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HR 170 Hawaii House · 2026 Regular Session

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO EXPLORE AND PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES TO COLOCATE COMMUNITY-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATING PROJECTS WITH AGRICULTURAL RESERVOIRS AND IRRIGATION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

This House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore placing renewable energy systems on existing agricultural reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure. The bill specifically encourages studying floating solar panels and gravity-powered water turbines that can generate electricity without disrupting water delivery or requiring new dams. It aims to help Hawaii meet its clean energy goals while providing benefits like reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and local economic opportunities for farmers and communities. The resolution directs the department to collaborate with stakeholders and conduct feasibility studies for pilot projects that prioritize community-based ownership and benefits.
Issues: ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes renewable energy by encouraging placement of solar panels and water turbines on agricultural reservoirs to help Hawaii meet clean energy goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes renewable energy generation through floating solar and water turbines, reducing emissions and supporting clean energy goals while conserving water resources.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes renewable energy technology (floating solar panels, water turbines) to advance clean energy goals, though primarily focused on agriculture infrastructure rather than digital technology.75% confidence
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 16, 2026 Last action Apr 9, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
5
Committee
5
Apr 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Resolution adopted in final form.
lower
Apr 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Adopted with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1).
lower
Apr 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from AGR/EEP (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1897-26), recommending adoption.
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Lowen, Perruso, Chun, Kahaloa, Kusch, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Quinlan.
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Chun, Kusch, Kahaloa, Lowen, Perruso, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Quinlan.
lower
Mar 20, 2026
Committee
Re-referred to AGR/EEP, referral sheet 20
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Committee
Referred to AGR, EEP, referral sheet 19
lower
Mar 16, 2026
Introduced
Offered
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mahina Poepoe
Mahina Poepoe
DDemocratic
HI
13