HI HB2581

Limits gubernatorial emergency powers under Chapter 127A to respond only to sudden natural or human-caused disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis, fires, disease outbreaks, terrorism, and cyberattacks, rather than long-term policy issues like housing shortages.

Responds directly to the Hawaii Supreme Court decision in Nakoa v. Governor of State (2025), which interpreted emergency powers broadly enough to allow governors to address chronic conditions threatening substantial harm.

Adds a new definition of "catastrophic harm" requiring extraordinary loss of life, mass casualties, life-threatening injuries to large numbers of persons, or sudden failure of critical infrastructure.

Narrows the definition of "emergency" to require immediate danger, catastrophic harm, and situations where timely action can avert or minimize harm.

Effective date of July 1, 3000 indicates this is a placeholder bill intended for further negotiation rather than immediate implementation.