House passes supplemental state budget, sends HB1800 to governor

The Hawaii House of Representatives passed House Bill 1800, a supplemental state budget, after members debated the bill's priorities and floor amendments and approved the conference committee report for final reading.

Representative Todd, who spoke in support on the floor, said the measure "positions the state well to respond to both our present and future needs," describing the bill as a work-in-progress that preserves essential services while making targeted investments.

The supplemental budget, described by supporters as a refinement of the prior biennium plan, increases funding for social safety-net programs including SNAP and Medicaid, adds support for local farmers and small businesses, and sets aside initial appropriations for the proposed green fee. Sponsors said the bill also protects funding for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and allocates over $35 million to reduce the waiting list and improve homesteader supports.

Representative Morikawa moved adoption of the conference committee report; Representative Kahaloa seconded. The House took a recorded final reading and passed HB1800. The Clerk later informed the chamber that the Senate had also passed the bill and that the measure was duly transmitted to the governor pursuant to Article VII, Section 9, of the Hawaii Constitution.

Members who registered reservations during floor debate said they supported the bill’s broad aims but wanted written comments entered into the journal on specific provisos and funding lines. Minority and majority leaders recorded their party votes as part of the final reading sequence.

The bill's passage completes the legislature’s supplemental work for this biennium; as transmitted, the governor will now have the statutory package to review and sign, veto, or return with recommendations.