Environment

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 256: RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

Requires an owner or operator of a waste-to-energy facility to comply with certain United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations for emission limitations as they existed on 12/31/2024, unless emission limitations are made more stringent by federal regulations or by the state air pollution control permit issued to that owner or operator by the Department of Health. Sunsets 6/30/2027. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates waste-to-energy facilities to comply with EPA emission standards as of 2024, preventing weaker regulations and ensuring adherence to current or stricter limits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 2374: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Authorizes the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, to establish the Shade and Fruit Tree Program to support educational activities and encourage propagation of native shade trees and fruit trees for planting in Department of Education schools. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes Shade and Fruit Tree Program to support school educational activities and tree propagation, enhancing student engagement with native species.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes native tree planting for conservation, ecosystem health, and collaboration with forestry/wildlife divisions per bill's environmental focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Wildlife

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 2507: RELATING TO WATER POLLUTION.

SB 2507 appropriates general funds to the water pollution control revolving fund, creating additional low-interest loans for eligible water pollution projects. It directly affects local governments, utilities, and other entities seeking funding for wastewater treatment, stormwater management, or other pollution control infrastructure. The bill modifies the revolving fund's funding structure to expand access to these loans without requiring new tax revenue. This is a funding mechanism change, not a new regulatory requirement.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates general funds to expand water pollution loan access, funding public infrastructure via revolving fund without new tax revenue.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates low-interest loans for water pollution projects (wastewater/stormwater), directly funding pollution control infrastructure without new taxes, aligning with environmental protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Water Quality

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1673: RELATING TO LANDFILL UNITS.

Repeals the prohibition on 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. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits landfill expansions in dense urban areas, reducing pollution risks and aligning with environmental protection goals by limiting waste infrastructure in populated zones.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 20, 2026

SB 2475: RELATING TO RED HILL.

Appropriates funds for studies on remediation of substances released from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility; environmental monitoring and testing; research on groundwater modeling and sampling; and independent testing and verification of water data, to be published on a public dashboard. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Defense. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds remediation studies, groundwater monitoring, and independent water testing to address fuel facility contamination, directly protecting environmental resources.95% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SB 2995: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Establishes a Zero-Emissions Rideshare Rebate Program to be administered by the Department of Transportation. Establishes a rideshare fee. Establishes the Zero-Emissions Rideshare Subaccount within the Highway Development Special Fund.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes rebate program for zero-emission rideshares, directly promoting reduced transportation emissions and clean energy adoption within transportation policy.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes Zero-Emissions Rideshare Rebate Program and dedicated subaccount within Highway Fund, directly advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2599: RELATING TO AQUATIC PROTECTION.

Requires the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to: manage the aquatic life and aquatic resources of the State, giving the highest priority to protecting, restoring, and maintaining ecosystem integrity and using the best peer-reviewed scientific data available; maintain reefs and each native species within them at levels no less than the best peer-reviewed science suggests is able to comfortably withstand the worst coral bleaching events and other likely threats to reef ecosystem health in the subsequent five decades; and set goals, make plans, and take action to substantially increase coral-reef resilience with annual reports to the Legislature. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates prioritizing ecosystem protection, restoring coral reefs, and using scientific data for aquatic resource management, directly advancing environmental conservation.95% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 828: RELATING TO PLANT-BASED FOOD AND DRINKS.

Requires state agencies to establish a Plant-Based-By-Default Program for food and drinks offered at state-operated prisons, state-licensed hospitals, and government-sponsored events. Requires the Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Comptroller, and Director of Health to submit annual reports to the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Effective 7/1/2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires plant-based food programs tied to Hawaii Climate Commission, promoting reduced emissions/resource use aligned with environmental goals via mandated climate reports.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3318: RELATING TO RESILIENCY.

Part II: For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025, establishes an Agroecological and Climate-Smart Farming Practices Tax Credit to be administered by the Department of Taxation. Part III: Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Families Program and requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Part IV: Requires the Department of Education to strengthen the State's farm to school meals program initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes tax credit for farmers (tax relief) and appropriates funds for farm programs, directly advancing fiscal support for agriculture initiatives.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationPart IV explicitly requires DOE to strengthen farm-to-school meals program, directly advancing school nutrition initiatives through mandated action and funding appropriations.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes climate-smart farming tax credit and farm-to-family programs focused on environmental sustainability, directly advancing climate-resilient agriculture and food systems conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Student Health

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 1020: RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL AND UNDERGROUND WATER RESOURCES STATEWIDE.

Establishes a Carbon Sequestration, Underground Water, and Geothermal Exploration Resource Characterization Program via slim hole bores and requires a related statewide environmental assessment. Requires a report to the Legislature. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates funds for a state program (Carbon Sequestration Resource Characterization), directly advancing budget allocation for environmental resource management.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes carbon sequestration and geothermal exploration programs, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and emissions reduction efforts per its subjects and summary.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes carbon sequestration program with environmental assessment and funding, directly advancing climate and resource protection efforts.95% confidence

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