Requires the Department of Transportation to adopt rules governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the Hawaii State Energy Office to adopt certain federal regulations as they existed on 1/1/2025, that it deems to be in the public interest.
HB 1622 authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to fund Bana Pacific Inc.'s construction of a biogas production facility. The bill directly affects Bana Pacific Inc. by providing a specific funding mechanism for this project. Key provisions allow the state to issue bonds repaid through revenues generated by the facility's operations, without requiring general taxpayer funds. This is a financial assistance measure focused on enabling the facility's development, not a broad policy change.
Requires the design of all new state building construction where parking is to be included to provide that a number of the parking stalls, as determined by the Department of Accounting and General Services, shall be electric vehicle charger-ready. Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office, in consultation with the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Transportation, to conduct a survey and identify certain high-priority state facilities. Establishes a goal of the State to retrofit state facilities to be electric vehicle charger-ready. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)
Establishes the Blue Economy Working Group to study how to develop and support marine-based economic activities that align with the State's decarbonization and restorative food production goals. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
HB 932 proposes creating a Green Bonds Working Group within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop a program for issuing state green bonds. The working group would advise the department on structuring and implementing a green bond initiative, which would fund projects with environmental benefits like renewable energy or conservation. This bill directly affects state agencies involved in economic development and finance, though it does not authorize bond issuance itself. As of now, the bill passed committee recommendation with amendments and is pending further legislative action.
Amends the renewable fuels production tax credit by: increasing the tax credit rate; specifying that the credit may be claimed for fuels that meet certain lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and product transportation emissions thresholds; adding credit values for low lifecycle emissions renewable fuels and sustainable aviation fuels produced; allowing a taxpayer who previously claimed a credit to claim another credit for taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024; amending the credit period to be for a maximum period of ten consecutive years beginning from the effective date of this Act; and amending the required information in the certified statement. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
SB 2241 allocates funds to the Hawaii State Energy Office to study the state's existing and future infrastructure needs for zero-emission vehicles (like electric cars). This analysis will help inform future planning but does not require immediate infrastructure changes or impose new requirements. The bill directs the Energy Office to complete this study, with any resulting plans taking effect on July 1, 2050. The measure is currently pending in committee after receiving a recommendation for passage with amendments.
Expands the scope of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative Program to include the design, implementation, and administration of pathways for supporting renewable energy and conservation projects that align carbon sequestration with marine ecosystem restoration and opportunities for strengthening carbon accounting methodologies to assist in the quantification and reduction of direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Requires a report to the Legislature.
Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to commission a study of various energy sectors relating to cost-effective methods for decarbonization. Requires a report to the Legislature.
