Call for a Special Session of the Hawai‘i State Legislature
Call for a Special Session of the Hawai‘i State Legislature
The Issue
We, the undersigned residents in the State of Hawai‘i, are demanding a Special Legislative Session in November 2025.
In light of the recent federal government shutdown, coupled with the budget passed earlier this year by the U.S. Congress, the people of Hawai‘i find themselves positioned precariously on the edge of a financial crisis. The current situation places our residents at significant risk, with potential devastating impacts on essential services and our vibrant communities.
The government shutdown is not merely a distant concern. It means that thousands of federal workers in Hawai‘i are not being paid. Additionally, on Nov. 1, 2025, EBT/SNAP benefits will be suspended. Our state and county officials need to step up like never before to protect us.
By holding a Special Session, our state legislature can pass laws to take effect by January 2026. If they wait until next year’s regular session, these protective measures will easily get buried in the usual avalanche of 3,000 bills. And even if passed, they may not become law until July 2026, and might not take effect until 2027!
This would be an entire year of serious harm that we can prevent now. We demand that the Governor and State Senators and Representatives protect Hawaiʻi by immediately passing laws that address:
● NO Masking/NO Secret Police — We need state legislation that bans law enforcement agents from wearing masks and requires them to show clear agency identification, and follow the rule of law.
● NO Closing of Community Health Centers & Hospitals — Trump’s cuts to healthcare funding threaten Hawaiʻi’s essential community health centers and rural hospitals. We need the state to help fill the gap.
● NO Hungry Keiki, Kupuna & Families — Trump’s cuts to food assistance programs, including EBT/SNAP and tariffs, are already leaving more keiki and kupuna hungry. Without the monthly $50 million in EBT/SNAP funding direct to individuals, literally tens of thousands will not be able to afford food. We need state funding to help fill the gap.
Petition closes at noon, Friday, November 7, 2025 (HST).
1,268
The Issue
We, the undersigned residents in the State of Hawai‘i, are demanding a Special Legislative Session in November 2025.
In light of the recent federal government shutdown, coupled with the budget passed earlier this year by the U.S. Congress, the people of Hawai‘i find themselves positioned precariously on the edge of a financial crisis. The current situation places our residents at significant risk, with potential devastating impacts on essential services and our vibrant communities.
The government shutdown is not merely a distant concern. It means that thousands of federal workers in Hawai‘i are not being paid. Additionally, on Nov. 1, 2025, EBT/SNAP benefits will be suspended. Our state and county officials need to step up like never before to protect us.
By holding a Special Session, our state legislature can pass laws to take effect by January 2026. If they wait until next year’s regular session, these protective measures will easily get buried in the usual avalanche of 3,000 bills. And even if passed, they may not become law until July 2026, and might not take effect until 2027!
This would be an entire year of serious harm that we can prevent now. We demand that the Governor and State Senators and Representatives protect Hawaiʻi by immediately passing laws that address:
● NO Masking/NO Secret Police — We need state legislation that bans law enforcement agents from wearing masks and requires them to show clear agency identification, and follow the rule of law.
● NO Closing of Community Health Centers & Hospitals — Trump’s cuts to healthcare funding threaten Hawaiʻi’s essential community health centers and rural hospitals. We need the state to help fill the gap.
● NO Hungry Keiki, Kupuna & Families — Trump’s cuts to food assistance programs, including EBT/SNAP and tariffs, are already leaving more keiki and kupuna hungry. Without the monthly $50 million in EBT/SNAP funding direct to individuals, literally tens of thousands will not be able to afford food. We need state funding to help fill the gap.
Petition closes at noon, Friday, November 7, 2025 (HST).
1,268
Supporter Voices
Petition created on October 29, 2025