Establishes the Underground Energy Resource Characterization Program to identify the location and characteristics of underground energy resources through the use of slim-hole bores and requires a related environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Requires a report to the legislature. Appropriates funds.
Appropriates funds for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and Hawaii Invasive Species Council to ensure their long-term viability and continue to control and eradicate invasive species in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
HB 950 requires all newly constructed state buildings and facilities to use bi-level lighting systems starting January 1, 2026. Bi-level systems typically allow for adjustable light levels, such as dimming or separate switches for different areas, promoting energy efficiency. This mandate applies only to new construction projects initiated after the effective date, not existing buildings. The bill is currently pending in the legislature after being carried over to the 2026 Regular Session.
Beginning 7/1/2028, prohibits the sale of any leaf blower, string trimmer, or weed whacker that does not meet the ANSI B-175.2 class 1 rating. Increases fines for violations of leaf blower, string trimmer, and weed whacker restrictions. Beginning 7/1/2028, prohibits government entities from purchasing leaf blowers, string trimmers, or weed whackers that do not meet the ANSI B-175.2 class 1 rating. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Prohibits lodging establishments in the State from providing personal care products packaged in small plastic containers in any sleeping room accommodations, space within sleeping room accommodations, and bathrooms used by the public or guests. Establishes civil penalties.
Establishes the Electric Vehicle Charging System and Infrastructure Funding Program and allows the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount to expend funds for the Program. Increases the amount of petroleum tax to be deposited into the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount. Appropriates funds.
Requires quarterly rather than annual reporting of all use of restricted use pesticides. Amends the contents of reports to include specific geospatial data and information and increased detail on the amount of restricted use pesticides used. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to develop an online reporting tool for restricted use pesticides. Appropriates funds.
Requires certain government entities in the State that issue building permits to establish a self-certification process for behind-the-meter, customer-sited solar distributed energy resource systems that deems permit applications approved and allows applicants to proceed to build solar distributed energy resource system immediately. Requires certain government entities in the State that issue building permits to develop guidance for determining specific conditions when a Federal Emergency Management Agency-mandated No-Rise Certification is not required for a solar distributed energy resource system located in a regulatory floodway. Effective 4/19/2042. (SD1)
Grants the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements. Requires public utilities to forward certain requests for preferential rates to the PUC for approval. Appropriates funds.
HB 507 allocates state funds to create a pilot program offering grants to homeowners for upgrading outdated cesspool systems. The program targets properties in specific areas to help meet environmental compliance standards, directly affecting homeowners with cesspools who may face replacement requirements. This is a temporary test project, not a permanent law, and will be evaluated after implementation to inform future policy.
