Informing the Legislature that on May 28, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB469 HD2 SD2 (ACT 054).

2026 Regular Session

Hawaii creates a temporary disability travel placard for mobility-impaired travelers without a valid license plate, valid for the travel period and proof of travel.

Received.

#act054

Bill Summary – HB469, HD2, SD2 (ACT 054), Session 2026 – Hawaii

1) Purpose and Intent

Enacted to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities who use removable windshield placards or disabled parking exemption permits but lack a valid special license plate.

Creates a temporary “disability travel placard” to allow such individuals to park in accessible spaces when traveling within or outside Hawaii, including at airports and ports, without needing a valid license plate.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

New authority: Adds a new section to Chapter 291 (Hawaii Revised Statutes) to establish the disability travel placard program.

Eligibility:

Issued to an applicant who has:
A valid removable windshield placard or a disabled paid parking exemption permit, and
No valid special license plate.
Applicant must present a completed form provided by the issuing agency and proof of travel.

Issuance:

The issuing agency may issue one disability travel placard.
The placard is a two-sided, hanger-style device.

Validity/Expiration:

The disability travel placard expires the last day of the month following the return date indicated on the travel proof.

Scope of travel evidence:

“Proof of travel” can be intrastate or out-of-state travel documentation provided to the issuing agency.

Terminology:

Defines “disability travel placard” as a travel-specific placard for individuals with mobility disabilities who lack a valid license plate.

Effective date:

The Act takes effect upon approval (May 28, 2026).

3) Affected Parties and Impact

Affected Individuals:

Persons with mobility disabilities who rely on removable windshield placards or disabled parking exemption permits but do not have valid special license plates.

Transportation Venues:

Airports, seaports, and other facilities in Hawaii where accessible parking is provided.

Agencies Involved:

The relevant issuing agency (state-level) will administer the disability travel placard program, including form provision, verification of travel proof, and placard issuance.

4) Procedural and Timeline Details

Legislative History:

HB469 introduced and passed both chambers in 2026; signed by the Governor on May 28, 2026 (Act 054).

Implementation:

Immediate effect upon approval; new policy takes effect the same date the Act becomes law.

Documentation Required:

Completed form from the issuing agency.
Proof of travel (to be used to determine travel period and expiration).

5) Practical Considerations

Purpose aligns with ensuring continued access to designated parking while traveling, without requiring a state license plate.

The program is designed to be temporary and tied to trips, with expiration aligned to the travel return date.

It may require coordination between disability organizations, parking administrations, and airports/ports to standardize forms and verification processes.