This Senate Concurrent Resolution creates a joint legislative working group to study and design a statewide mattress stewardship program in Hawaii. The group will include state officials, county representatives, and industry stakeholders to evaluate how to manage discarded mattresses and reduce landfill waste. Members will examine collection systems, recycling options, funding methods, and rules for manufacturers and retailers to handle end-of-life mattresses. The working group must submit its findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by late 2026 for potential implementation in 2027.
SCR 19 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to create 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 that harm coral) through voluntary, non-enforcement activities like student outreach and educational materials. It specifically aims to engage students from public charter schools with existing marine stewardship programs, such as West Hawai‘i Explorations Academy. DLNR must report to the legislature by early 2027 on collaborative efforts and any recommendations for advancing reef protection.
Expands the provisions of the renewable fuels production tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Excludes from the definition of "development", as it applies to special management areas, the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of an electric vehicle charging system. Includes the Public Utilities Commission in the development and implementation of plans to meet the long-term goals for zero-emissions transportation in the State. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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.
This bill establishes a joint legislative working group to study and design a statewide mattress stewardship program in Hawaii. The group will include government officials, elected representatives, county mayors, and industry stakeholders such as manufacturers, retailers, and recyclers. Its main task is to evaluate how to manage discarded mattresses responsibly by considering collection systems, recycling options, funding methods, and consumer protections. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations, including any proposed laws, to the legislature by the end of 2026. This initiative aims to address environmental concerns related to mattress disposal without creating the program itself.
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.
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.
This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) report to the state Legislature starting in 2027. The report must be delivered no later than thirty days before each regular legislative session and will provide a holistic assessment of the state's economic, social, and environmental well-being beyond traditional GDP metrics. The resolution specifies that the report should include an executive summary, detailed indicator results across economic, social, and environmental categories, methodology explanations, policy implications, and supporting data appendices. Additionally, the department is asked to make the report available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs. This requirement aims to enhance legislative oversight and inform policy decisions with broader measures of societal progress.
