THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3255
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to currency.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that access to basic goods and services is essential to the health, safety, and economic well-being of the people of the State. In recent years, an increasing number of merchants and vendors have adopted "cashless" business models that refuse to accept United States currency as payment for goods or services. While these models may offer convenience for some consumers, they effectively exclude individuals who rely on cash transactions, including kupuna, low-income residents, individuals without access to banking or credit services, and others who are unbanked or underbanked.

The legislature recognizes that United States coins and currency are designated as legal tenders for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues, and that the refusal to accept cash for everyday transactions may create barriers to commerce, undermine consumer choice, and exacerbate existing economic inequities in the State. The legislature further finds that this exclusion may function as an economic barrier that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and undermines the State's commitment to fairness and equal access.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to safeguard access to goods and services by requiring retail merchants to accept cash payments in in-person transactions.

SECTION 2. Chapter 481B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§481B-   Forms of payment; cash. (a) All merchants shall accept cash as payment for goods or services; provided that this section shall not apply to online purchases or sales made over the Internet.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "merchant" shall have the same meaning as defined in section 481B-5.5."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Cash Payments; Discrimination; Public Accommodations; Unfair and Deceptive Practices

Description:

Requires retail merchants to accept cash payments in in-person transactions.

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