House committee advances broad package on workers’ compensation, education safety, language access and emergency management

The House Committee on Labor met Feb. 17, 2026, in Conference Room 309 and advanced a broad set of measures on workers’ compensation, education worker safety, language access, early‑learning pathways and emergency management.

The committee passed multiple workers’ compensation bills with technical and policy amendments aimed at clarifying reimbursement, provider selection and administration. Chair read into the record adopted edits that, among other changes, strike specified fee language, give the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) discretion to determine employer good cause and add cross‑references from HB 2323 into other measures. “We stand in support of the intention of the bill and respectfully request amendments,” said DLIR representative Joanne Fidenhar during testimony on the package.

Members debated the scope of limitations on over‑the‑counter drugs under HB 1648. DLIR warned a blanket prohibition could “unintentionally restrict medically appropriate care” and requested targeted amendments; Solera Integrated Medical’s Chris Catziwila opposed the bill, arguing it “runs contrary to HRS 453‑1,” and warned the measure could limit physicians’ prescribing authority. The committee adopted amendments and passed the measure with the stated intent to preserve appropriate care while addressing excessive charges.

Education bills drew sustained attention. On HB 1825 (teacher emergency‑hire provisions), the Department of Education supported the bill’s intent but asked to retain discretionary “may” language for emergency hires and to remove a new rule requirement. The Hawaii Teachers Standards Board opposed changes that…