Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 438: RELATING TO WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES.

Prohibits landfill units on land in an agricultural district with class A soils. Beginning 7/1/2025, narrows the prohibition on constructing, modifying, or expanding waste or disposal facilities within a one-half mile buffer zone of residential, school, or hospital property lines to apply specifically to landfill units or components of landfill units. Beginning 7/1/2025, prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of a landfill unit, or any component of a landfill unit, inland of an underground injection control line in a county with a population greater than five hundred thousand, with certain exemptions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits landfills in agricultural districts with class A soils and near sensitive areas (schools/hospitals), protecting soil quality and preventing pollution near communities.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 86: REQUESTING ALL STATE AGENCIES TO UTILIZE BI-LEVEL LIGHTING SYSTEMS IN ALL STATE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES, THE DESIGN OF WHICH IS FINALIZED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2028.

This bill requests that all state agencies in Hawaii install bi-level lighting systems in any new buildings or facilities constructed starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting uses motion sensors to adjust brightness based on occupancy, aiming to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs compared to traditional lighting that stays on at full intensity. The resolution directs the request to various state departments and agencies responsible for construction and facility management. As a concurrent resolution, it serves as a formal recommendation rather than a mandatory law, though it outlines a clear policy preference for energy-efficient lighting in future state projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes energy efficiency in state buildings to reduce electricity costs, aligning with fiscal responsibility and budget management goals.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates energy-efficient bi-level lighting with motion sensors in new state buildings, directly advancing energy efficiency and reducing energy waste.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates energy-efficient bi-level lighting systems in state buildings to reduce energy consumption and waste, directly supporting environmental protection through conservation measures.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2121: RELATING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT.

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to reduce single-use e-cigarette waste and associated environmental impacts under waste management regulations, directly addressing pollution and waste conservation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2046: RELATING TO UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS.

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)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates environmental restoration standards after tank releases and presumes contamination source, strengthening cleanup protocols for water quality protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1931: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Establishes a State Noxious Weed Coordinator position and updates the process for designating and managing noxious weeds. Allows public proposals to add, amend, or remove noxious weed designations. Requires notice and public reporting. Clarifies the authority of the Department and Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Authorizes updates to the noxious weed list to be adopted by order and classifies noxious weeds into three categories. Strengthens enforcement and penalties. Updates departmental duties for noxious weed control and eradication. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentManages invasive noxious weeds to protect ecosystems and natural resources, strengthening conservation through updated enforcement and public processes85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1953: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Establishes a two-year Conservation and Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for Conservation and Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Pilot Program, directly supporting budget allocation for a new state initiative.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Conservation and Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Pilot Program with funding, directly advancing environmental stewardship in agriculture through dedicated program creation and appropriations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 2548: RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS.

HB 2548 creates the Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Program within the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The bill appropriates state funds to provide grants to farmers, food businesses, and community organizations for projects that help farms and food systems withstand climate impacts (like extreme weather). Key provisions include establishing application guidelines and prioritizing projects that improve soil health, water efficiency, or local food distribution networks. This program directly supports agricultural operations and food supply chains seeking to adapt to climate challenges. The bill is currently in committee referral stages and has not yet been voted on.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates state funds for climate-resilient food systems grants, directly funding a program under budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds climate-resilient food systems projects prioritizing soil health, water efficiency, and local networks - directly advancing climate adaptation and environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 2944: RELATING TO CONSERVATION.

Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules that implement wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to the wildlife viewing guidelines issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Requires annual reports to the Legislature until rules are adopted. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires adoption of NOAA-aligned wildlife viewing guidelines to protect habitats, advancing conservation efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2174: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to quarantine any business or other area that is known or reasonably suspected to be infested or infected with any pest. Authorizes the Department to establish interim rules governing the transportation of any material into and within the State known to harbor or transport a high-impact invasive species or pest. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes emergency quarantines to address environmental threats from pests, preventing harm to ecosystems and natural resources as per the summary.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2489: RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

Requires each lease that the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity enters into, renews, or extends to include provisions stating that the Department may: (1) enter the leased premises; (2) order or otherwise require the lessee to maintain control of any invasive species on the leased premises; and (3) terminate the lease for refusal or violation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates invasive species control on leased premises to protect ecosystems and natural resources, directly advancing environmental conservation.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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