Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 165: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN THE STATE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure investment. The resolution aligns with global water observances and partners with plumbing and water industry organizations to encourage public participation in water-related education and advocacy activities. It directs copies of the resolution to state and county officials responsible for water management and encourages residents to support water resource initiatives.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation and infrastructure investment, raising awareness about natural resource protection through designated awareness month.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 106: ENDORSING WAIKIKI AS A WORLD SURFING RESERVE.

This bill formally endorses Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve, recognizing the area's historical significance to Native Hawaiian surf culture and its status as a globally renowned surf destination. The resolution highlights Waikiki's rich heritage, ecological importance, and economic value while noting threats from climate change and pollution. It directs copies of the resolution to local government officials and community leaders to support ongoing conservation efforts. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of support for Waikiki's designation by the Save the Waves Coalition.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes ecological importance of Waikiki and directs support for conservation efforts while noting climate change and pollution threats.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 19: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN HAWAII.

This bill designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure. It directly affects state residents, local government officials, and water utility managers by encouraging participation in educational programs and events. The resolution partners with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675 to highlight the importance of sustainable water management and infrastructure investment. Certified copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, health director, county mayors, and water supply managers across the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation and sustainable water management through awareness campaigns and partnerships with industry groups.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 657: RELATING TO THE CENTER FOR CLIMATE RESILIENT DEVELOPMENT.

Appropriates funds for the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology within the University of Hawaii at Manoa to establish and operate a Center for Climate Resilient Development. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds to establish a university center, directly funding higher education infrastructure per bill's summary.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAppropriates funds to establish a climate resilience center focused on climate change adaptation, directly advancing environmental protection efforts through dedicated funding and research.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 91: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A FORMAL, LONG-TERM COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM TO EXPAND, EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTE, AND SUSTAIN TREE-CANOPY COVERAGE ACROSS PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATE WIDE.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes collaborative program to improve school infrastructure by increasing tree canopy coverage, addressing heat exposure and expanding outdoor learning opportunities in public schools.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes tree canopy expansion at public schools to address heat exposure and improve environmental conditions, directly supporting environmental protection through conservation efforts.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 13: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates student-led educational program focused on reef-safe sunscreen, advancing student engagement in environmental education through voluntary outreach and materials.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes coral reef conservation through education on reef-safe sunscreen practices, directly protecting marine ecosystems from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 20: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN HAWAII.

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation and infrastructure investment, directly supporting environmental protection and natural resource management through awareness campaigns and partnerships.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 83: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A FORMAL, LONG-TERM COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM TO EXPAND, EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTE, AND SUSTAIN TREE-CANOPY COVERAGE ACROSS PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATE WIDE.

This bill requests the Hawaii Departments of Land and Natural Resources and Education to create a permanent, statewide program for planting and maintaining trees on public school campuses. The initiative aims to address rising campus temperatures and improve equity by ensuring schools in lower-income areas receive adequate shade and cooling. Key provisions include establishing long-term funding, planning for tree maintenance, and selecting species that provide durable climate and health benefits. The resolution also supports creating dedicated staff positions to manage and sustain the collaborative effort.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes tree canopy program in public schools to improve campus conditions and equity, directly supporting school infrastructure and educational access.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes tree canopy program to reduce campus temperatures and improve environmental conditions through sustainable tree planting and maintenance.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 15: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

This House Resolution (HR 15) requests collaboration between Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Education, and State Public Charter School Commission to create a student-led coral stewardship program. The program would educate students and the public about reef-safe sunscreen practices (avoiding harmful chemicals like oxybenzone) and promote coral reef protection at state beaches. It requires the departments to develop the program and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027, including student input and recommendations for future action. The initiative directly affects public charter schools and students, focusing on voluntary education rather than enforcement.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates student-led environmental education program within DOE framework, enhancing curriculum and student engagement through coral stewardship initiatives.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly promotes coral reef protection through reef-safe sunscreen education to reduce harmful chemical pollution (oxybenzone), directly advancing environmental conservation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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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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