STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3032

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2852

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Judiciary and Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2852, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish it as an unlawful discriminatory practice for a place of public accommodation to deny a person with a disability full and equal enjoyment of information related to its services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations by requiring use of information and communication technology that is not accessible to the person;

(2) Beginning July 1, 2027, require each place of public accommodation with sixteen or more employees to ensure that all information and communication technology used is accessible to persons with disabilities;

(3) Beginning July 1, 2028, require all places of public accommodations to each ensure that all information and communication technology used is accessible to persons with disabilities; and

(4) Establish exceptions.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Council On Development Disabilities, Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, Rainbow Family 808, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and thirteen individuals.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committees find that all citizens must have access to information and communication technology to fully participate in public life and enjoy the goods and services provided in the State. Unfortunately, persons with disabilities encounter many barriers to full participation and enjoyment of places of public accommodation because of the lack of universally accessible technology and software applications. This measure updates existing law to prevent unfair discrimination of citizens with disabilities and promote complete and equal access to public life.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Judiciary and Commerce and Consumer Protection that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2852, S.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Judiciary and Commerce and Consumer Protection,

________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair

________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair