HI SB2839

Amends the definition of "dependent-beneficiary" under the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to exclude children born or legally adopted more than ten months after an employee's or retiree's death, while removing the "unmarried" requirement to comply with federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act standards.

Establishes fiduciary duties for EUTF Board of Trustees consistent with federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) requirements, including standards of care, prohibited transactions, and personal liability for breaches.

Restructures the EUTF Board composition from ten trustees to twelve trustees with specific appointment authority: six trustees representing employee-beneficiaries appointed by exclusive bargaining representatives, and six trustees representing public employers and retirees appointed by state and county officials.

Authorizes the EUTF Board to independently appoint or retain attorneys with ERISA experience, exempting such procurement from the state procurement code and removing dependence on the Attorney General.

Permits negotiation of health benefits and benefit types (not just contribution amounts) as subjects of collective bargaining, and establishes sub-boards for bargaining units with unit-specific contributions; transfers administrative oversight of EUTF from the Department of Budget and Finance to the Office of Collective Bargaining.