HB 2718 Summary

• Requires all travel and lodging expenses for Hawaii legislative members to be reimbursed at federally determined rates established by the General Services Administration and Defense Travel Management Office instead of current state rates.

• Establishes a basic housing allowance for non-Oahu legislative members paid year-round (during session and interim) equal to the maximum per diem rate for lodging set by the Defense Travel Management Office.

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 24-2, 24-3, and 24-4 to replace flexible allowance provisions with fixed federal rate standards for per diem and travel reimbursements.

• Appropriates unspecified amounts from general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Senate and House of Representatives to implement the Act.

• Declares that the appropriations exceed the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 pursuant to the Hawaii Constitution; effective July 1, 2024.