sold, used, or possessed. 70% of the wholesale price for most tobacco products (excluding large cigars, e-smoking devices, and e-liquids). 50% of the wholesale price for large cigars. 70% of the wholesale price for electronic smoking devices and e-liquids sold. Revenue Allocation:   Specified percentages of tax revenues will be deposited into various “special funds” including Hawaii Cancer Research, Trauma System, Community Health Centers, and Emergency Medical Services Special Funds. Individuals should have the autonomy to make their own choices regarding tobacco consumption without facing punitive financial consequences from the state. Taxing personal habits infringes upon the fundamental right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Higher taxes on tobacco products serve as a regressive burden, making it more difficult for economically disadvantaged individuals to afford their basic goods.  The assumption that higher taxes will effectively deter tobacco has already been proven false. Similar to prohibition , history has shown that such measures fail to reduce smoking rates and can lead to the development of black markets. Promoting personal responsibility and education is a far more effective strategy than punitive taxation which harms both the business owner and the consumer. This bill sets a dangerous precedent for further regulation and taxation of personal choices. This bill represents a step toward a more authoritarian state that undermines personal liberties. HB1085 is an attempt to regulate personal behavior through taxation. As advocates for liberty, we must resist legislation that prioritizes government control over personal freedom. We should instead encourage an environment where individuals are trusted to make informed choices about their health and well-being. Help Us Oppose this Bill: Click on the hyperlink to familiarize yourself with the bill text: SB1404 & HB1085   Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Call your representatives: Maps of districts and their representatives with contact information can be found here.   Join Our Team! You don't have to do this alone. We are here to help your actions succeed and amplify the voices of Hawaii! Contact us today to get tailored advice, collaboration, and support. And don't forget to let us know what issues matter most to you. Keep an eye out as we continue to publish on topics that affect our liberty.

Governor Green is spending your tax dollars lobbying for Big Pharma while legislating in Hawaii to take away your religious freedoms.  SB1437   & HB1118  threaten to remove religious exemptions from the already draconian immunization requirements for school-aged children.  Despite an overwhelming number of voices in opposition to the stripping away of religious freedoms, our “representatives” voted to pass the bill to the next committee. Let the Democrats who voted AYE know how you feel about their comments: Chair of the Committee Gregg Takayama 808-586-6340 reptakayama@capitol.hawaii.gov Terez Amato 808-586-8525 repamato@capitol.hawaii.gov Ikaika Olds 808-586-8515 repolds@capitol.hawaii.gov Lisa Marten 808-586-9450 repmarten@capitol.hawaii.gov Let the Republicans who voted NO on this Bill know that you appreciate their vote: Diamond Garcia 808-586-8500 repgarcia@capitol.hawaii.gov David Alcos III 808-586-6080 repalcos@capitol.hawaii.gov If these drugs were so useful, they would not need to be implemented by force. Sadly, the exemption is barely there as it stands. Many of Hawaii’s families chose to remain out of the system even after Covid rule was lifted, because what that “emergency” showed them is that the State does not want to protect them, but to control them. They don't want to respect you, they want to demand of you. They don't want to serve, they want to rule.  With the proposed legislation, what little protections parents have left, will be struck through: ”If any parent, custodian, guardian, or any other person in loco parentis to a child objects to immunization in writing on the grounds that the immunization conflicts with that person's bona   fide religious tenets and practices.  Upon showing the appropriate school official satisfactory evidence of the exemption, no certificate or other evidence of immunization shall be required for entry into school].“ The above text makes the only remaining approved medical exemption to be through an already compromised and conflicted healthcare provider’s signature of approval.  Are we supposed to take the word of Dr. Josh Green that he knows what’s best for our keiki while he simultaneously attacks what little medical choice for parents remains in Hawaii? Are our representatives are truly representing us, or are they merely a tool in the governor’s hands? The governor has already admitted he has no faith in Hawaii’s ability to handle emergencies , and his track record matches such statements. Yet conversely he thinks he thinks he’s a guru on communicable diseases and State emergencies.  Josh Green is also an elected representative of the people of Hawaii. It is his job to speak for all Hawaiian residents. He should be held accountable for wielding this power against the people who put him into office. He should be upholding and fighting for our rights, not undermining and attacking them.  Our people are dying on the vine. homelessness has skyrocketed, violent crime has risen, and Josh Green’s “remedies” have consistently been to regulate more and to strip away our inherent rights.  He’s been fighting in Washington against every notion of slashing bloat, protecting our freedoms, and putting the affairs of the State back into the hand of the State. And he’s doing so by using funds raised by theft through taxation.  Enough is enough. SB1437   & HB1118  should continue to be vehemently opposed, and representatives need to know what a breach of trust such proposed injustices are for all Hawaiians. Take Action Now  to stop SB1437   & HB1118  from taking effect.

S.B. No. 799 , " Relating to the Freedom to Read " is currently under consideration. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii wholeheartedly agrees that the freedom to read is essential, but Americans already have that right. This is not what’s at stake. And to frame it this way is deceitful. Let me explain:       This is not about what children are allowed to read, but what the government exposes them to while in their care. Families pay for and send their children to these programs and should have the ability to raise ANY issue they desire with the Department of Education. There should be a transparent and constant flow of communication with parents over their children’s education.       The statistics mentioned in the bill itself are sad. The fact that over four thousand works in school and public libraries were targeted in 2023 and 1,128 books were challenged in the first eight months of 2024 should be a scathing rebuke to the current selection and handling of materials.       Instead of addressing parental concerns, this bill attempts to bypass parents by allowing school officials to unilaterally dictate what materials are presented according to “ certain criteria ” which are not defined, but left to their “ professional judgment ”. Vague language opens the door to the misuse and abuse of mandating what materials are deemed suitable for our youth: “(b)  The state librarian and state library system librarians shall select books and other materials for inclusion, circulation, and exclusion in the state library collection according to the professional judgment of the selector regarding the material's value to the library's collection.”      It even prohibits the state librarian and state library system from listening to parental concerns: “ (c)  The state librarian and state library system librarians shall uphold the concept of the freedom to read.  No books or other materials shall be excluded or removed from circulation because of the race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political or social views of the author, or due to partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval.”      We must protect the rights of parents to guide their children's education according to their religious beliefs and ideological philosophies are fully respected and protected.       We need to acknowledge the importance of recognizing the individual needs of parents and families. The education of our keiki should be managed and tailored according to the will of the parents who invest the most into it, and who have the most to lose.   Help Us Fight for Parent’s Voices: Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bill text: S.B. No. 799 Our regularly updated schedule of hearing dates for this list helps you to know when to submit.  Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.   Join Our Team! You don't have to do this alone. We are here to help your actions succeed and amplify the voices of Hawaii! Contact us today to get tailored advice, collaboration, and support. And don't forget to let us know what issues matter most to you. Keep an eye out as we continue to publish on topics that affect our liberty.

School impact fees are charges levied on new residential developments to fund the construction and expansion of school facilities needed to accommodate the influx of students. Calculated based on the expected number of school-aged children generated by the development, these fees aim to ensure that developers contribute to infrastructure costs, though they can also raise housing prices and complicate affordability for families.      These fees have become a significant barrier to housing affordability. They add thousands of dollars to the cost of new residential units often passed on to renters and buyers, driving up housing prices and exacerbating the existing housing crisis.  SUPPORT HB422 | OPPOSE HB1088 Support HB422      HB . No. 422 . This legislation addresses the burdensome costs that school impact fees impose on housing development and families seeking affordable homes.      The findings of Auditor Report No. 19-13 highlight the inefficiencies and inconsistencies in how these fees are assessed and collected. It is solid proof that the current system is not serving the community.      This proposed measure would allow developers to build more homes and increase supply while helping to stabilize or lower housing costs. This would make housing development more free without the burdens of excessive regulations and fees.      This is a necessary step toward reducing the cost of housing and promoting a more favorable environment for development. These fees are yet another form of theft levied against the people of Hawaii. Help Us Support this Bill: Click on the hyperlink to familiarize yourself with the bill text: HB . No. 422 Our regularly updated schedule of hearing dates for helps you to know when to submit.  Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Call your representatives: Maps of districts and their representative with contact information can be found here.   Oppose HB1088 & SB1407        HB1088 & SB1407 , from the Governor’s package, would do the opposite for families. It would remove the burden for school impact fees from: Housing permanently excluding school-aged children. Housing subject to the transient accommodations tax. Nonresidential development. Developments with education contribution agreements. Developments by the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Housing developed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for beneficiaries.      Governor Green’s proposal would only exempt certain government housing organizations and incentivize developers who permanently exclude children. This could lead to segregating families along with price hikes and availability issues for larger households.      H.B. No. 422 addresses the broad implications of fees on housing availability, whereas H.B. No. 1088 targets exemptions for specified developments. Help Us Oppose this Bill: Click on the hyperlink to familiarize yourself with the bill text:   HB1088 & SB1407   Our regularly updated schedule of hearing dates for helps you to know when to submit.  Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Call your representatives: Maps of districts and their representative with contact information can be found here.   Join Our Team! You don't have to do this alone. We are here to help your actions succeed and amplify the voices of Hawaii! Contact us today to get tailored advice, collaboration, and support. And don't forget to let us know what issues matter most to you. Keep an eye out as we continue to publish on topics that affect our liberty.

The Libertarian Party of Hawaii has been actively engaged in the 2025 Hawai legislative session. We've been compiling information, categorized for your convenience, as well as activating our members to call lists and written testimonies.  Here is the List So Far: Defend the Guard : This movement is aimed at reinstating the constitutional provision preventing our armed forces from being sent overseas without a declaration of war from Congress. Help us get this draft bill sponsored before the 2026 session begins. This is a comprehensive Activism Packet that makes the movements as easy as possible.  Legalized Kidnapping Bill : The proposed “Health Care Access Protection Act” intertwines politics with the Hawaii healthcare system to the extent of legalizing interstate kidnapping. Legalize Raw Milk : The "Mark Nakashima Act," would legalize the direct sale of raw milk and raw milk products in Hawai'i. A Mother’s Right to Choose : Five bills were introduced to continue imposing new regulations for midwives and birthing practitioners in Hawaii. By maintaining licensing requirements instead of letting them hit the sunset provision (expiration), these measures prolong the regulatory framework that limits individuals' autonomy and stifles the natural flow of market dynamics in the midwifery field. Transparency in Times of Emergency :   This bill specifies that during emergencies, requests for public records or vital records cannot be suspended and allows the Legislature and city councils to terminate a state of emergency declared by the Governor or Mayor. A Storm of Tax Hikes: multiple bills in session to raise costs for taxpayers Eliminating Wasteful Spending : Requires the Director of Human Resources Development to abolish vacant positions that have remained unfilled for more than five years. 2nd Amendment Infringements : Seven anti-gun bills were pre-filed this session with special emphasis on gun storage and liabilities for not adhering to them. One bill doesn't even require a conviction! Fireworks Prohibitions : Thirty bills have been introduced aimed at prohibiting fireworks. This covers anything from stricter penalties, to special task force provisions, to drone and sensor technologies.  Ban on Religious Exemptions to Children’s Vaccines : This bill would take away one of two remedies remaining for parents of school children to exempt out of vaccine mandates. If passed, the only remaining exemption would be a medical one signed by a physician.  How You Can Help Each of the above links will take you to a dedicated post on the subject matter.   Click on the hyperlinks above to familiarize yourself with the bills. Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Our regularly updated schedule of hearing dates for this list helps you to know when to submit. Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.   Join Our Team! You don't have to do this alone. We are here to help your actions succeed and amplify the voices of Hawaii! Contact us today to get tailored advice, collaboration, and support. And don't forget to let us know what issues matter most to you. Keep an eye out as we continue to publish on topics that affect our liberty.

Hawaii Proposes a New Ministry of Truth Abstract : In a stunning move straight out of George Orwell’s dystopian novel, “1984”, Hawaii’s 2025 legislature is contemplating shockingly draconian laws - including SB 1618 , introduced by Senator Donna Mercado Kim. This bill aims to assert broad state control over all forms of journalism, information, and online speech, including social media accounts which can be arguably said to be “operating in Hawaii”. The proposed law would create a state agency called the “Journalistic Ethics Commission”, controlled by a board that serves the Governor of Hawaii.  This new state agency would be able to create “opinions and rules” which would “have the force of law.” This would effectively eliminate whatever remains of Press freedom in Hawaii, and for the state to control all public information and discussion.  The proposed agency will be able to make these rules without any oversight from the public, and unaccountable to the people. They would be empowered to censor any voice which the State of Hawaii and their academic cohorts deems to be inconvenient. It even seeks to impose fines on anyone who doesn’t obey their “rules” against unwanted speech.  The Ministry of Truth Act SB 1618 - or Hawaii’s Ministry of Truth Act, calls for a sprawling regulatory agency & de-facto  licensure scheme for whomever the agency deems to be “Journalists”. The scope of the “Journalism” aimed for would include every social media account with over a 10,000 follower count which could be deemed as “operating in Hawaii”.  The lawmakers of Hawaii begin the bill’s preamble with typical clichè complaints about the dangers of “misinformation” (I.e.: facts they don’t like, or criticism of them), and decided that the best way to save the world from their political enemies (all the families who didn’t vote for them) is to let their corrupted institutions decide who is allowed to speak publicly, and who should be silenced, fined, and possibly worse. It reads: “ Traditional journalism, though valuable, often falls short in addressing the ethical dilemmas presented by emerging technologies.  The legislature believes that strengthening ethical standards for media outlets will enable the State to combat misinformation, rebuild trust, protect the privacy of citizens, and equip them with the necessary tools to adapt to the digital age. “The legislature further finds that it is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution, to require the board of regents to analyze and determine the effectiveness of the media ethics course required for a bachelor of arts in journalism at the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of social sciences . “ Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to promote responsible journalism by:      (1)  Establishing baseline ethical standards and transparency requirements for journalists, editors, or news media outlets operating in Hawaii, while protecting their rights to exercise freedom of speech or freedom of the press; and      (2)  Directing the board of regents of the university of Hawaii to conduct an analysis of the degree requirements for a bachelor of arts in journalism at the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of social sciences. ” In other words, they are establishing a new kind of professional whose job it is to censor information the state doesn’t like, and do so in a way that “protects the right of freedom of speech or of the press”.  The problem with the above (clearly disingenuous) statement is that it is essentially a contradiction. We cannot control undesirable or offensive speech without completely removing protections on freedom of speech. There is no way to implement this without subjecting all journalists of note to what can properly be dubbed: “the dictatorship of professionals”, which is really just another way of saying a “dictatorship of the state”. Doesn’t sound that  bad yet?  There’s More, Buckle up!      “ SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "CHAPTER JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY AND ETHICS       §   -1  Applicability.   This chapter shall apply to all news media outlets operating within the State, including traditional print, broadcast, and digital media; provided that independent journalists and bloggers with a readership of fewer than 10,000 per month shall be exempt from this chapter…” Does anyone else remember that thing called freedom of the press, and freedom of speech? Hawaii has essentially declared war on their own electorate and their own constitution(s) - and this proposed law is the latest move offering yet more dictatorial powers to the most powerful governorship in the United States. If this were to pass, the Hawaii governor would have direct control over the new Ministry of Truth (aka: the Journalistic Ethics Commission), as seen below: “ The commission shall consist of ____ members to be appointed or removed by the governor as provided in section 26-34; provided that the commission shall include at least:      (1)  One member who is a professor of journalism from the university of Hawaii school of communication and information;      (2)  One member representing print media;      (3)  One member representing broadcast television;      (4)  One member representing broadcast radio;      (5)  One member representing digital media, including social media; and      (6)  One member representing the public.” But wait! The Trope Gets Much Worse! This unelected “board” gets to make “opinions” which has the force of law, without any oversight from the public: “     ( 1)  The commission shall render advisory opinions upon request as to whether the facts and circumstances of a particular case constitute or will constitute a violation of the journalistic code of ethics;      (2)  The commission shall administer the journalistic code of ethics, subject to the procedural requirements of this chapter and any rules adopted thereunder;      (3)  The commission may adopt, amend, and repeal any rules, not inconsistent with this chapter, that in the judgment of the commission seem appropriate for the implementation of this chapter and for the efficient administration thereof, including every matter or thing required to be done or which may be done with the approval, consent, order, direction, supervision, or prescription of the commission; provided that the rules, when adopted as provided in chapter 91, shall have the force and effect of law ” We Aren’t Out of Crazy-town Yet. There’s even  more: this bill also features a politically-abusable snitch program to report journalists that offend your feelings:   “ (b)  The board shall establish and administer a public reporting and dispute resolution program that shall include:      (1)  A dedicated hotline and online reporting system to file complaints related to violations of the journalistic code of ethics described in section    ‑4(a); and      (2)  A complaint and appeals process for a person to file a complaint or an appeal of the board's determination with the board to challenge a journalist, editor, or news media outlet believed to have violated   the journalistic code of ethics or any rules adopted by the journalistic ethics commission ” Translation for non-Hawaiians: this means there will be no real due process, and dealing with 1st amendment issues will likely require a federal court battle, since the only process provided here would be an agency appeal. This is the stuff of dictatorships, and probably constitutes a crime against the constitution. But that all isn’t enough for them - they wanted to put teeth on this anti-journalism dog by imposing fines, which if not paid, could lead to other legal attacks by the rabid state of Hawaii:        §   -6  Penalties.   Any journalist, editor, or news media outlet in violation of this chapter may be subject to the following for a second violation and each violation thereafter:      (1)  A public notice of non-compliance;       (2)  A fine of not less than $_______  for each separate offence;      (3)  Suspension or revocation of state media privileges, including press credentials for government-sponsored events; or      (4)  Any combination of the foregoing, as deemed appropriate by the review board; provided that each day of each violation shall be deemed a separate offense.      Failure to comply will almost certainly result in far worse punishments. Hawaii’s legislature is openly displaying their contempt for their voters’ well-being, nor their freedom; instead focusing on punishing and dictating the rules to all those who aren’t in political lockstep with their radical agenda and their obnoxious attempts to force the world to accept their version of reality. Under this new law - our blog here would almost certainly be banned from conducting “journalism”.

Hawaii’s lawmakers are at it again—proposing a slew of new tax increases that will further burden residents and businesses. From carbon taxes to retail delivery fees, these measures demonstrate a growing disregard for economic freedom and personal responsibility, principles at the heart of the libertarian philosophy. The Libertarian Perspective: More Taxes, Less Freedom Libertarians believe in minimal government intervention, lower taxes, and the right of individuals to control their own economic destinies. Higher taxes, particularly those hidden in regulatory fees, undermine these values and place undue financial pressure on already struggling residents and businesses. Instead of increasing revenue through taxation, legislators should focus on reducing government spending, cutting unnecessary programs, and eliminating barriers to entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, Hawaii’s leadership seems determined to take the opposite approach. The Tax Proposals Threatening Hawaii’s Economy This session, several bills represent a direct assault on economic liberty: HB760 (Carbon Tax):  This bill proposes a steep increase in carbon taxes, which will drive up energy costs and disproportionately affect those who can least afford it. While marketed as an environmental measure, it will likely result in higher transportation and electricity costs for everyone. HB1077 (Green Fee):  Pitched as a tax on tourists, this bill will ultimately trickle down to local businesses and residents, increasing costs across the board and harming Hawaii’s tourism-dependent economy. SB313 (Wealth Asset Tax):  A direct attack on financial success, this bill seeks to penalize individuals simply for accumulating wealth. Rather than encouraging investment and growth, it punishes those who have worked hard to achieve financial stability. SB1124 (50-Cent Retail Delivery Fee):  Under the guise of regulating online retail, this bill will make everyday purchases more expensive, adding costs to both consumers and businesses alike. SB1043 / HB959 (General Excise Tax and Privilege Tax Changes):  These bills propose a mix of changes to the General Excise Tax (GET), including exemptions for groceries and medical services but offsetting these with increases elsewhere, making the overall impact a net negative for Hawaii’s residents. The Real Cost of These Taxes Hawaii already has one of the highest costs of living in the country. Continually increasing taxes and fees will only drive more residents away, exacerbating the state’s brain drain and population decline. Small businesses, already struggling with high operational costs, will be forced to raise prices or shut down. Tourists, faced with higher fees, may choose to visit more affordable destinations, further damaging the economy. History has shown that tax hikes rarely achieve their intended revenue goals. Instead, they lead to unintended consequences—job losses, reduced consumer spending, and greater dependence on government assistance. A Call to Action: Oppose These Bills If you value economic freedom, personal responsibility, and a government that works for the people rather than against them, it’s time to take a stand. Go to our TAKE ACTION tab to learn how to provide written testimony.  Contact your legislators and demand that they oppose the following bills: HB760 (Carbon Tax) HB1077 (Green Fee) SB313 (Wealth Asset Tax) SB1124 (Retail Delivery Fee) SB1043 / HB959 (General Excise Tax and Privilege Tax Changes) Let’s remind our elected officials that higher taxes are not the solution to Hawaii’s economic challenges. Instead, we need policies that reduce the tax burden, encourage business growth, and make our state more affordable for all residents.

Five Bills have been introduced to continue imposing new regulations for midwives and birthing practitioners in Hawaii. By maintaining licensing requirements instead of letting them hit the sunset provision (expiration), these measures prolong the regulatory framework that limits individuals' autonomy and stifles the natural flow of market dynamics in the midwifery field. Read closely: These measures are cleverly worded to make the reader think they're doing us a favor by adding more provisions for midwifery and homebirth licensure. The reality is that if this bill and others like it are turned down, the regulatory framework will expire per “sunset laws”.  Let’s be clear: The Libertarian Party of Hawaii supports all freedom in birthing options including pale keiki, lola, and samba - as well as any birth-related service providers of their choosing. These choices are sacred and inherent in women’s rights. Parents and families must have the freedom to choose how they journey through their birthing experience without concern for burdensome regulations or mandates of any kind. We do not need a “home birth task force”; we need to recognize the right of a mother to make her own healthcare choices. The legislature’s own quoted research condemns them at the beginning of HB1328 : “The legislature recognizes that, for many people, decisions about pregnancy and birth are informed by their personal or community history and culture and are experiences of great social, cultural, and spiritual significance. For many people, pregnancy and birth are not primarily medical events.”  From research highlighted by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis (June 2022): “… legal access to culturally responsive care of the birthing person's choosing, including traditional practices of that person's culture, is strongly correlated with increased safety and well-being.” Extending the licensure program welcomes more government interference in private healthcare practices and decisions. These bills would block Hawaii’s ability to transition to a deregulated environment that prioritizes individual freedom of choice and a competitive market driven by consumer demand rather than bureaucratic mandates. How You Can Help: We need your help to protect women’s choices in Hawaii. Follow the directions below to get started: Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bills: HB1328 “ Continues a licensing scheme for licensed certified midwives and licensed certified professional midwives, to be overseen by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Reestablishes the home birth task force” SB274 & HB407 & SB370 “Establishes a licensing scheme for licensed certified midwives and licensed certified professional midwives, to be overseen by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Reestablishes the home birth task force” HB1194 “ Makes midwife regulatory laws permanent. Clarifies the scope of practice of midwifery. Establishes licensure requirements for certified midwives and certified professional midwives.” Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.

The Libertarian Party of Hawaii has been actively engaged in the 2025 Hawai legislative session. We've been compiling information, categorized for your convenience, as well as activating our members to call lists and written testimony.  Here is the List So Far: Defend the Guard : This movement is aimed at reinstating the constitutional provision preventing our armed forces from being sent overseas without a declaration of war from Congress. Help us get this draft bill sponsored before the 2026 session begins. This is a comprehensive Activism Packet that makes the movements as easy as possible.  2nd Amendment Infringements Seven anti-gun bills were pre-filed this session with special emphasis on gun storage and liabilities for not adhering to them. One bill doesn't even require a conviction! Fireworks Prohibitions Thirty bills have been introduced aimed at prohibiting fireworks. This covers anything from stricter penalties, to special task force provisions, to drone and sensor technologies.  Ban on Religious Exemptions to Children’s Vaccines This bill would take away one of two remedies remaining for parents of school children to exempt out of vaccine mandates. If passed, the only remaining exemption would be a medical one signed by a physician.  How You Can Help Each of the above links will take you to a dedicated post on the subject matter.   Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bill text(s). Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.   Join Our Team! You don't have to do this alone. We are here to help your actions succeed and get the voices of Hawaii heard! Contact us today to get tailored advice, collaboration, and support. And don't forget to let us know what issues matter most to you. Keep an eye out as we continue to publish on topics that most affect our liberty.

Seven anti-gun bills were pre-filed in the Hawaii 2025 legislative session. Many of these bills cross over in what they aim for, making it clear that Hawaii Representatives want to strip away our 2nd amendment rights without regard to the will of their constituents.  Such attempts at hindering, restricting, and regulating these rights are a transparent and obvious attack on Hawaii’s most vulnerable. Anyone trying to disarm the women of Hawaii is an accomplice to every sexual assault and murdered innocent on these islands. Our representatives and senators need to hear this loud and clear.  How You Can Help: We need your help in defending and maintaining our right to bear arms. Hawaii has a fundamental right to self-defense in all of its various forms.  Below, we have listed each bill on the table aimed at stripping away at our constitution.  Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bill text(s). Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.   The Proposed Legislation: Oppose HB 125 :  Mandates written notice of firearms regulations at time of purchase. Establishes strict liability for damages related to secure storage violations. Violating storage requirements can result in fines and misdemeanor charges. Oppose HB 136 : Requires trigger locks with all firearm sales by licensed dealers. Mandates written notice of firearms regulations at time of purchase. Enforces strict guidelines for firearm storage, limiting options and imposing fines. Broadens criminally negligent storage to include prohibited individuals. Oppose HB 138 : Enforces strict guidelines for firearm storage similar to HB136. Holds gun owners criminally liable for minors accessing unsecured firearms. Imposes class C felony for injury and class B felony for death. Oppose House Bill 150 : prohibits an individual from lending a firearm to another individual, with very limited exceptions.  restricts the loaning of a firearm to another unless the individual already has a firearm permit or possesses a registered firearm in the case of rifles or shotguns, the duration of the loan is less than 12 hours. Oppose Senate Bill 174 : imposes egregious restrictions on the purchase and possession of ammunition.  individuals would be required to show their firearm registration when purchasing ammunition and would only be allowed to purchase ammunition for their permitted firearms.  Possession of ammunition of a caliber that is different from your registered firearm would be a criminal offense.  requires a license to sell or transfer ammunition. Oppose Senate Bill 128 :  removes an individual’s constitutional right to keep and bear arms for the conviction OR mere prosecution of trespassing on agricultural land.  Due process limits restrictions on constitutional rights to only serious convictions removes a constitutional right for a petty misdemeanor offense and doesn’t even require a conviction. Oppose Senate Bill 308 : expands Hawaii’s existing ban on detachable magazines capable of accepting more than 10 rounds to all firearms, not just for pistols.  A violation of the magazine ban, under current law, is punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines if the magazine is found inserted into a firearm.