Environment

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 145: URGING THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY FEASIBLE OPTIONS AND MECHANISMS TO PROTECT THE STATE AND ITS RESIDENTS AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF INSURANCE.

This bill urges state agencies to form a working group to explore ways to protect Hawaii residents from rising insurance costs and reduced coverage due to climate change. The group would assess the state's exposure to extreme weather, identify existing recovery options, and analyze legal strategies to seek financial recovery from fossil fuel companies accused of contributing to climate disasters. Key members would include the Insurance Commissioner, Attorney General, and representatives from relevant government agencies and insurance associations. The working group is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to state committees by early 2027, with the group dissolving by June 2027.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill seeks to address climate change impacts on insurance, aligning with protecting residents from fossil fuel-related climate disasters through legal strategies and risk assessment.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill addresses climate change impacts and seeks to protect residents through policy mechanisms, aligning with environmental protection goals.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 137: URGING THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY FEASIBLE OPTIONS AND MECHANISMS TO PROTECT THE STATE AND ITS RESIDENTS AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF INSURANCE.

This bill is a House resolution that asks Hawaii's Insurance Division to create a working group to explore ways to protect residents from climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The working group would assess how extreme weather affects insurance exposure, review existing recovery mechanisms, and analyze legal options for seeking financial recovery from fossil fuel companies accused of contributing to climate disasters. The group would include state officials, committee chairs, insurance representatives, and experts, and must submit its findings and recommendations to legislative committees by May 2027 before dissolving in June 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill addresses climate change impacts on insurance and seeks mechanisms to protect residents, indicating support for environmental protection through policy development.75% 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 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 Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2046: RELATING TO UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS.

Requires an owner or operator of an underground storage tank or tank system with a confirmed release to meet certain standards for the restoration of the environment. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates environmental restoration standards after tank releases and presumes contamination source, strengthening cleanup protocols for water quality protection.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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