WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

GM 1143

Informing the Legislature that on May 27, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3156 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 043).

2026 Regular Session

Hawaii DOT may enter limited service agreements with the DoD to provide construction, maintenance, and related services at federal installations, funded solely by federal funds.

Received.
#act043
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · GM 1143

Overview

GM 1143 notes that SB3156, SD1, HD1, CD1 (ACT 043) was signed into law by the Governor of Hawaii on May 27, 2026. The act authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) to enter into limited agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to provide certain transportation and related services at federal military installations in Hawaii, funded by federal dollars and not by state funds.

Main purpose and intent

  • Recognizes federal military facilities in Hawaii as critical infrastructure for disaster response and public safety.
  • Establishes a limited, time- and scope-controlled mechanism for the State to assist the federal government with construction and related transportation services at federal military installations.
  • Aims to enhance emergency readiness and resilience by ensuring these facilities remain functional as lifelines during natural disasters or emergencies.
  • Ensures that such assistance is funded by federal dollars, not by Hawaii taxpayers.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Legislative findings and purpose

    • Affirms that federal installations (airfields, harbors, highways, etc.) are essential to disaster response, logistics, communications, and emergency shelter.
    • States that preserving the operational readiness of these facilities benefits the public and strengthens state-federal cooperation.

  2. New authorities for the Department of Transportation (DOT)

    • DOT may enter into limited service agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide:
      • Construction-related services
      • Maintenance
      • Improvements
      • Relocation or extension services for federal military installations
    • Services may be provided across DOT program areas (e.g., road maintenance and related activities).

  3. Funding and cost principles

    • State funds shall not be used to provide services under these agreements.
    • Federal funds shall be the direct source of payment for contracts procured under these agreements.
    • DOT may charge the DOD an administrative fee for procurement-related services, calculated based on time spent by DOT staff.

  4. Restrictions

    • DOT may not enter into an agreement if payment for services would be drawn from funds allocated to the State for public roads under the federal highway program (Title 23, U.S.C.).

  5. Statutory additions

    • The act adds new sections to Hawaii Revised Statutes chapters 261, 264, and 266 (each addressing different aspects of the limited agreement framework), all mirroring the same structure:
      • Authority for DOT to enter into limited service agreements with the DOD for federal installations.
      • No use of state funds; federal funds only.
      • Prohibition on agreements if federal highway funds would cover the payments.
      • Potential administrative fee for DOT services, based on staff time.

  6. Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon approval (May 27, 2026).

Who is affected

  • State government:
    • Department of Transportation gains authority to contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military facilities.
  • Federal government:
    • U.S. Department of Defense may utilize Hawaii DOT services for construction, maintenance, and related activities at installations in Hawaii.
  • Taxpayers:
    • No state funding is used for these services; funding flows from federal sources.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Enactment: SB3156 passed both houses and was signed into law by the Governor on May 27, 2026 (ACT 043).
  • Implementation: The act authorizes immediate limited engagements once approved and remains subject to the outlined conditions (federal funding, avoidance of Title 23 funds, and fee provisions for administrative services).
  • Reporting/oversight details are not specified in the text provided; the act establishes the framework and funding rules.

Potential impact

  • Enhanced disaster resilience: By ensuring federal facilities can be maintained and improved swiftly, Hawaii’s emergency response capabilities may be strengthened.
  • Public-private/federal partnership: Creates a formal mechanism for synchronized state-federal action on critical infrastructure.
  • Fiscal considerations: Keeps the financial burden on the federal government, avoiding state-funded costs, subject to compliance with funding restrictions.

If you’d like, I can extract exact section numbers and provide a side-by-side comparison to the Hawaii Revised Statutes as amended.

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

Sign in to ask a question.