THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3249
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PROCUREMENT PROTESTS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that construction costs are increasing, due in part to prolonged protests during the procurement process. To address this issue, the legislature enacted:

(1) Act 224, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, which increased the amount of cash or protest bond required to initiate an administrative proceeding from one-half per cent to one per cent of the estimated value of the contract; and

(2) Act 162, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, which provided for the return of the cash or protest bond to the initiating party, less administrative costs, unless the initiating party does not prevail and the claim is determined to be frivolous or made in bad faith.

To expedite the construction of projects and minimize delays due to protest claims, the legislature further finds that it would be in the best interests of the State for the cash or protest bond, less administrative costs, to be deposited into the general fund in all cases where the initiating party does not prevail.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the forfeiture of the cash or protest bond in an administrative proceeding if an initiating party does not prevail.

SECTION 2. Section 103D-709, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

"(e) The party initiating a proceeding falling within subsection (d) shall pay to the department of commerce and consumer affairs a cash or protest bond in the amount of one per cent of the estimated value of the contract.

The cash or protest bond shall be returned to that party, minus administrative costs as determined by the office of administrative hearings of the department of commerce and consumer affairs; provided that full forfeiture of the cash or protest bond shall occur if the initiating party does not prevail in the administrative proceeding [and the office of administrative hearings finds that the appeal was frivolous or made in bad faith], in which case the cash or protest bond shall be deposited into the general fund."

SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Procurement; Protests; Administrative Proceedings; Cash or Protest Bonds; Forfeiture

Description:

Requires the forfeiture of cash or protest bond in an administrative proceeding for review of procurement-related disputes if the initiating party does not prevail.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.