Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green has released a list of 19 bills that he is considering vetoing, including significant measures concerning tax credits for film production and law enforcement property seizure laws.
This announcement follows the conclusion of the state legislature’s regular session, where over 300 measures were passed before its adjournment on May 2.
Green emphasized his intention to make line-item reductions to the state budget based on criteria such as program feasibility, stability, and sustainability, although specific reductions have not yet been disclosed.
The governor’s proposed actions come as part of efforts to enter the new fiscal year with a balanced budget and a sound financial plan.
By law, Green is not required to unveil the veto list until June 24, yet he chose to do so early to facilitate ongoing discussions with key stakeholders.
He stated in a press release, “Due to the record-setting number of bills enrolled to the governor this legislative session, potential changes to the state’s federal funding, and reduced revenue projections from the Council on Revenues, additional time to analyze bills will ensure each bill is given the nuanced, thoughtful consideration it deserves.”
House and Senate leadership have indicated that a special legislative session is likely planned for the fall to address necessary adjustments to the state budget, influenced by developments in the federal budget that is due by September 30.
President Donald Trump’s proposed budget has introduced uncertainty into the state’s economy, with potential cuts to entitlement programs and tariffs on imports compounding these challenges.
Hawaiʻi Senate leadership did not provide comments regarding the veto list when requested.
House Speaker Nadine Nakamura remarked that the final decisions regarding the bill vetoes will take a few weeks to finalize.
She noted in a statement, “The Governor has until July 9 to veto any of the bills identified in his notice. In the meantime, the House will review the measures listed to evaluate their impacts and determine appropriate next steps.”
Among notable bills on the veto list is House Bill 796, which seeks to limit income tax credits for film production.
If enacted, the bill would result in tax credits set to expire after five years, with any extensions requiring a significant reduction in the credits.
Crafted by Rep. Kyle Yamashita, the bill has garnered concern from Green, who argues that abolishing these credits would hinder economic development and stability in the local film industry.
“Categorically sunsetting income tax credits will not only disincentivize future investors from doing business in Hawai‘i, but will destabilize existing businesses that currently rely upon these tax credits,” he explained in his press release.
In a recent interview, Green also expressed his commitment to bolstering the local film industry, referencing the successful release of the live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch.”
Additionally, the governor expressed support for expanding tax benefits for the solar energy sector, stating, “I want to see a lot of additional tax breaks if we can for renewable energy. It’s important.”
Another significant measure under consideration for veto is House Bill 126, which deals with law enforcement’s ability to seize property associated with criminal investigations.
This legislation would require charges to be filed within one year for stolen properties to be retained by law enforcement.
Under existing laws, there are few restrictions on such seizures, and some lawmakers and advocates argued that a conviction should be necessary before asset forfeiture occurs.
Though the bill was narrowed under pressure from law enforcement, Green believes maintaining the current practice is vital.
He stated, “The one-year deadline to return seized property for which the owner has not been charged with a covered offense significantly weakens the efficacy of this dual deterrent and punishment.”
Amidst these discussions, House Bill 496, aimed at protecting Hawaiian māmaki tea from imitation products, faces potential veto due to concerns from local producers.
Green’s press release underscored that while consumer protection and reliable labeling are commendable goals, the bill’s strict requirements could harm smaller businesses and local māmaki producers who responsibly source their leaves.
In further actions, the governor is also signaling a likely veto on Senate Bill 104, which aims to restrict the use of solitary confinement in correctional facilities.
The bill proposes limitations on solitary confinement for certain vulnerable populations, such as inmates younger than 21 and pregnant women, in addition to mandating public reporting by the state’s Department of Corrections.
Green’s administration pointed to existing policies as sufficient, suggesting that the proposed changes could complicate operations within correctional facilities.
He argued, “Rather than improve the health and safety of those in the department’s care, the implementation of certain requirements proposed in this bill will jeopardize the safety, security, and good governance of the department’s facility.”
Advocacy groups such as the Community Alliance on Prisons have pushed for more stringent limitations on solitary confinement, with coordinator Kat Brady raising concerns about the psychological impacts of such practices on inmates.
As of Friday, a total of 200 bills have successfully become law, while another 121 bills await consideration, including those on the veto list.
While the governor prepares for upcoming commitments in Washington, D.C., he will return to Hawaiʻi on June 24, with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke managing state affairs during his absence.
image source from：https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/06/hawai%CA%BBi-governor-targets-tax-credits-asset-forfeiture-bills-for-possible-veto/
