2025 HI Legislative Scorecard
The following scorecard lists several key votes in the Hawaii Legislature in 2025 and ranks state representatives and senators based on their fidelity to (U.S.) constitutional and limited-government principles.
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House Votes
SB1434 establishes a universal vaccine program under the Hawaii Department of Health to provide vaccines, such as those for influenza and COVID-19, to all residents. The Hawaii State Department of Health is authorized to set rules for implementation, and the program includes purchasing, distributing, and maintaining a vaccine stockpile.
The Hawaii House of Representatives passed SB1434 on May 2, 2025 by a vote of 40 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation expands government involvement in healthcare — infringing on individual liberty and the free market. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution does not authorize the federal government to regulate healthcare or mandate vaccinations. The 10th Amendment reserves such powers to the states, however, state governments must respect individual autonomy and avoid coercive health policies. By creating a state-funded vaccine program, SB1434 increases government spending and vaccine regulatory authority, pressuring residents into medical decisions.
SB1300 establishes a program administered by the Hawaii Department of Education to provide free breakfast and lunch to low income students in public schools. The program is funded through state appropriations starting on July 1, 2025.
The Hawaii House of Representatives passed SB1300 on April 30, 2025 by a vote of 49 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation expands government intervention and increases state budget expenditures — placing a burden on taxpayers. SB1300 mandates state responsibility for a function better handled by families or private initiatives.
SB30 amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to require all operators and passengers of motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds to wear safety helmets. This bill eliminates exemptions for individuals over 18 and imposes fines for noncompliance.
The Hawaii House of Representatives passed SB30 on April 30, 2025 by a vote of 47 to 3. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation infringes on individual liberty and expands government overreach. By mandating helmet use and imposing penalties, SB30 undermines the right of individuals to make voluntary decisions about their own safety. State governments must respect individual autonomy and avoid coercive mandates that restrict personal choice. Furthermore, aligning state law with federal Department of Transportation NHTSA “universal” helmet requirements erodes Hawaii’s state authority and invites additional federal oversight and mandates.
SCR132 encourages the State of Hawaii to adopt recommendations from the UN Global Plastics Treaty and the Rapa Nui Summit Declaration to address plastic pollution, climate justice, and sustainable development. The resolution supports reducing plastic consumption, phasing out single-use plastics, and implementing regulations for plastic production and disposal. It also advocates for aligning with UN and Pacific Islands Forum principles for climate justice and human rights.
The Hawaii House of Representatives passed SCR132 on April 14, 2025 by a vote of 48 to 3. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this resolution undermines state and national sovereignty by endorsing an international treaty that infringes on constitutional authority. By promoting the UN Global Plastics Treaty, SCR132 risks subjecting Hawaii to international regulations that would override state autonomy. Furthermore, the resolution’s alignment with UN human rights and climate processes threatens self-governance by prioritizing globalist agendas over state and national sovereignty.
HB893 amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to prohibit the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, or importation of "assault weapons," defined as certain semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols with specific features such as detachable magazines or pistol grips. This legislation allows existing owners to register their “assault weapons” with county police by January 1, 2026, and imposes criminal penalties for unregistered firearms, while exempting law-enforcement and military use.
The Hawaii House of Representatives passed HB893 on March 4, 2025 by a vote of 39 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation violates the Second Amendment and undermines individual liberty. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. By banning a broad category of commonly used firearms, HB893 infringes on this fundamental right. State governments must reject laws that violate constitutional protections. Furthermore, the bill’s registration requirement creates a framework that would facilitate future firearm confiscation.
HB408 extends the deadline for mail-in voter registration from 30 days to 10 days prior to a primary or general election.
The Hawaii House of Representatives passed HB408 on February 28, 2025 by a vote of 47 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation expands voter registration in a manner that undermines election integrity. Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution grants states the authority to regulate the "Times, Places and Manner" of elections, but this power must be exercised with caution to ensure secure electoral processes. Shortening the voter-registration deadline to 10 days before an election reduces the time available for election officials to verify applicant eligibility, increasing the risk of election fraud. While providing voter access is important, registration must be balanced with safeguards to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
