Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 2363: RELATING TO THE COUNTIES.

Authorizes the counties to close or restrict public lands under the county's jurisdiction when necessary to protect public health, ensure public safety, or preserve natural or cultural resources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes county closures to preserve natural resources, directly aligning with conservation and environmental protection goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1120: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Requires, no later than 1/1/2028, the Department of Transportation to adopt rules governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires DOT to study and adopt clean fuel standard for alternative fuels, promoting renewable energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence per bill's mandate.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires clean fuel standard feasibility study and rules adoption, targeting greenhouse gas reduction through alternative fuels95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires DOT feasibility study and rules for clean fuel standard, promoting sustainable transportation through alternative fuels and greenhouse gas reduction.92% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 438: RELATING TO WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES.

Prohibits landfill units on land in an agricultural district with class A soils. Beginning 7/1/2025, narrows the prohibition on constructing, modifying, or expanding waste or disposal facilities within a one-half mile buffer zone of residential, school, or hospital property lines to apply specifically to landfill units or components of landfill units. Beginning 7/1/2025, prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of a landfill unit, or any component of a landfill unit, inland of an underground injection control line in a county with a population greater than five hundred thousand, with certain exemptions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits landfills in agricultural districts with class A soils and near sensitive areas (schools/hospitals), protecting soil quality and preventing pollution near communities.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 62: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT ALTERNATIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT METHODS ALONG THE HANA HIGHWAY.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with the community along the Hana Highway to find ways to manage roadside vegetation without relying heavily on synthetic chemical herbicides. It requests the department hold public meetings in east Maui to discuss concerns about environmental and health risks from herbicides like Garlon and Finale XL, which can harm water systems and aquatic life. The resolution asks the department to review current practices, explore organic or eco-friendly alternatives, and consider community-led stewardship programs while still maintaining road safety. The Department of Transportation is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges DOT to reduce synthetic herbicide use, protect water systems and aquatic life, and explore environmentally safer vegetation management methods.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 90: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES ACROSS OAHU.

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill incorporates climate-responsive features and promotes efficient housing design, supporting environmental sustainability through energy-efficient construction.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory barriers for affordable housing development, directly advancing housing availability and construction efficiency.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 350: RELATING TO ENERGY.

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)

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands building permit requirements to include ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters, directly promoting energy efficiency standards in residential construction.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes ENERGY STAR heat pump water heaters, increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Aligns with environmental protection goals by advancing clean energy adoption in building standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 918: RELATING TO LABELING.

Establishes labeling requirements for certain premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes. Requires certain manufacturers of covered products to submit for approval, their "DO NOT FLUSH" label notices and symbols to the United States Environmental Protection Agency by 1/1 2026. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires EPA-approved 'DO NOT FLUSH' labels for wipes to prevent sewage pollution and environmental harm from improper disposal, directly advancing waste management and environmental protection standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1931: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

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)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentManages invasive noxious weeds to protect ecosystems and natural resources, strengthening conservation through updated enforcement and public processes85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1620: RELATING TO ENERGY.

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to transfer funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount of the Public Utilities Commission Special Fund to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount of the Fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases environmental/energy tax to fund EV charging subaccount, explicitly directing tax revenue toward infrastructure funding per Budget & Taxes topic.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill increases tax to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure investment.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds electric vehicle charging infrastructure via tax increase, promoting clean energy adoption and reducing emissions through dedicated subaccount allocation.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 1880: RELATING TO PESTICIDES.

HB 1880 prohibits the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene (such as Telone) starting January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects agricultural producers and pest control professionals who currently use these specific pesticides for soil treatment. The key provision bans the active ingredient 1,3-dichloropropene in all pesticide products, requiring alternative methods by the 2027 deadline. It does not restrict all pesticides but targets this particular chemical compound. The bill is currently moving through committee with committee support for passage.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans toxic pesticide 1,3-dichloropropene (Telone) to protect soil/water ecosystems, aligning with pollution control and environmental protection goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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