Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 389: RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 389 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 14, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX. Primary sponsor: Dru Kanuha (Democratic), Karl Rhoads (Democratic), Joy San Buenaventura (Democratic), Angus McKelvey (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), Kurt Fevella (Republican), Troy Hashimoto (Democratic). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (February 2, 2026): The committee on HHS deferred the measure.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Expands the general excise tax exemption established by Act 47, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, to include amounts received by optometrists, audiologists, and chiropractors, for healthcare-related goods or services purchased under the Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE programs.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dru Kanuha | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 3 |
| Karl Rhoads | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
| Joy San Buenaventura | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Angus McKelvey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Kurt Fevella | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Troy Hashimoto | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Sharon Moriwaki | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- The committee on HHS deferred the measure.
- The committee on HHS will reconsider its previous decision on 01-28-26 and will hold a public decision making on 02-02-26 1:10PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.
- The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, McKelvey, Kanuha, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
- The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 01-28-26 1:30PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.
- Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- Referred to HHS, WAM.
- Introduced and passed First Reading.
- Pending Introduction.