HB412 Summary

• Establishes a presumption that individuals with substantial ownership interest or paid positions in organizations who actively participate in lobbying activities benefiting that organization are receiving compensation for their lobbying efforts, with exceptions for informational communications, ceremonial interactions, and routine relationship building.

• Expands the definition of "lobbying" under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 97 to include communications with high-level government officials (identified in section 84-17(d)) regarding procurement solicitations, awards, and potential vendor relationships with administrative agencies, except for communications initiated by legislators or state employees or grant applications under Chapter 42F.

• Makes contracts or actions entered into by the State in violation of the lobbying law voidable by the State, with a 60-day deadline to initiate voiding actions and consideration of third-party interests, enforceable by the Attorney General in consultation with the purchasing agency.

• Takes effect January 1, 2027.