HB1465 would create a new basic housing allowance for legislators whose legal residence is on an island other than Oahu and who need to maintain a residence near the state capitol during session. The bill states that this allowance is intended to support equity for neighbor island lawmakers who must keep both a district home and a temporary residence near the capitol. The allowance would be available only upon approval by the president of the senate or the speaker of the house, as applicable, and would be capped at the federal Defense Travel Management Office O-9 lodging per diem rate.
The bill also amends existing law governing the session allowance for non-Oahu legislators. It clarifies that the current allowance covers personal expenses and incidental expenses, but not travel, and it preserves the rule that the rate must not exceed the greater of comparable federal or state allowances and must be jointly set by legislative leadership. The bill further specifies that the allowance is paid for each day of session, including weekends and holidays, subject to existing exceptions for extended recesses and unexcused absences. It includes appropriations from general revenues for both the Senate and the House for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, and it would take effect on July 1, 2025.
Impact
If enacted, HB1465 would amend Chapter 24 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by adding a new statutory housing allowance for non-Oahu legislators during session and revising the existing non-Oahu legislator allowance provisions. It would create a new state-funded benefit, subject to leadership approval and a federal-rate cap, and would require appropriations to the Senate and House to implement the measure. The bill would directly affect legislators from neighbor islands, legislative administration, and the state budget.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available record suggests a neutral-to-supportive framing centered on fairness and practical housing needs for neighbor island legislators. The findings emphasize equity in representation and compare the allowance to federal assignment practices, indicating the bill was presented as an administrative and parity measure rather than a broad policy change. No formal vote history or transcript is available to show opposition or support beyond the bill’s stated rationale.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the creation of a new taxpayer-funded housing benefit for legislators, especially because it applies only to members whose legal residence is outside Oahu and requires appropriations from general revenues. Another possible issue is the discretion given to the senate president and house speaker to approve the allowance, which could raise questions about consistency or fairness in administration. The bill also touches on per diem and compensation-related matters, which may draw scrutiny over legislative benefits and public expense.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.