SENATE AND HOUSE MONEY COMMITTEES APPROVE STATE BUDGET BILL
NOTE: So far there is no publicly released text of HB300CD1. Kathleen Lee of Senate Communications tells Hawai'i Free Press: "It should be up in the next few days – please continue to check our capitol.hawaii.gov for updates. The deadline for final decking of fiscal bills is this Friday."
News Release from Hawaii Legislature, April 21, 2025
HONOLULU – This afternoon, the Hawai‘i State Senate and House of Representatives approved HB 300 CD1, the state’s biennium budget bill for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The measure, which appropriates nearly $40 billion across all means of financing, was finalized in a joint conference committee after both chambers initially passed different versions. The bill will now be up for final reading in both chambers before heading to the Governor's desk for his signature.
The appropriations are as follows:
General Fund
- Fiscal Year 2026: $10.59 billion
- Fiscal Year 2027: $10.64 billion
All Means of Financing
- Fiscal Year 2026: $19.94 billion
- Fiscal Year 2027: $19.76 billion
“This budget shows what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM) Chair Donovan Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village). “Mahalo to House Finance Chair Yamashita and the Finance Committee for their collaboration in developing this conference draft. Of course, mahalo to Senate President Kouchi, our subject matter committee Chairs, and Vice Chair Moriwaki for their close collaboration throughout the entire session. From expanding core programs for vulnerable populations to supporting regional economic development that builds long-term resilience, we’ve worked hard to make sure our decisions today strengthen Hawaiʻi’s foundation for tomorrow. Whether it's food security, access to healthcare, or helping small businesses grow, this budget is about making sure every part of our state has the opportunity to thrive.”
“The CIP budget focuses on essentials – health and safety, compliance, infrastructure, maintenance and modernization of state assets; and on the state’s priorities to build affordable housing and infrastructure, support education and workforce development, economic development and diversification, including innovative agricultural production, and environmental sustainability,” stated WAM Vice Chair Sharon Y. Moriwaki (Senate District 12 - Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully).
“The House and Senate have reached consensus on a responsible and forward-thinking budget – one that strengthens our safety net and core programs. This budget addresses the critical needs of our communities, including housing, agriculture, natural resources, transportation, public safety, and economic development. It sets a strong foundation as we move into the interim and continue to assess federal impacts on our state,” said House Finance Committee (FIN) Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (House District 12 - Upcountry Maui).
House Finance Capital Improvement Projects Chair Lisa Kitagawa (House District 48 - Kāne‘ohe, ‘Āhuimanu, Kahalu‘u, Waiāhole, Ka‘a‘awa) stated, “We’re pleased to share that this biennial CIP budget reflects our commitment to uplifting our communities. It prioritizes the health and safety of our residents, expands access to affordable housing across the state, and invests in education to support the future of our keiki.”
COVERAGE:
HNN: Brand new budget may face rewrite in coming months
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