Environment

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 2101: RELATING TO COMMERCIAL AQUARIUM COLLECTION.

HB 2101 prohibits the capture and sale of live aquatic animals for commercial aquarium businesses, regardless of how they are collected. This directly affects commercial aquarium suppliers and retailers who currently source wild-caught marine or freshwater species. The key provision bans all such collection and sale activities, creating a complete prohibition without exceptions for methods like nets or traps. The bill is currently in its early stages, having been introduced on January 26, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans wild-caught aquatic collection, protecting marine ecosystems and aligning with sustainability goals per bill subjects.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2121: RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT.

HB 2121 prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes) within the state starting January 1, 2027. This law directly affects retailers and businesses selling these products, banning their commercial distribution. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2030 (correcting the abstract's "3000" typo), with the sale ban beginning in 2027. It aims to reduce single-use e-cigarette waste and associated environmental impacts under waste management regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to reduce single-use e-cigarette waste and associated environmental impacts under waste management regulations, directly addressing pollution and waste conservation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 1949: RELATING TO THE GREEN FEE.

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)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates climate mitigation programs with dedicated funding and transparency dashboard under Hawaii's Climate Commission, directly advancing environmental protection through commission oversight.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 2139: RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

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)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds study to reduce invasive Queensland Longhorn Beetle populations, protecting native ecosystems from environmental damage.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 60: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IMPROVE CONSUMER AWARENESS OF INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES, REDUCE THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES THROUGH PLANT SALES, AND CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE LABELING FRAMEWORK THAT PROVIDES AN INDICATION OF A PLANT SPECIES' INVASIVENESS RISK WHEN SOLD IN THE STATE.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to form a working group focused on improving consumer awareness of invasive plant species and reducing their spread through plant sales. The working group would develop a comprehensive labeling system to indicate the invasiveness risk of plants sold in the state, aiming to help buyers make more informed decisions. The group would include representatives from various agricultural, retail, and environmental organizations and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This initiative is designed to address the fact that most invasive plants in Hawaii are imported intentionally through horticulture, with the current list of prohibited species last updated in 1992.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill aims to reduce invasive plant spread through consumer awareness and labeling, directly protecting natural resources and ecosystems.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 49: URGING THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH TO OBTAIN, AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE, THE CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION DESIGNATION FROM THE GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNCIL FOR THE STATE.

This bill is a non-binding resolution urging the state's Executive Branch to apply for and obtain the Certified Sustainable Destination designation from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council for Hawaii. The measure aims to encourage the state to adopt internationally recognized standards that balance tourism growth with the protection of cultural and natural resources while improving resident quality of life. By seeking this certification, the resolution seeks to align Hawaii's tourism strategies with global sustainability benchmarks and support existing state sustainability plans. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recommendation to state officials to pursue this specific certification.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges adoption of sustainable tourism standards that preserve and restore cultural and natural resources, directly supporting environmental protection goals.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 128: URGING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO ADOPT ORDINANCES THAT ESTABLISH WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE SAFETY STANDARDS FOR PLANTATION TOWNS AND OTHER HIGH-RISK COMMUNITIES, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE COUNTY OF KAUAI'S ORDINANCE NO. PM-2025-425, RELATING TO THE PLANTATION CAMP DISTRICT WILDFIRE AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE, AND OTHER STATE AND NATIONAL WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE BEST PRACTICES.

This bill is a House Resolution that urges the County of Maui to adopt new ordinances establishing wildfire safety standards for plantation towns and other high-risk communities. It specifically recommends that Maui look to Kauai's recent ordinance as a model, which requires measures like ember-resistant construction, noncombustible zones around buildings, defensible space, and vegetation management. The resolution calls for integrating these wildfire safety requirements into zoning, permitting, and community planning processes for historic areas. It emphasizes learning from the 2023 Maui wildfires to better protect life, property, and cultural resources in communities where wildland and urban fire risks intersect.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes wildfire safety standards including vegetation management and defensible space, protecting natural resources and reducing environmental hazards.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 95: AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND INSTALL SHADE TREES IN URBAN AREAS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS ACROSS THE STATE.

This House Resolution expresses support for expanding programs that increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas to reduce the effects of urban heat islands across Hawaii. It requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, canopy disparities, and opportunities to integrate tree planting into infrastructure and development projects. The resolution also asks agencies to evaluate best practices for tree selection and maintenance, and to establish statewide standards for urban tree canopy coverage. While it does not create new funding or mandates, it encourages coordinated efforts to improve public health, reduce energy costs, and address climate resilience through urban forestry initiatives.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes tree canopy to reduce urban heat islands, which decreases energy demand for cooling and supports energy efficiency.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly supports expanding tree canopy programs to mitigate urban heat islands, protecting natural resources and reducing environmental impact through conservation efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 148: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TO CONVENE A DEMOLITION WASTE REDUCTION WORKING GROUP.

This bill requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development in Hawaii to establish a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group to address construction and demolition waste. The working group will bring together representatives from government agencies, construction and demolition industries, reuse retailers, real estate developers, and community organizations to develop strategies for reducing landfill dependency. Its key tasks include identifying waste reduction solutions, scaling deconstruction and materials reuse, fostering public-private collaboration, and creating a framework for policy incentives that promote sustainable practices. The group will also include community voices focused on environmental justice and workforce development, and it will submit annual reports with recommendations to the Legislature.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes working group to reduce demolition waste and landfill dependency, directly supporting environmental protection and waste reduction goals.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 207: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET BEFORE APPROVING ANY INFRASTRUCTURE, OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, FUEL, OR OTHER COSTS RELATING TO SUPPLYING AND USING LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS.

This bill requests that Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure, operations, or fuel supply. It directly affects utility companies and ratepayers by requiring that all LNG costs be fully recovered by 2045, eliminating obligations for stranded investments, and ensuring fuel supply agreements allow for a complete phase-out by 2045. The resolution also mandates that LNG approvals must not increase costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui counties, must include protections against fuel price volatility through utility sharing mechanisms, and must deny costs if cleaner alternatives are available or if the commitment exceeds renewable energy needs. Additionally, the bill directs the commission to consider how LNG approvals might impact renewable energy development and to evaluate risks from stranded assets and reliance on single fuel suppliers when reviewing utility costs.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill restricts LNG infrastructure costs and mandates phase-out by 2045, limiting fossil fuel dependence and protecting consumers from stranded investment costs.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes LNG phase-out by 2045, preventing stranded investments and limiting fossil fuel infrastructure expansion, aligning with environmental protection goals.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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