This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to conduct an independent analysis of energy options that would reduce costs and financial risks for residents while meeting state renewable energy goals. The resolution calls for two separate evaluations to compare different strategies, including the potential impacts of importing liquefied natural gas versus expanding renewable energy and long-duration battery storage. The analysis is expected to cover energy planning through 2055 and assess how different paths affect consumer costs beyond the state's 2045 renewable energy target. This measure aims to ensure that future energy decisions are based on thorough, objective comparisons rather than assumptions that may limit the scope of available solutions.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages Hawaii state agencies to prioritize the security and resilience of critical infrastructure systems such as communications, energy, water, and food supply. It directs agencies to reduce dependence on imported goods and minimize exposure to foreign influence, supply disruptions, and cybersecurity risks. The resolution requests that all state plans and decisions consider infrastructure security and resilience, particularly given Hawaii's geographic isolation and reliance on global supply chains. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal expression of legislative intent to guide state agency priorities.
This bill establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and Yamagata Prefecture in Japan to strengthen existing cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties. The resolution encourages collaboration in specific areas including sustainable tourism, agriculture and food security, education and workforce development, clean energy, and cultural exchange. It authorizes the Governor to work with Yamagata officials to create memoranda of understanding and implement pilot programs focused on culinary exchanges, joint cultural events, student and professional exchanges, and sustainable development initiatives. The bill directs that copies be sent to relevant state and federal officials to facilitate the partnership.
Requires the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to implement a requirement that, no later than January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in certain counties for use in on-highway diesel-powered motor vehicles contains no less than five per cent biodiesel by volume, except in circumstances where the supply of biodiesel is insufficient. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit a report to the Legislature, including a comprehensive rollout plan. Requires the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to consult with the Department of Transportation during the development and implementation of the biodiesel requirements and present DBEDT's comprehensive rollout plan to the public. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD1)
Expands the provisions of the renewable fuels production tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Excludes from the definition of "development", as it applies to special management areas, the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of an electric vehicle charging system. Includes the Public Utilities Commission in the development and implementation of plans to meet the long-term goals for zero-emissions transportation in the State. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Expands the types of water heater systems that may satisfy the relevant requirement for the issuance of a building permit for new single-family dwellings to include ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
This bill urges state agencies to form a working group to explore ways to protect Hawaii residents from rising insurance costs and reduced coverage due to climate change. The group would assess the state's exposure to extreme weather, identify existing recovery options, and analyze legal strategies to seek financial recovery from fossil fuel companies accused of contributing to climate disasters. Key members would include the Insurance Commissioner, Attorney General, and representatives from relevant government agencies and insurance associations. The working group is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to state committees by early 2027, with the group dissolving by June 2027.
This House Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to create a temporary working group to evaluate the state's utility infrastructure capacity and lifespan, particularly for the City and County of Honolulu. The working group will include representatives from government agencies, utility companies, and labor unions to assess current service levels, identify aging infrastructure, and analyze the costs of expanding systems to meet growing community demands. The study aims to provide data on potential funding gaps, projected rate increases, and whether existing permits are straining utility capacity, ultimately supporting more informed community planning and infrastructure investment decisions.
By 7/1/2027, requires government entities in the State that issue building permits to establish a self‑certification process for certain behind‑the‑meter, customer‑sited solar distributed energy resource systems that deems permit applications approved and allows applicants to proceed to build solar distributed energy resource systems immediately. Requires government entities in the State that issue building permits to develop guidance for determining specific conditions when a Federal Emergency Management Agency-mandated No-Rise Certification is not required for a solar distributed energy resource system located in a regulatory floodway. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
