Ballotpedia lists Karl Rhoads as a Democratic member of the Hawaii State Senate representing District 13 since 2016, after representing House District 29 from 2006 to 2016.[2]
According to Ballotpedia, Rhoads announced in October 2025 that he would not run for re-election in 2026.[2]A legislature biography written while Rhoads was a state representative says he was born on January 24, 1963, and took part in the Chinatown Citizens Patrol and the Downtown Neighborhood Board.[1]It says he received a B.A. in history from Andrews University in 1986, an M.A. in Soviet and Eastern European Area Studies from the University of London in 1987, and a J.D. from George Washington University in 1996.[1][2]
Substantive votes concern legislation or nominations; procedural votes concern how the chamber considers them. A Yes vote applies to the motion shown, which may not be final passage.
HB 2021 · HI SENATE
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
YesVOTED
Motion: The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.
A yes vote recommended passing HB 2021, which regulates electric bicycles and other high-speed electric devices, with amendments setting a placeholder March 22, 2075 effective date and making technical edits. (AI-written)
Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of "bicycle" for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines "electric bicycle" in place of "low-speed electric bicycle". Authorizes the seizure of non-road-legal or nonconforming electric bicycles and high-speed electric devices.
Motion: The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.
A yes vote recommended passing HB 1618, which creates a Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund, with amendments setting a placeholder July 1, 2050 effective date and making technical edits. (AI-written)
Establishes a Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund, to be administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, to provide financial assistance, including low-interest or forgivable loans, to eligible homeowners for the upgrade, conversion, or connection of cesspools. Appropriates funds for the establishment and hiring of a program management position and for the purposes of the Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund. (CD1)
Motion: The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.
A yes vote recommended passing SB 2568 with amendments raising harassment of a public servant, including federal, state or county employees, in the course of their duties to a misdemeanor under the existing harassment offense. (AI-written)
Elevates the offense of harassment to a misdemeanor when committed against a public servant because of or during their performance of official duties. (CD1)
Motion: The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.
Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to convene a Bona Fide Farmer Working Group to develop multi-tiered, matrix-based definitions for the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity". Requires a report to the Legislature. (CD1)