The Hawaiʻi State Legislature: when it meets, the bills to watch and what passed, updated through each session.
Oct 23, 2026 HST
The 2027 session opens January 20. Hawaiʻi’s Constitution sets opening day as the third Wednesday in January, which falls on Jan. 20, 2027. It begins a new two-year term after the November 2026 election. The 2026 session opened on Jan. 21.
How a session works
The Legislature meets for about 60 working days, usually adjourning in early May. Bills the governor signs become law, often taking effect on July 1 or Jan. 1. Track any bill and submit testimony at capitol.hawaii.gov.
Earlier updates and background
- 1959: Statehood created today’s Legislature: 25 senators and 51 representatives.
- 2025: Lawmakers passed the “green fee,” raising the tax on hotel and vacation rental stays to fund climate and conservation work. It took effect Jan. 1, 2026.
