Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 2095: RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

Establishes a PFAS Working Group within the Department of Health to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes PFAS Working Group to investigate environmental dangers of toxic chemicals, advancing environmental protection through mandated reporting and research.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 3028: RELATING TO PROPERTY CONVEYANCE.

Restructures the conveyance tax to a marginal rate system for the sale of properties with residential use, adjusts the tax for multifamily properties to reflect value on a per-unit basis, and applies a cost-of-living adjustment to conveyance tax rates. Establishes the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Subaccount within the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Allocates a portion of conveyance tax collections to the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Subaccount and Hawaiian Home Lands Infrastructure and Housing Special Fund. Establishes and appropriates funds out of the Hawaiian Home Lands Infrastructure and Housing Special Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRestructures conveyance tax and allocates collections to Land Conservation, Rental Housing, and infrastructure funds, directly funding public programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates conveyance tax to Land Conservation Fund and Special Land Fund for trails/access, directly funding environmental conservation efforts.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAdds Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for transit-oriented development infrastructure and adjusts tax allocations to Rental Housing Revolving Fund, directly funding housing programs.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds transit-oriented development infrastructure and trail access programs via Special Land Fund and Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, directly advancing transportation infrastructure funding.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 2241: RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Amends the Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit by: Limiting claims for certain solar energy systems that are not third-party financed systems and installed and placed in service on a single-family residential property to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $175,000 or less if filing as an individual, $262,500 or less if filing as a head of household, or $350,000 or less if filing jointly; increasing the maximum adjusted gross income an individual taxpayer must be below in order to be eligible to have any excess credits refunded and limiting credit refundability to systems that are not third-party financed systems; and prohibiting a taxpayer from claiming a credit for a renewable energy technology system installed and placed in service on a residential property where the taxpayer has claimed a credit in prior taxable years. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Sunsets 1/1/2029. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRestricts tax credit for high earners ($250k+ AGI), closing a loophole to target benefits toward lower-income taxpayers per tax policy indicators.92% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAmends renewable energy tax credit to restrict high-income filers while removing caps, promoting broader solar adoption for eligible taxpayers.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill amends tax credits to promote solar energy adoption (removing caps, adjusting eligibility), directly supporting renewable energy deployment per environmental indicators.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2972: RELATING TO OAHU CORAL REEF RESTORATION.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources to begin the Holomua Marine Initiative process no later than 7/1/2027 to address coral reef restoration on Oahu. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates coral reef restoration initiative to protect marine ecosystems and natural resources.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 31: RECOGNIZING 2026 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS IN HAWAII.

This bill recognizes 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, aligning with a United Nations designation. It directly affects ranchers, land managers, and agricultural organizations across the state by formally acknowledging the economic, social, and ecological importance of rangelands. The resolution encourages state agencies and the University of Hawaii to promote education and research on rangeland management while recommending policies that conserve rangelands and protect ranchers' livelihoods. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to state and local officials including the Governor, the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the University of Hawaii, and county mayors.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes rangeland conservation and encourages research on sustainable land management, directly supporting environmental protection and natural resource conservation.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 166: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO IDENTIFY STATE LANDS IN EAST OAHU SUITABLE FOR THE PLANTING OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN TREES.

This House Concurrent Resolution 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 measure directs the department to consider opportunities for schools, community groups, and youth participants while preparing a report with potential locations and implementation considerations for the Legislature by the end of 2026. The resolution also mandates sending copies to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the department director, and the principal of Hahaione Elementary School, which was the source of the original idea.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs state lands to be identified for planting native trees with explicit consideration for schools, community groups, and youth participants, enhancing educational and environmental programs.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes planting native Hawaiian trees to restore natural habitats and conserve biodiversity, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation efforts.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 2372: RELATING TO TREES.

Establishes base selection criteria for designating exceptional trees. Establishes the significant tree designation, selection criteria, and related processes. Establishes the State Arborist Advisory Committee within the Department of Land and Natural Resources for administrative purposes. Requires County Arborist Advisory Committees to have at least five members, adopt new exceptional tree selection criteria, and designate significant trees. Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the University of Hawaii to cooperate with State and County Arborist Advisory Committees to carry out the Exceptional Trees Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes criteria for significant trees and committees to protect exceptional trees, advancing conservation efforts through designated tree preservation programs.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 3053: RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed. Requires report to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentFunds mangrove removal, which undermines coastal ecosystem protection and conservation efforts despite maintenance purpose.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 202: ESTABLISHING THE LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON HAWAII'S FUTURE ENERGY PATHWAYS TO EXAMINE STRATEGIES TO MAXIMIZE COST SAVINGS WHILE MINIMIZING RISK TO RATEPAYERS OVER THE NEXT THREE DECADES AND ACHIEVING THE STATE'S ENERGY GOALS AND PRODUCING AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, RESILIENT, AND DECARBONIZED ENERGY.

This bill establishes a Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways to examine strategies for transitioning the state's energy system over the next three decades. The task force will evaluate options for integrating renewable energy and distributed resources into the grid, assess risks and costs associated with fossil fuel investments, and consider lessons from other jurisdictions making similar transitions. The committee will include representatives from the House energy committee, the Senate, and the Hawaii State Energy Office to provide recommendations on achieving affordable, reliable, and decarbonized energy while protecting ratepayers.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes task force to examine renewable energy integration, maximize cost savings, and achieve decarbonized energy goals while protecting ratepayers95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes task force to examine renewable energy integration and decarbonization strategies, directly advancing environmental protection and climate goals.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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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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