Legislative Week in Review
from Hawaii Family Forum, April 24, 2026
HB1961 & HB1875 Enter Critical Final Phase
Both HB1961 and HB1875 have passed the Senate and have been returned to the House, where members have formally disagreed with the Senate’s amendments. The next step is the appointment of House and Senate conferees who will meet in conference committee to resolve the differences between the two versions.
Conference committee meetings will begin once those appointments are made. While public testimony is not permitted at this stage, these meetings are open to observation and can be viewed either in person or via YouTube.
In some cases, differences are resolved quickly—occasionally even resulting in agreement with the Senate’s version—which would allow the bills to move swiftly to the Governor’s desk. Based on current indications, it is expected that Governor Green will sign both measures into law, at which point they would take effect upon his signature.
EDITOR’s NOTE: The House has voted to accept the Senate versions of both HB1875 juvenile sex change, and HB1961 protest outside Planned Parenthood thus they are now both enrolled directly to the Governor awaiting his signature or veto.
HB1961: Text, Status
HB1875: Text, Status
A Meaningful Moment at the Capitol
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, I was honored to attend the signing of SB 2256 in my role as Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Catholic Conference. This measure designates April 27 as “Brother Joseph Dutton Day” in Hawaiʻi.
Joseph Dutton dedicated decades of his life serving those living in isolation at Kalaupapa, caring for individuals with compassion, dignity, and perseverance. While often referred to as “Brother”—a title given to him as a sign of affection—he was not a member of a religious order. His story is one of redemption and sacrificial service—values that continue to resonate across our islands today.
Hawaiʻi holds a unique place in the world in honoring lives like his. Alongside the legacy of Saint Damien and Saint Marianne Cope, Joseph Dutton’s life reflects a tradition of extraordinary service to those most in need—something that continues to shape the heart of our community.
I am grateful to have witnessed this moment of recognition for a man whose quiet commitment to others reflects the very best of Hawaiʻi’s spirit.
LEGISLATIVE DEADLINES
APR 27 SECOND CROSSOVER FOR CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS – Deadline for passing amended concurrent resolutions in the non-originating chamber in order to “cross back” to the originating chamber.
APR 29 FINAL DECKING OF NON-FISCAL BILLS – Deadline for submitting non-fiscal bills for final reading by both chambers.
MAY 1 FINAL DECKING OF FISCAL BILLS – Deadline for submitting fiscal bills for final reading by both chambers. Fiscal bills include appropriation or spending bills, tax credits, etc., or any bill with a House Finance (FIN) or Senate Ways and Means (WAM) referral.
MAY 8 ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE – In Latin, “sine die” means “without a day” specified for next meeting. Adjournment sine die occurs on the 60th legislative day of a regular session and indicates a suspension of the business of the legislature indefinitely. From this point, the Legislature will certify bills whose form both chambers have agreed to and will transmit or “enroll” those bills to the Governor. Contact PAR for information regarding the Governor’s deadline
ACROSS THE NATION
Hawaii Attorney General Joins Bipartisan Push for Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing
April 15, 2026 | A bipartisan coalition of attorneys general (including Hawaii's AG Anne Lopez) is urging the U.S. Labor Department to require pharmacy benefit managers to disclose how they set drug prices and generate revenue. The coalition, led by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond (R), backs a rule that would require PBMs to report revenue details twice a year.
[Read the letter here.]
Biden HHS Blocked Christians From Fostering Children
Apr 21, 2026 | WASHINGTON D.C. – Last week, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified to Congress that the Biden administration blocked Christian couples from fostering children.
Secretary Kennedy testified that Biden officials imposed a 2024 HHS rule that required prospective foster parents to support LGBTQ identities as a condition for federal funding for foster care programs nationwide. Secretary Kennedy noted the policy “dramatically constricted the pool of available parents” for children in need of good homes. His testimony was part of the HHS’ efforts to roll back these restrictions.
[Read full story here.]
Breaking! Fifth Circuit Upholds Texas Ten Commandments Law
Austin, TX. – April 21, 2026: (This is from our sister organization in TEXAS!)
[On April 21, 2026], the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling upholding the constitutionality of S.B. 10, the Texas Ten Commandments law, allowing Ten Commandments displays to continue being placed in public school classrooms across the state. The court’s decision reached the merits of the case, declaring the plaintiff’s major supporting case law, Stone v. Graham, effectively dead and upholding the Texas law outright.
[Read the full story here.]
SPLC Indicted With 11 Counts in Fraud Scheme That Included the KKK
Apr 22, 2026 | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has been indicted with 11 felony counts in a decade-long fraud and money-laundering scheme involving the covert payment of individuals tied to white supremacist and extremist organizations.
“Between 2014 and 2023, the SPLC secretly funneled more than $3 million in donated funds to individuals who were associated with various violent extremist groups including the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nations, and National Socialist Party of America (American Nazi Party),” reads a Department of Justice statement. The other extremist groups include United Klans of America, National Alliance, Nationalist Socialist Movement, American Front, and the leadership group that planned the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, VA.
[Read full story here.]
Catch Up on the Faith and Family First Podcast
LISTEN HERE >>> Weekly Faith and Family First Update
In this episode, Eva and Marcus begin by honoring the life and legacy of Francis Oda, the visionary founder of Hawaiʻi Family Forum, and reflect on his lasting impact on people of faith in Hawaiʻi’s public square.
They also discuss the recent bill signing recognizing Brother Joseph Dutton and his remarkable life of service at Kalaupapa, alongside St. Damien and St. Marianne Cope.
Then, Eva and Marcus turn to the final stretch of the legislative session, including updates on HB 1961, HB 1875, the state budget bill, emergency powers reform, constitutional amendment proposals, election-related bills, and why community involvement still matters even after public hearings are over.
This episode is a reminder that faith, service, citizenship, and aloha all have a place in shaping Hawaiʻi’s future.
Don't forget to subscribe to the FFF podcast for more in-depth discussions on social and political issues that matter to you!
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Healthcare for All? A Conversation That Matters for Hawai‘i
What does truly ethical, life-affirming healthcare look like—and how do we protect it in Hawai‘i?
Join us on May 2 for a powerful and timely community event featuring Dr. Bill Lile, OB-GYN, a nationally recognized speaker who brings both medical expertise and a compassionate perspective to one of today’s most important issues.
This event will explore the intersection of patient rights, dignity, trust, and ethical care, offering insight into how healthcare decisions impact individuals, families, and our broader community.
In addition to Dr. Lile’s presentation, Eva Andrade, President of Hawai‘i Family Forum, will share a clear and helpful overview of how elected officials in Hawai‘i have voted on key life-related issues—equipping attendees with a better understanding of the current legislative landscape. She will also encourage thoughtful civic engagement, helping individuals connect their values with meaningful action in their communities.
Together, this event reflects a shared commitment to both truth and compassion—bringing medical insight and community education side by side to inform, equip, and inspire.
Whether you are deeply engaged in these issues or simply seeking to better understand them, this is an opportunity to be informed, encouraged, and equipped.
Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor
May 2, 2026
3:00 – 5:30 PM
Come be part of an important conversation for our community.