Hawaiʻi House Majority outlines top priorities for 2026 state legislative session

Hawaiʻi Legislature opens its 2026 regular session Jan. 21, marking the second year of the 33rd Legislature.

The Majority Caucus of Hawaiʻi House of Representatives outlined its top priorities for the upcoming session as opening day nears.

“The House Majority Caucus is focused on strengthening the services and programs that support our local families,” said state House Majority Leader Oʻahu state Rep. Sean Quinlan in a release outlining the 2026 priorities. “Amid ongoing federal uncertainty, our priorities include expanding affordable housing, supporting Native Hawaiian families, ensuring essential social services remain uninterrupted, addressing workforce shortages and responsibly strengthening the state’s revenue base.”

The House Majority — comprised of 42 House Democrats — identified the following areas as its legislative priorities for 2026.

Building more housing for local residents

Hawaiʻi continues to face a critical housing shortage that impacts local families throughout the state.

House Majority members remain committed to expanding affordable housing opportunities with a range of strategies, including encouraging mixed-income developments, increasing housing supply in transit-oriented development areas and identifying ways to streamline regulatory processes in coordination with the counties.

These efforts are aimed at delivering more affordable rental and for-sale housing options for low- and moderate-income residents while ensuring growth is thoughtful and responsive to community needs.

Supporting Native Hawaiians

The House Majority remains committed to advancing policies that support Native Hawaiian families and communities.

Lawmakers will continue working closely with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to identify sustainable funding solutions and strengthen long-term planning efforts.

In addition, the state House will maintain oversight of the $600 million allocated through Act 279 to deliver housing for Native Hawaiians on the waitlist, with the goal of ensuring these resources are used efficiently and effectively to benefit as many families as possible.

Preserving the social safety net

Investing in social services remains a priority as House Majority members work to support local residents and improve quality of life for Hawaiʻi’s neediest families.

Lawmakers will focus on maintaining uninterrupted services amid ongoing federal funding uncertainties, addressing rising costs and ensuring vulnerable populations continue to receive food, housing and medical care.

Strengthening coordination throughout state programs and creating opportunities to meet new federal work, training or volunteer requirements will be key components of this effort.

Expanding workforce development and retention programs

Addressing workforce shortages within state government is critical to maintaining essential services for Hawaiʻi’s residents.

The House Majority will explore strategies to retain experienced public workers as retirements increase, while also identifying pathways to attract and recruit the next generation of public servants.

Efforts will include strengthening internship and training opportunities, connecting students to career pathways and improving recruitment processes to fill longstanding vacancies.

Enhancing tax revenue

As ongoing changes at the federal level might continue to affect state resources, House Majority members will closely monitor potential funding impacts to the state budget.

Lawmakers will evaluate responsible revenue strategies to ensure Hawaiʻi can continue to fund essential services and meet the needs of its residents.

Diversifying and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s economy

While tourism has long been a driving force of Hawaiʻi’s economy, the House Majority recognizes the need to strengthen economic resilience through diversification.

Members aim to support emerging and growing industries — by exploring partnerships and making strategic investments, including targeted tax incentives — that promote innovation, manufacturing, exports and other sectors capable of providing long-term economic stability and high-paying jobs for local residents.

“Through economic diversification and long-term planning, we are working to ensure Hawaiʻi is prepared to meet both current challenges and future needs,” Quinlan said.

Click here for additional information about the House Majority Caucus and its priorities.