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Bill

GM 1171

Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2417 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 071).

2026 Regular Session

Establishes standardized, tight timelines and clear notice/hearing procedures for Hawaii’s administrative license revocation after alcohol or drug offenses, including ignition inte

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Bill Summary · GM 1171

Summary of HB2417 (CD1) — Administrative License Revocation (Act 071, 2026)

What the bill does (purpose and intent)

  • Establishes and modifies procedures for the administrative revocation of a driver’s license and driving privilege in Hawaii when a person is arrested for alcohol or drug-related offenses.
  • Aims to clarify timelines, notice contents, administrative review rights, and hearing procedures to streamline and standardize the administrative revocation process.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 291E-31: Notice of administrative revocation; effects

    • Defines when administrative revocation becomes effective:
    • 30 days after notice for alcohol-related offenses.
    • 44 days after notice for drug-related offenses.
    • If the respondent requests an administrative hearing, revocation may be extended to a later date set by the director.
    • The notice also establishes:
    • The initiation date of revocation proceedings.
    • Whether a temporary permit or ignition interlock requirement applies during revocation.
    • Requires notice to inform the respondent that ignition interlock devices may be required if they had a valid license at arrest.

  • Section 291E-34: Administrative review notice content and timelines

    • Minimum information in notices to respondents:
    • Review is automatic and the timeframes for submitting information (3 days for alcohol offenses; 17 days for drug offenses).
    • How and where to submit information (address/electronic submission).
    • Notifying that the respondent is not automatically entitled to be present or represented at the review.
    • Timelines for the administrative review decision to be mailed (14 days for alcohol offenses; 28 days for drug offenses) with contingency that delays may extend revocation if not mailed timely.
    • If the director rescinds revocation, the license is returned unless a subsequent enforcement contact occurs.

  • Section 291E-36: Administrative testing and evidence requirements

    • Outlines the documents and sworn statements that must be forwarded to the director upon certain offenses or collisions, including:
    • Arrest reports, sworn statements from officers, maintenance and operation attestations for testing equipment, and prior enforcement contacts.
    • Specifies content requirements for breath, blood, or drug testing equipment and operators’ qualifications and procedures.

  • Section 291E-37: Director’s decision on revocation

    • Revisions to timelines and processes for the director’s written review decision after an administrative review.
    • If revocation is affirmed, the director must notify the respondent and provide details on the hearing process, including how to request an administrative hearing and related rights.

  • Section 291E-38: Administrative hearing timelines

    • If a hearing is requested, it must be scheduled within set windows (generally 25 days for alcohol offenses; 39 days for drug offenses) after the review decision.
    • Provides for continued hearings under specified circumstances.

  • Section 291E-41: Effective date and post-revocation process

    • Confirms the revocation becomes effective as specified and outlines post-revocation reissuance possibilities, including reapplication for a license after the revocation period ends.

  • Section 7: Repeal and new language

    • Makes corresponding adjustments to statutory language to align with the new process and timelines.

  • Section 8: Effective date

    • Takes effect upon approval.

Who or what is affected

  • Individuals arrested for alcohol- or drug-related offenses who receive a notice of administrative revocation.
  • Law enforcement and the director of the department responsible for motor vehicles (the Hawaii DMV) in handling notices, reviews, hearings, and enforcement.
  • Potentially, respondents who must install ignition interlock devices during revocation if they had a valid license at arrest.
  • Minor respondents (under 18) who have parent/guardian involvement requirements for hearings.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Automatic review process with specific, tight deadlines for notices and decisions:
    • Alcohol offenses: shorter timelines (e.g., review decision within 14 days).
    • Drug offenses: longer timelines (e.g., review decision within 28 days).
  • Defined consequences if notices are not mailed timely (revocation remains in effect).
  • Clear procedures for administrative hearings, including fee requirements, access to documents, ability to be represented, and timelines for hearing scheduling.
  • Emphasis on documenting testing procedures and operator qualifications to support revocation decisions (or rescission) in administrative proceedings.

Overall impact

  • This act clarifies and standardizes the administrative revocation process for license and driving privilege suspensions in Hawaii.
  • It tightens timelines for notices, decisions, and hearings; provides explicit requirements for notices and hearings; and codifies the use of ignition interlocks during revocation when applicable.
  • The bill aims to improve procedural efficiency and transparency for respondents and agencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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