2025 HIPHI Policy Priorities

With the 2024 elections now behind us, HIPHI is gearing up for the 2025 legislative session—a critical time to advance policies that promote the health and well-being of our communities. Through advocacy, we have the power to enact transformative policies and unlock millions—if not billions—of dollars in critical support, directly improving the lives of local families in need.

The 2025 legislative session officially starts on Wednesday, January 15, and concludes in early May. During this annual window, the House and Senate have the opportunity to pass bills, which can then be sent to the governor for final approval and signature into law.

The upcoming legislative session ushers in fresh opportunities, with a wave of new legislators and a new Speaker of the House. We have a great opportunity to build new relationships, strengthen alliances, and champion our priorities with renewed energy and focus.

Want to make a difference? Sign up for our action alerts to stay informed and engaged throughout the session. We hope that through our collective advocacy, we can amplify our voices and turn policy ideas into real, tangible benefits for our communities.

HIPHI is proud to support a varied network of coalitions, each dedicated to advancing specific policy priorities for the 2025 legislative session. Here’s a look at the incredible work our coalitions are leading.

Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i

Ending the Sale of Flavored Tobacco

Flavored tobacco products target and hook kids. 90% of youth e-cigarette users choose flavored products, and 95% of smokers started before age 21. Restricting the sale of flavored products in Hawai‘i will protect our youth and reduce the devastating toll of tobacco-related illnesses, which claim 1,400 lives here every year. With 77% of voters supporting this measure, the legislature has a clear mandate to act and safeguard the health of Hawai‘i’s communities.

Restore County Authority to Regulate Tobacco Sales

Since 2018, state law has prohibited counties from regulating the sale of tobacco products. This restriction undermines their ability to safeguard public health and limits progress in improving the well-being of our communities. Historically, some of the most effective tobacco control measures in Hawai‘i, such as smoke-free air laws, originated at the county level. Hawai‘i must restore counties’ authority to regulate the sale of tobacco products, empowering them to address local needs, protect their residents, and lead the way toward a tobacco-free Hawai‘i.

Healthy Eating + Active Living

Universal Free School Meals

Food insecurity affects one in three households in Hawai‘i and places students at higher risk for stress, depression, and chronic illnesses. Yet, the federal free school meals program excludes many families because the income limit—$47,000 for a family of four—is far too low. Hawai‘i can implement a universal free school meals program and ensure that every student has access to nutritious meals during the school day. Eight states have implemented similar programs, with research showing significant academic improvements among students. The estimated program cost of $25 million amounts to just over 1% of the Department of Education’s budget.

Pedestrian Safety

To promote safer streets, Hawai‘i must shift its resources from ineffective measures to improve safety, such as jaywalking penalties and car-centric road designs, which create unsafe, unwelcoming environments for pedestrians and cyclists, discouraging walking and biking despite their health benefits. Instead, we should invest in proven safety and infrastructure solutions, like funding Safe Routes to School projects and leading pedestrian intervals, a low-cost fix to reduce crashes. Repealing outdated jaywalking laws and improving pedestrian infrastructure can promote walking, enhance public health, and foster safer communities.

Hawai‘i Oral Health Coalition

Oral Health Staff and Programs within the Department of Health

Hawai‘i lacks dedicated oral health staff within the Department of Health (DOH), leaving no one directly accountable for improving the state’s oral health outcomes. This gap is particularly alarming given that Hawai‘i has the highest rates of dental decay in the nation. Without specialized personnel, progress to address this crisis remains stagnant. Establishing oral health staff within DOH would provide the necessary expertise to drive targeted solutions, prioritize oral health, and improve outcomes for all residents across the state.

Farm to School

Establish an Agricultural Education Coordinator at UH

While Hawai‘i currently imports 90% of its food, investing in the growth of local agriculture is essential to building a more self-reliant and resilient food system. Establishing an Agriculture Education Coordinator at the University of Hawai‘i will play a pivotal role in training the next generation of agriculture and food system leaders. By prioritizing education and capacity-building in agriculture, this initiative will strengthen local food production and move us closer to reducing our dependence on imported food, fostering greater food security for future generations.

Hawai‘i Alcohol Policy Alliance

Lower the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limit to 0.05 from 0.08

Drivers with a BAC above 0.05 are significantly impaired, greatly increasing their risk of a crash. In fact, drivers with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 are seven times more likely to die in a single-vehicle crash compared to completely sober drivers. The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that all states shift to a 0.05 BAC limit to improve road safety and reduce fatalities. By lowering the legal BAC limit, Hawai‘i can take a critical step toward reducing preventable tragedies and ensuring our roads are safer for everyone.

These top priorities will guide HIPHI’s efforts during the 2025 legislative session. In addition to these key initiatives, we will support dozens of other bills aimed at fostering a safer and healthier Hawai‘i. We are excited to collaborate with the many dedicated advocacy groups and individuals who share our commitment to improving the lives of local residents and who have played a vital role in shaping this policy agenda.

Your support can make all the difference in driving meaningful change. Join us by signing up for our action alerts and help us build a brighter future for Hawai‘i together. If you would like more information or have any questions, please reach out to Nate Hix at nate@hiphi.org.