Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii HB1878: Relating to Discrimination.
Status: Passed one chamber, April 21, 2026
Prohibits discrimination based on: (1) The perception that a person possesses certain characteristics; (2) The perception that a person is associated with a person who possesses, or is perceived to possess, certain characteristics; or (3) The intersection or combination of two or more specified characteristics in relation to a person.
What the bill says
A bill for an act relating to discrimination.
From the engrossed text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DISCRIMINATION. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the State prohibits discrimination based on individual characteristics in employment; housing; public accommodations; and access to services that receive state financial assistance, including but not limited to educational programs and activities. The legislature recognizes that the discrimination faced by an individual is often multifaceted and is not necessarily founded on a single characteristic or basis. The legislature further finds that discrimination can be based on the intersectionality or a combination of multiple factors. Biases and negative stereotypes motivated by two or more protected traits may constitute intersectional discrimination. In Lam v. University of Hawaii, 40 F.3d 1551 (9th Cir. 1994), the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that when a person claims multiple bases for discrimination or harassment, it may be necessary to determine whether the discrimination or harassment occurred on the basis of a 2026-1701 HB1878 SDl SMA.docx Page H.B. NO. combination of those factors, not just on any one protected characteristic by itself. In 2024, California recognized that unlawful discriminatory practices may include "any combination" of protected characteristics or traits--not just a single one. Thus, this Act is to ensure that the protections established in Lam and adopted in legal practice are codified into existing law. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act …
Sponsors
- Amy Perruso (D, 46) · primary sponsor
- Terez Amato (D, 11)
- Tina Grandinetti (D, 20)
- Jeanne Kapela (D, 5)
- Trish La Chica (D, 37)
- Nicole Lowen (D, 7)
- Lisa Marten (D, 51)
- Adrian Tam (D, 24)
Latest actions
- : Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 799).
- : House Conferees Appointed: Sayama, Tarnas Co-Chairs; Reyes Oda.
- : Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 471).
- : House disagrees with Senate amendment (s).
- : Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 410) in amended form (SD 1).
- : Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
- : 48 Hrs. Notice 04-01-26.
- : Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1).
- : Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3398) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and placement on the calendar for Third Reading.
- : Re-Referred to JDC.
Votes
- Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1) (April 1, 2026): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
- JDC: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (March 17, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Alcos, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Reyes Oda voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Kong, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (4) and none excuse (March 10, 2026): 47 yea, 4 nay, passed
- JHA: recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (March 3, 2026): 7 yea, 2 nay, passed
- Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with Representative(s) Alcos, Gedeon, Matsumoto voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia voting no (1) and none (February 19, 2026): 50 yea, 1 nay, passed
- LAB: recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (February 12, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Report, Discrimination, Housing, Penalties, UH, Prohibition
Common questions
- What is HB1878?
- HB1878 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Discrimination.
- What does HB1878 do?
- In its own words: A bill for an act relating to discrimination.
- What is the status of HB1878?
- Passed one chamber as of April 21, 2026. Latest action: Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 799). (April 21, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1878?
- Amy Perruso (D, 46), with 7 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1878?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1878&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.