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SB2314Introduced in the Senate

Relating To The Hawaiian Language.

EngrossedHouse Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Introduced by Karl Rhoads, District 13

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

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Official description

Requires that whenever there is a difference between the English and Hawaii version of law that is material to its interpretation, priority shall be given to the language that aligns with the intent of the legislature as evidenced by legislative history, context, and purpose. Clarifies that Hawaiian shall not be required for public acts and transactions, but is welcomed. (SD1)

Where it stands

Referred to JHA, referral sheet 17

March 12, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

SenateStage: Senate Judiciary: Passed, Unamended · February 27, 2026

5

Yes

0

No

0

Absent or Not Voting

5 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.

What do people think?

Citizen Voice

How would you vote on this bill?

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See how each senator voted

SenatorDistrictVote
Joy San Buenaventura2Yes
Stanley Chang9Yes
Karl Rhoads13Yes
Mike Gabbard21Yes
Brenton Awa23Yes

Bill history

  1. Pending Introduction.

  2. Introduced and passed First Reading.

  3. Referred to HWN, JDC.

  4. The committee(s) on HWN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-26 1:10PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.

  5. The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HWN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Lamosao, Ihara, Keohokalole, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

  6. Reported from HWN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2271) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC.

  7. Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC.

  8. The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-27-26 10:30AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.

  9. The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

  10. Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3084) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading.

  11. One Day Notice 03-10-26.

  12. Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.

  13. Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 208) in amended form (SD 1).

  14. Pass First Reading

  15. Referred to JHA, referral sheet 17

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