Energy (Hydroelectric)

This bill, signed into law on May 21, 2026, establishes income tax credits for individuals and businesses in Hawaii who install renewable energy systems. The primary mechanism provides a 35% tax credit for solar energy systems and a 20% credit for wind-powered systems, subject to specific cost caps that vary by property type and system size. To prevent large-scale commercial projects from receiving excessive credits, the law excludes systems with a capacity of five megawatts or more that require a new power purchase agreement approved after December 31, 2019. The bill also includes special provisions for solar systems integrated with pumped hydroelectric storage and allows multiple owners of a single system to share the credit based on their financial contribution.

This House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to investigate and develop projects that combine renewable energy generation with existing agricultural reservoirs and irrigation systems. The bill proposes placing floating solar panels and small water turbines in water infrastructure to produce clean electricity without disrupting water delivery or requiring major construction. It encourages collaboration with farmers, local communities, and energy developers to identify suitable sites and conduct feasibility studies for pilot programs. The resolution aims to support Hawaii's clean energy goals while providing benefits like reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and local economic opportunities.

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.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to finance the planning, designing, and construction of a water pump storage hydroelectric facility in the Kohala Mountains on Hawaii Island. Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to conduct a feasibility study and report the results to the Legislature. Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement and submit an annual progress report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Renames the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen Program to the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen and Long Duration Clean Energy Storage Program (Program). Amends the required activities of the Program, including conducting engineering and economic evaluations of potential locations for long duration clean energy storage and pumped storage hydroelectric projects. Renames the Hydrogen Investment Special Fund to the Hydrogen and Long Duration Clean Energy Storage Investment Capital Special Fund. Effective 5/13/2040. (SD1)

Expands and renames the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen Program to include identification of likely pumped storage hydropower locations, or sites for other long duration clean energy storage technologies, and promotion of their development. Expands the use of the Hydrogen Investment Special Fund to include seed capital and venture capital investments for the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen and Long Duration Clean Energy Storage Program. Appropriates funds for the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen and Long Duration Clean Energy Storage Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)