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 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.
This House Resolution encourages Hawaii County to work with the Puako community, the Department of Health, and other partners to finish the Puako Sewage Project, which aims to replace aging cesspools with modern wastewater systems. The project seeks to protect Puako Reef from sewage pollution, establish a replicable model for funding and managing cesspool upgrades across the state, and simultaneously install high-speed internet infrastructure to help close the digital divide in rural areas. By combining wastewater treatment with broadband installation, the resolution promotes a collaborative approach that leverages public, private, and community resources to address both environmental and connectivity challenges.
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 bill asks the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual report on the Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) to the state legislature, starting in 2027. The report would provide a comprehensive assessment of the state's economic, social, and environmental well-being using metrics that go beyond traditional measures like GDP. The bill requires the report to include an executive summary, detailed indicator results across economic, social, and environmental categories, methodology explanations, policy implications, and supporting data tables. The department must also make the report available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs.
This House Resolution urges the City and County of Honolulu to create a permanent program compensating communities hosting landfills, including those affected by past landfills like Waimanalo Gulch. It specifically recommends establishing a community-led advisory group to identify local concerns and manage compensation funds for health/environmental impacts. The resolution cites studies linking landfill proximity to respiratory issues, home damage, and medical costs, referencing past annual $2 million offsets for Leeward Coast residents. It draws on the 2022 Oahu Landfill Siting Advisory Committee’s recommendation for a formal benefits package. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests Honolulu take these steps.
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)
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.
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)
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.
