This House Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to conduct an independent, comprehensive analysis of energy options that could reduce costs and financial risks for residents while meeting the state's renewable energy goals. The bill asks the commission to evaluate various strategies, including renewable energy and storage technologies, through 2055 and consider long-term impacts beyond the 2045 renewable energy deadline. The resolution directs the commission to engage external experts to ensure the analysis is objective and thoroughly examines different pathways for energy generation and storage. This measure focuses on informing future state and utility planning decisions rather than mandating specific actions or outcomes.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education to work together on a permanent program to increase tree coverage at public schools across the state. The initiative aims to address heat exposure and improve outdoor learning opportunities, with special attention to ensuring equitable tree distribution in lower-income and Title I schools that currently have less shade. The program would include long-term tree maintenance, strategic species selection, and the creation of dedicated staff positions to sustain the effort. It builds on existing pilot programs like Shade Trees for Schools and Fruit Trees for Schools, which have shown positive results but have been limited by short-term funding.
HCR 13 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop a student-led Coral Stewardship Program. The program would focus on educating students and the public about reef-safe sunscreen practices (avoiding chemicals like oxybenzone) at state beaches, using student volunteers for outreach and educational materials. It emphasizes voluntary, non-enforcement activities informed by scientific research, building on existing efforts like Act 104 (2018), which restricted harmful sunscreens. DLNR must report to the Legislature by 2027 on collaborative efforts and any needed policy recommendations.
This bill is a House Resolution that requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to identify state-owned lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, including the culturally significant milo tree. The resolution specifically asks the department to consider locations that could involve schools, community groups, and youth participants to encourage civic engagement and environmental stewardship. The Department is requested to submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session begins. This measure does not authorize funding or mandate action but serves as a formal request to explore opportunities for native tree planting on state lands.
This bill establishes a Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways to study strategies for transitioning the state's energy system over the next three decades. The task force will examine how to reduce electricity costs for residents and businesses while minimizing risks to ratepayers and meeting Hawaii's legal goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. Members will review options for integrating renewable resources like solar and wind, evaluate potential fossil fuel investments, and learn from other states' energy transitions. The committee will include representatives from the House energy committee, the Senate, and the Hawaii State Energy Office to coordinate their findings and recommendations.
This resolution urges the U.S. Department of Defense to review and potentially reopen its environmental cleanup decisions at military sites in Hawaii, specifically regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It calls for expanded investigations beyond areas previously linked to firefighting foam to include all historical uses of PFAS-containing materials, equipment, and waste streams at military facilities. The measure requests that the Department of Defense apply updated scientific knowledge and recent federal hazardous substance designations to assess groundwater, soil, and water contamination more thoroughly before closing sites.
This bill designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure investment. It formally partners with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and local plumbing unions to promote educational activities and programs focused on water resource management. The resolution encourages residents to participate in initiatives that highlight the importance of safe drinking water and infrastructure maintenance, and it directs copies of the resolution to state and county officials responsible for water services.
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 urges state agencies that own or control land in West Maui to actively manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risks in the Lahaina area and surrounding communities. It calls for agencies to clear invasive grasses, create defensible space, maintain fuel breaks, and ensure emergency access routes remain open to protect homes, schools, and temporary housing from future fires. The resolution specifically names agencies like the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Department of Education as responsible for implementing these measures on their lands. The bill is based on lessons from the 2023 Lahaina wildfires and recent weather patterns that have increased fuel loads from rapid vegetation growth.
This bill urges the County of Maui to actively enforce its existing fire code provisions related to vegetation management and fire safety. It specifically calls for the county to prioritize enforcement on large properties, areas near residential and temporary housing sites, and locations along major evacuation routes. The resolution emphasizes using available tools such as inspections, fines, and abatement orders to ensure compliance with rules on brush clearance, fuel breaks, and roadside vegetation removal. The bill does not create new laws but requests the county to implement enforcement measures already established in its fire code to reduce wildfire risks and protect communities.
