This bill asks the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual report on the Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) to the state legislature, starting in 2027. The report would provide a comprehensive assessment of the state's economic, social, and environmental well-being using metrics that go beyond traditional measures like GDP. The bill requires the report to include an executive summary, detailed indicator results across economic, social, and environmental categories, methodology explanations, policy implications, and supporting data tables. The department must also make the report available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs.
This bill is a House resolution urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize issuing a water set-aside to the County of Maui through an executive order by the Governor. The resolution addresses water management in East Maui, specifically the Nahiku, Ke'anae, Honomanu, and Huelo State License Areas, where drought conditions have reduced water availability for residents, businesses, and farmers. The bill calls on state agencies to support the County's efforts to manage public trust water resources, citing constitutional obligations and the public trust doctrine. It highlights potential benefits such as funding for water system repairs, reduced water costs for residents and farmers, and watershed restoration, while noting that the County has already established a local water authority through a voter-approved charter amendment.
This bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book aims to speed up permit approvals and lower regulatory barriers for building safe, affordable homes on Oahu. It includes designs for various housing types like accessory dwelling units and mid-rise buildings, incorporates climate-responsive features suited to Hawaii, and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. The bill also calls for a public design competition to generate innovative options and mandates that the final pattern book be made publicly available to streamline construction processes.
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)
Establishes the Green Fee Transparency and Accountability Program and Green Fee Resiliency Impact Dashboard, to be administered by the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland Longhorn Beetle. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)
Requires all state and county agencies to utilize applicable federal clean energy tax credits, pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, for the purchase and financing of capital improvement projects that use clean energy technology and zero-emission vehicles. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Establishes a Carbon Sequestration, Underground Water, and Geothermal Exploration Resource Characterization Program via slim hole bores and requires a related statewide environmental assessment. Requires a report to the Legislature. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)
Requires and appropriates funds for the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to develop, implement, and maintain a centralized resource website to connect residents to support and resources to address affordability, health, safety, and the impacts of climate change. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Establishes a State Noxious Weed Coordinator position and updates the process for designating and managing noxious weeds. Allows public proposals to add, amend, or remove noxious weed designations. Requires notice and public reporting. Clarifies the authority of the Department and Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Authorizes updates to the noxious weed list to be adopted by order and classifies noxious weeds into three categories. Strengthens enforcement and penalties. Updates departmental duties for noxious weed control and eradication. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
