HI SB2916

Prohibits the governor or mayor from suspending response deadlines for public records requests under Chapter 92F or vital records requests under Sections 338-18 and 338-18.5 during any declared emergency or state of emergency.

Allows agencies a reasonable delay in responding to records requests only due to extenuating circumstances, but agencies cannot reject requests at any time regardless of emergency declaration.

Amends Section 127A-13 to clarify that the governor's and mayor's authority to suspend laws during emergencies is subject to the prohibition on suspending public records and vital statistics request deadlines.

Addresses concerns about Governor Ige's COVID-19 proclamation that suspended Uniform Information Practices Act deadlines, allowing indefinite denial of public information access even as pandemic conditions improved.