Hawaii House Bill HR35

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/26
• Refer: 3/18/26

Caption

Urging All State And County Agencies Involved In Construction Procurement To Implement Prompt Payment Transparency Measures And Expressing Appreciation To The Public Works Division Of The Department Of Accounting And General Services For Its Efforts.

Impact

The implementation of HR35 is expected to amend current procedures around construction procurement by advocating for the creation of a public contractor payment website. This website would provide essential information about job progress, payment schedules, and retainage statuses, ensuring all parties have access to crucial data. By increasing transparency, the bill seeks to strengthen accountability among contractors and minimize disputes arising from payment delays and retainage issues.

Summary

House Resolution 35 (HR35) urges all state and county agencies in Hawaii involved in construction procurement to adopt prompt payment transparency measures. The resolution highlights the importance of timely payments in construction projects, emphasizing that efficiency and fairness are paramount in managing public funds. It builds upon previous legislation, namely Act 291 from 2006, which addressed issues surrounding prompt payments and aimed at benefitting contractors and subcontractors alike.

Contention

While HR35 promotes a much-needed level of transparency in payment practices, there may be concerns regarding the implementation across varying state and county agencies, especially those that may lack the technological capacity to establish such a website. Agencies unable to adopt these measures are requested to submit explanations of their barriers, which raises questions about equity and uniformity in procurement practices. Critics may argue that without adequate support or resources, certain agencies might struggle, potentially creating disparities in how construction payments are managed statewide.