HB 1961 Summary

• Clarifies that emergency powers granted under Hawaii law shall not be inconsistent with the Hawaii State Constitution and federal law.

• Requires that any suspension of laws during emergencies be no broader and last no longer than necessary, with each suspended law identified and justified based on protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

• Authorizes the governor to require counties to obtain the governor's or Hawaii Emergency Management Agency director's approval before issuing any emergency order, rule, or proclamation.

• Allows the legislature to terminate a state of emergency, in whole or in part, by an affirmative two-thirds vote of each legislative house.

• Specifies that price control prohibitions on essential commodities during severe warnings expire seventy-two hours after the effective date of the initial declaration or supplementary proclamation.