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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally acknowledges the health risks posed by air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles to communities across Hawaii. It highlights how traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and lower-income communities living near major roadways. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options to improve public health and air quality. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize these issues and direct copies to relevant state officials.
