On July 9, 2024, Governor Green finalized his veto decisions and signed ten bills into law. Among the newly enacted laws are HB1936, which mandates collective bargaining for securing mooring lines to commercial docks; HB2581, which removes the power of the Governor or a mayor to suspend electronic media during emergencies; and HB2526, which increases penalties for unauthorized driving of motor vehicles.
Other significant legislation includes SB2439, extending the statute of limitations for civil actions related to sexual offenses and allowing claims against legal entities if gross negligence is found.
In response to a revised fiscal forecast by the May 2024 Council on Revenues that reduced projected general fund revenues by over $430 million through 2029, Governor Green implemented line-item reductions in four bills before signing them. These reductions aim to balance the state’s financial plan while maintaining support for priorities such as affordability, housing, health care, and disaster recovery.
HB40 was adjusted with nearly $435 million in general fund appropriations cut to meet constitutional requirements for excess revenue disposition. HB1800 saw reductions totaling $74.2 million for operating funds and $79.5 million for capital improvement projects. A reduction of $10 million was applied to HB2619, which focuses on agricultural biosecurity efforts due to existing challenges with staff vacancies. SB3153 received a reduction of $5 million but will still provide initial support for dam improvement grants.
Governor Green also vetoed seven bills primarily due to legal and operational concerns:
- HB1633: Repealing leasing restrictions on owner-builders.
- HB2359: Establishing a Digital Equity Grant Program.
- SB572: Authorizing HDOA actions during biosecurity emergencies.
- SB3068: Appropriating funds for wildfire recovery but inadvertently zeroing out affordable housing funding.
- SB1511: Clarifying purposes and procedures related to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi.
- SB2512: Establishing notice requirements for emergency resource use.
- SB2557: Allowing court-appointed attorneys in assisted community treatment cases.
Governor Green's office stated that these vetoes were necessary to maintain quality standards in construction projects, ensure fair participation in digital equity initiatives, prevent disruptions in harbor operations, secure affordable housing funding alongside wildfire recovery efforts, avoid confusion regarding research corporation roles at the University of Hawaiʻi, preserve flexibility during emergencies, and eliminate duplicative legislative measures.