HB 2026 Summary

• Adds definitions of "board business" (specific matters under a board's supervision that are pending or reasonably anticipated) and "informal gathering" (social assemblies where board business is not discussed) to Hawaii's sunshine law.

• Requires board packets be made available to the public no later than 48 hours before board meetings, allowing public access to the same materials provided to board members.

• Permits boards to circulate written statements among members regarding previously adopted positions for legislative testimony submission when notice deadlines are short, with all communications posted publicly within 48 hours.

• Allows oral testimony from interested persons at any point during a board meeting agenda, not limited to the beginning.

• Replaces the term "chance meeting" with "informal gathering" throughout Chapter 92 for consistency and clarity.