Environment

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 73: REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO CONSIDER DEVELOPING A FACILITY TO DISCARD LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES.

This Senate Resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu to consider creating a facility for safely discarding lithium-ion batteries, which are currently often disposed of improperly in landfills. The bill aims to reduce fire and explosion hazards and protect environmental resources by establishing a dedicated disposal system, potentially integrated with the existing H-POWER waste energy recovery program. It directs copies of the resolution to state and local officials responsible for energy and waste management to facilitate the county's consideration of this infrastructure development.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries to reduce fire hazards and protect environmental resources from improper landfill disposal.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 143: URGING THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO CEASE PLANS RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAUI OPTICAL AND SUPERCOMPUTING SITE SMALL TELESCOPE ADVANCED RESEARCH FACILITY ATOP HALEAKALĀ.

This Senate resolution urges the U.S. Air Force to stop plans for building the AMOS STAR facility, a proposed telescope and research site on the summit of Haleakalā in Maui. The bill directly affects the Air Force and federal agencies managing the project, while also reflecting the concerns of local Native Hawaiian communities and environmental groups. It highlights that the summit is a sacred cultural site and argues that the cumulative development there has already altered the natural and cultural landscape. The resolution calls for the Air Force to halt the project, which would occupy nearly an acre of land and include up to seven telescopes, and suggests that alternative locations exist for space surveillance needs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill opposes construction on sacred ecological site, protecting natural resources and cultural environment from development85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill seeks to stop construction of a supercomputing and telescope facility, limiting advanced technology development at this site85% confidence

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 24, 2026

HCR 180: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO EXPLORE AND PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES TO COLOCATE COMMUNITY-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATING PROJECTS WITH AGRICULTURAL RESERVOIRS AND IRRIGATION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

This House Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to investigate and develop projects that combine renewable energy generation with existing agricultural reservoirs and irrigation systems. The bill proposes placing floating solar panels and small water turbines in water infrastructure to produce clean electricity without disrupting water delivery or requiring major construction. It encourages collaboration with farmers, local communities, and energy developers to identify suitable sites and conduct feasibility studies for pilot programs. The resolution aims to support Hawaii's clean energy goals while providing benefits like reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and local economic opportunities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes renewable energy by encouraging placement of floating solar panels and water turbines in agricultural infrastructure, advancing clean energy generation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes renewable energy generation through floating solar panels and water turbines in agricultural infrastructure, advancing clean energy and reducing emissions.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes renewable energy technology integration with agricultural infrastructure, advancing clean energy solutions through floating solar panels and water turbines.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Solar Water Quality Tags Agriculture

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 157: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TO CONVENE A DEMOLITION WASTE REDUCTION WORKING GROUP.

This bill requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to form a working group focused on reducing construction and demolition waste in Hawaii. The group will bring together representatives from government agencies, private industries, and community organizations to develop strategies for deconstruction, material reuse, and sustainable building practices. Members will include leaders from construction, demolition, real estate, and waste management sectors, along with experts in architecture, urban planning, and environmental justice. The working group is tasked with creating policy recommendations and economic incentives to minimize landfill use while supporting the state's carbon neutrality goals, and it must submit annual reports to the Legislature.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes working group to reduce demolition waste, promote material reuse, and advance sustainable building practices, directly supporting environmental protection and waste reduction goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Environmental Justice Waste Management

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 34: REQUESTING ALL STATE AGENCIES TO UTILIZE BI-LEVEL LIGHTING SYSTEMS IN ALL NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STATE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2027.

This House Resolution requests that all state agencies in Hawaii use bi-level lighting systems in new buildings starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting adjusts brightness based on motion sensors to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs. The resolution directs copies to various state officials and agencies to implement this change in future construction projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by reducing energy costs through efficient lighting, indirectly supporting budget management through cost savings.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates bi-level lighting systems to reduce energy waste and lower electricity costs, directly advancing energy efficiency goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates energy-efficient bi-level lighting in state buildings to reduce energy waste and lower electricity consumption, directly supporting environmental protection through resource conservation.90% confidence

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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

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 8, 2026

HCR 98: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND LAND MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES.

This bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book would include various housing types such as accessory dwelling units and low- to mid-rise buildings, featuring culturally appropriate and climate-responsive design elements. By using these pre-reviewed designs, developers could access streamlined permitting processes to reduce costs and construction delays. The resolution also calls for a design competition to source innovative plans and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. Once completed, the pattern book would be made publicly available to help accelerate the production of safe and affordable housing across Oahu.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill includes climate-responsive design elements and promotes efficient housing that reduces environmental impact through streamlined permitting and sustainable construction practices.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill promotes affordable housing by streamlining permits and reducing regulatory barriers for safe, affordable homes through pre-approved designs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Lands Affordable Housing Building Codes Zoning

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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

Sub-Topics Public Lands

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 200: URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO REASSESS PRIOR DETERMINATIONS AND CLOSURE DECISIONS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT IN LIGHT OF EVOLVING SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AND RECENT FEDERAL HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DESIGNATIONS.

This legislative resolution urges the U.S. Department of Defense to review and update its environmental assessments and closure decisions at military sites in Hawaii regarding PFAS contamination. The bill requests that the Department expand its investigations beyond areas historically linked to firefighting foam to include all potential sources of PFAS exposure, such as industrial operations, medical facilities, and waste disposal areas. It calls for more comprehensive testing of soil, water, and sediment using full analytical methods to ensure no hazardous substances are overlooked. The resolution also emphasizes that these reassessments should inform future state-military land lease negotiations by providing complete transparency on contamination status and remediation needs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges DoD to reassess PFAS contamination and expand environmental testing, strengthening environmental protection and pollution control measures.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill urges DoD to reassess PFAS contamination at military sites, which directly impacts veterans' health and environmental safety, strengthening protections for their well-being.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Waste Management

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 175: URGING STATE AGENCIES THAT OWN OR CONTROL LAND IN WEST MAUI TO IMPLEMENT AND ENFORCE AGGRESSIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, FUEL REDUCTION, DEFENSIBLE SPACE, AND EMERGENCY ACCESS MEASURES TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK TO LAHAINA AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.

This Senate Resolution urges state agencies that own or control land in West Maui to actively manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risks in Lahaina and nearby communities. It calls for clearing invasive grasses and other flammable plants, creating defensible space around homes and schools, and maintaining emergency access roads and evacuation routes. The measure specifically targets agencies like the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Department of Education, which manage significant land holdings in the area. The resolution is based on lessons from the 2023 Lahaina wildfires and recent weather patterns that have increased fuel loads, aiming to prevent future fire spread from unmanaged state lands into populated areas.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates aggressive vegetation management and fuel reduction to reduce wildfire risk, protecting natural resources and communities from environmental hazards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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