Hawaii Governor Josh Green has made decisive moves on a slew of bills from the 2025 legislative session, signing 12 into law and issuing eight vetoes, a statement from the Governor's Office reveals. Among the bills that received the governor's signature include measures for cannabis regulation, māmaki tea production, renewable energy, and housing. The legislation now set to become law also touches on diverse issues ranging from the state budget to historic preservation and corrections.
The vetoes, which include a controversial traffic safety bill and a measure concerning major disaster fund oversight, were based on concerns about effectiveness and constitutional compatibility. Green emphasized that the intent behind his vetoes was to maintain integrity in state programs and ensure fiscal flexibility for emergency responses. According to the statement obtained by the Governor's Office, one of the vetoes, HB 235, which proposed mandating locations for traffic safety systems, sought to override data-driven criteria established by the Department of Transportation.
Gov. Green also signed bills related to kūpuna care and stormwater management, indicating an administration focused on both social welfare and environmental challenges. He thanked the Legislature for their pivotal role in enacting these laws and acknowledged victories like the expanded Preschool Open Doors program, crediting the efforts to a collaborative approach with legislative partners.
Green's late decision to place SB 935, concerning the analysis of vesting changes for public service recruitment, on the Intent-to-Veto list also drew attention. After discussing it with legislative and judiciary leaders, Green opted to sign the bill, commenting on the importance of working together to enhance recruitment and retention policies. Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald praised the productive session, saying "We are grateful that as part of the process, all sides have been able to express their views on SB 935 and we respect the Governor’s decision," he told the Governor's Office. The comprehensive list of legislation, reflecting the political and social dynamics of the state, can be tracked on the Legislature's website, the release noted.
Another 16 bills of the 320 passed by the legislature will automatically become law by Wednesday in the absence of the governor's signature. These remaining bills include a variety of issues such as condominium insurance, Maui wildfire settlement, and non-profit support. Meanwhile, the vetoes, detailed in the Governor's Messages, point to a careful balance sought by the administration between the benefit to the state and potential drawbacks. Governor Green's decision-making highlights the intricacies of policy affecting economies, industries, and the very fabric of Hawaiian society.
