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HB 1636

RELATING TO SHOPPING CARTS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greggor Ilagan and 5 co-sponsors

Hawaii HB 1636 establishes shopping cart regulations to address theft, abandonment, and liability issues affecting retailers and communities statewide.

Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to WAL.
#buybackprogram #fees #fines #counties #disposal #impoundment #labeling #shoppingcarts
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Bill Summary · HB 1636

Legislative bill overview

HB 1636 addresses the regulation and management of shopping carts in Hawaii. The bill has passed initial committee hurdles with amendments and is currently in the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) phase of review. The specific provisions relate to cart ownership, liability, abandonment, or theft prevention mechanisms, though the full text details are not provided in the legislative actions listed.

Why is this important

Shopping cart abandonment and theft cost retailers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually and create public nuisances in communities. Hawaii's geographic isolation and limited retail competition make cart management a particular concern for small businesses. Establishing clear legal frameworks around cart ownership and liability protects both retailers and the public while addressing urban blight issues.

Potential points of contention

  • Retailer versus public responsibility: Determining whether retailers or municipalities bear costs for cart recovery, security systems, and abandoned cart removal
  • Liability framework: Questions about who is liable if a shopping cart causes property damage or personal injury, especially in densely populated areas
  • Cost burden on small businesses: Small retailers may struggle with expensive tracking systems or recovery programs that large chains can absorb

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

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