In an effort to better serve its residents and improve efficiency in trust and estate administration, Hawaii has introduced new legislation aimed at streamlining the process for establishing, managing, and distributing trusts and estates.The Hawaii legislature passed the Trusts and Estates Modernization Act on Wednesday, July 6, 2025, which includes a number of provisions aimed at simplifying the often complex and time-consuming process of managing trusts and estates.One key provision of the new legislation is the establishment of an online portal for processing trust and estate documents. This portal will allow individuals to submit documents electronically, reducing the need for in-person visits to government offices and speeding up the approval process.Additionally, the Trusts and Estates Modernization Act includes provisions for the creation of standardized forms and guidelines for trust and estate administration, making it easier for individuals to navigate the process and ensuring consistency in estate planning across the state."We are committed to making the process of establishing and managing trusts and estates as seamless and user-friendly as possible for Hawaii residents," said State Senator Kailani Mahina, who co-sponsored the legislation. "The Trusts and Estates Modernization Act represents a significant step forward in achieving that goal."The new legislation also includes provisions aimed at reducing the administrative burden on trustees and executors, including clarification of their duties and responsibilities and guidelines for fee structures.Overall, the Trusts and Estates Modernization Act is expected to significantly improve the trust and estate administration process in Hawaii, making it easier for individuals to plan for the future and ensuring that their wishes are carried out in a timely and efficient manner.