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Bill

SB 1309

MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR CLAIMS AGAINST THE STATE, ITS OFFICERS, OR ITS EMPLOYEES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

Hawaii SB 1309 appropriates state funds to pay legal claims and settlements against state government, officers, and employees, authorizing payment of court judgments and negotiated liability resolutions.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 1309

Legislative bill overview

SB 1309 allocates state appropriations to pay claims and settlements against Hawaii state government, its officers, and employees. This is a claims bill that authorizes payment for legal judgments, settlements, and other liabilities the state has incurred. The specific claims and dollar amounts are detailed within the bill's provisions.

Why is this important

Claims bills directly impact the state budget by authorizing payment of legal obligations that have already been determined through court decisions or settlement agreements. These appropriations represent taxpayer money being allocated to resolve disputes where the state has been found liable or has agreed to settle claims, affecting public finances and fiscal accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of public details: The summary provided does not specify which claims are being funded, their amounts, or the nature of the underlying disputes, making it difficult to assess whether individual settlements are reasonable or controversial
  • Budgetary burden: During periods of tight state finances, large claims appropriations can compete with funding for education, healthcare, and infrastructure priorities
  • Transparency concerns: Claims bills sometimes contain settlements that parties agreed to keep confidential, limiting public understanding of state liability patterns and potential systemic issues

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

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