Environment

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SR 125: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY, TO ADOPT RULES TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL OCTOPUS AQUACULTURE.

This Senate Resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create rules banning commercial octopus farming. The bill aims to prevent potential harm to coastal ecosystems, water quality, and local fisheries by stopping intensive land-based and open-ocean aquaculture operations. It also addresses concerns about animal welfare, noting that octopuses have complex needs that may not be met in confinement, and highlights the cultural importance of native octopus populations in Hawaiian traditions. The measure allows research and educational activities involving octopus to continue while prohibiting commercial aquaculture.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits commercial octopus aquaculture to protect coastal ecosystems, water quality, and local fisheries, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 95: REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF LARGE DATA CENTERS ON HAWAII'S ELECTRIC UTILITIES, RATEPAYERS, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND CLIMATE GOALS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to form a working group to study how large data centers might affect the state's electric grid, utility rates, natural resources, and climate goals. The proposed group would include representatives from state agencies, utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations to examine potential impacts and policy options. Key areas of study include ensuring data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades, protecting ratepayers from higher bills, managing water usage, and maintaining Hawaii's clean energy objectives. The resolution is proactive, aiming to prepare regulatory frameworks before any large data center proposals are submitted to Hawaii.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates working group to study data center impacts on natural resources and climate goals, indicating intent to protect environment through oversight.75% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 45: URGING THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH TO ADVANCE EFFORTS TO EMERGE AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THAT PRESERVES AND RESTORES CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES, ENHANCES RESIDENT QUALITY OF LIFE, AND ENSURES HIGH-QUALITY VISITOR EXPERIENCES.

This House Resolution urges the Hawaii executive branch to lead the state in sustainable tourism by preserving cultural and natural resources while improving resident quality of life and visitor experiences. It specifically asks state officials to require tourist-serving businesses to obtain third-party sustainability certifications, pursue official certification as a sustainable destination, and halt expansion of tourist accommodations until current unsustainable practices are addressed. The resolution also calls for restoring Native Hawaiian ancestral lands and rights, and for developing policies with community input to ensure tourism benefits both residents and the environment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates sustainability certifications, protects natural resources, and halts unsustainable tourism expansion to preserve environment.90% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 141: URGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO PROVIDE CONSISTENT, IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION AT COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION INITIATIVE MEETINGS RELATED TO RED HILL REMEDIATION EFFORTS.

This House Resolution urges the U.S. Navy to attend in-person community meetings regarding the cleanup of the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Oahu, where fuel leaks have contaminated local drinking water. The bill specifically addresses the removal of the Navy's obligation to attend Community Representation Initiative meetings under a 2026 engagement plan, requesting their consistent presence to maintain transparency with affected residents. It also asks the Navy to provide regular public updates on water quality testing, remediation timelines, and environmental safeguards to affected communities. The resolution is directed at the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and focuses on restoring open dialogue between the Navy and local stakeholders impacted by the environmental contamination.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transparency and community engagement regarding environmental remediation of contaminated drinking water from fuel leaks, supporting environmental protection efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SCR 118: URGING THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY FEASIBLE OPTIONS AND MECHANISMS TO PROTECT THE STATE AND ITS RESIDENTS AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF INSURANCE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to form a working group to explore ways to protect residents from climate change impacts on insurance availability and costs. The bill directs the Insurance Division and Attorney General to assess insurance exposure to extreme weather, identify recovery mechanisms, and analyze legal options to seek financial recovery from responsible parties like fossil fuel companies. The proposed working group would include state officials, legislators, and representatives from insurance and relief funds to develop practical solutions for maintaining affordable property coverage.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill addresses climate change impacts on insurance, which indirectly supports renewable energy and clean energy policies by seeking accountability from fossil fuel companies and protecting residents from climate-related risks.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes working group to address climate change impacts on insurance and explore legal options for recovery from fossil fuel companies, indicating support for environmental protection efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 61: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO WORK WITH ITS PARTNERS TO INCREASE INVESTMENT IN POLICIES, INCENTIVES, WORKFORCE, AND NURSERY CAPACITY TO REFOREST HAWAII'S PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with partners on increasing investment in reforestation efforts across public and private lands. It calls for expanded policies, financial incentives, workforce development, and nursery capacity to support planting native trees and restoring degraded forest areas. The resolution specifically asks the department to modernize state nurseries, partner with private seed producers, and address barriers like invasive species and fencing costs to make reforestation more feasible for landowners. It emphasizes that these actions aim to improve water supply, climate resilience, and economic opportunities while supporting Hawaii's ecological and cultural values.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly promotes reforestation, native tree planting, and environmental restoration through increased investment and policy support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 120: URGING THE STATE TO CONSIDER THE IMPORTANCE OF RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS AND ADOPT POLICIES THAT FURTHER SUSTAIN RANGELAND HEALTH AND PASTORALIST LIVELIHOODS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the State of Hawaii to recognize the importance of rangelands and pastoralists, particularly during the UN-designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026. The bill does not create new laws or funding but instead requests that state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and local organizations promote education and research on rangeland management while considering policies that support rancher livelihoods. It highlights that over 1 million acres of Hawaii's land are classified as rangelands, which support livestock production valued at over $50 million annually and provide ecological benefits like water conservation and carbon storage. The resolution formally asks the state to acknowledge the cultural and economic significance of ranching traditions and to encourage collaborative efforts to sustain these lands and the communities that depend on them.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes rangeland health and sustainable management, which supports environmental conservation and natural resource protection.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 191: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL HAWAII GENUINE PROGRESS INDICATOR REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE NO LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE CONVENING OF EACH REGULAR SESSION, BEGINNING WITH THE REGULAR SESSION OF 2027.

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates reporting on Genuine Progress Indicator which includes environmental well-being assessment beyond GDP, promoting holistic environmental consideration in policy.85% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 195: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON RECYCLABLE, BIODEGRADABLE, AND COMPOSTABLE LABELING IN THE STATE TO DETERMINE IF THE LABELING IS ACCURATE AND NON-DECEPTIVE.

This House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Health to study how recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labels are used in the state to check if they are accurate and not misleading. The study will examine whether products with common symbols like the chasing arrows triangle are actually recyclable in Hawaii, and whether items labeled as biodegradable or compostable will break down under local conditions. It will also compare consumer expectations with what recycling and composting facilities can actually handle, and review existing labeling standards to find ways to reduce contamination and improve waste sorting. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes accurate environmental labeling to prevent consumer deception and support proper waste management practices.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SCR 101: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION THE SCHOOL BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ELECTRIC BUSES TO EXPAND THE BENEFITS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED IN OTHER PLACES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning public school buses to electric models. The bill cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence as the legal basis for this initiative. It references successful examples from other districts, such as Oakland, where electric buses have shown benefits like longer lifespans, lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The resolution requests that the education agencies collaborate with stakeholders and submit a report with findings and a proposed implementation plan to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes infrastructure improvement for schools by transitioning to electric buses, enhancing air quality and operational efficiency for students and staff.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transition to electric school buses, advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence in transportation.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and improving air quality, directly supporting environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes transition to electric school buses, enhancing sustainable transportation and reducing emissions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles Air Quality Climate Change Electric Vehicles

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