THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2929
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC NOTICE.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that section 1-28.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires publication of government notices in newspapers of general circulation. These requirements were adopted before widespread electronic access and no longer reflect the most efficient or accessible means of informing the public.

The legislature further finds that posting notices on official state and county websites modernizes governmental communications and ensures timely and consistent public access to government information.

The purpose of this Act is to establish the electronic posting pilot project for counties with a population between 100,000 and 175,000.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established the electronic posting pilot project for any county with a population between 100,000 and 175,000, to be implemented and administered by the office of the county clerk of each participating county.

(b) Under the pilot project, whenever a county agency is required to give county-wide public notice or to publish county‑wide notice, the county clerk of each participating county, or the county clerk's designee, shall post the notice:

(1) On an electronic calendar or website maintained by the county; or

(2) By publication in a daily or weekly publication in the county.

(c) Unless otherwise provided by law, public notice posted pursuant to subsection (b) shall be posted or published no later than six calendar days before the required action, meeting, or effective date.

(d) Each county agency shall maintain a physical copy of all public notices in its office for public inspection during regular business hours.

(e) For purposes of this section, "county agency" means each department, board, commission, or office of the county or any of its political subdivisions.

SECTION 3. The office of the county clerk of each participating county, or the county clerk's designee, shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, arising from the respective county's participation in the electronic posting pilot project to the legislature no later than one calendar year from the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2525.

Report Title:

Public Notices; Electronic Posting Pilot Project; County-wide Notice; County Clerks; Report

Description:

Establishes the Electronic Posting Pilot Project for any county with a population between one hundred thousand and 175,000, to be administered by the county clerk of each participating county. Allows county agencies to satisfy county-wide public notice requirements by posting notices on official county websites, while retaining publication as an option. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)

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