From Senate Majority Caucus, April 27, 2026

Hawaiʻi State Senate Majority

Conference is underway at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, where House and Senate leaders are working together to finalize the state budget—one of the most important decisions made each session.

At its core, the budget is the State’s financial plan. It determines how public funds are spent, what priorities are funded, and how much relief residents may see in their day-to-day lives. Right now, both chambers are working through the differences between their versions to reach a final agreement.

In these clips from the first conference committee hearing of the session held last week between the Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Finance Committee, senators outline why they are working to preserve key parts of the Senate’s version—including SB3125 SD1, which prioritizes meaningful income tax relief for local families.

In simple terms, the Senate’s approach aims to:
✔ Put more money back into residents’ paychecks over time
✔ Lower the overall tax burden for working and middle-income families
✔ Maintain a balanced, responsible financial plan for the state

Swipe through to see and hear how Senate Ways and Means members are approaching these discussions as conference continues.

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From Senate Majority Caucus, April 27, 2026-update

As conference committee negotiations continue, lawmakers are working to align the House and Senate versions of the state budget—balancing the need for tax relief with responsible long-term planning.

During last week’s first conference committee hearing, Senate Ways and Means members emphasized that preserving the Senate’s approach means finding thoughtful ways to manage costs while protecting benefits for residents.

That includes actions like eliminating long-vacant state positions that have remained unfilled for more than five years—ensuring no current employees are impacted—along with using previously unspent funds, reevaluating long-standing tax credits, and shifting certain self-sustaining agencies off general funds.

Together, these adjustments help free up resources to support tax relief while maintaining essential government services and fiscal stability.

As we head into the final stretch of conference, these discussions will help shape the version of the budget that ultimately moves forward for Hawaiʻi’s families.

Swipe through to see and hear more key statements from Senate Ways and Means members as these important conversations continue.

VIDEO QUOTES: https://www.hawaiisenatemajority.com/ (Scroll down half-way.)

SB3125: Text, Status “Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-28-26 2:45PM; Conference Room 309.”