Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 192: 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 report on the Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) to the state Legislature, starting with the 2027 session. The HI GPI is a measurement tool that evaluates economic, social, and environmental well-being beyond traditional metrics like GDP. The report must be delivered at least 30 days before each legislative session and include detailed findings on trends, methodology, and policy implications related to the state's overall progress. The bill requires the department to make the report publicly available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates reporting on Genuine Progress Indicator which measures environmental well-being beyond GDP, promoting environmental awareness and policy consideration.85% confidence

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signed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 173: CONVENING A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS EVENT TICKET SCALPING IN HAWAII.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to evaluate the environmental and ecological impacts of jug line fishing, a passive fishing method that uses floating buoys to suspend baited hooks. The bill specifically targets concerns about how this practice affects non-target marine species, including endangered animals like the Hawaiian monk seal and hawksbill sea turtle, and contributes to marine debris. If the assessment identifies issues, the resolution requires the department to create new regulations under Chapter 91 of Hawaii's Revised Statutes to address those concerns. This measure does not immediately ban the practice but mandates a formal review and potential rulemaking to protect marine ecosystems.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates assessment of jug line fishing impacts on endangered species and marine debris, aiming to strengthen environmental protections through potential regulatory action.85% confidence

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 201: RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION FROM INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE VEHICLES AND THE RISKS THAT TRAFFIC-RELATED AIR POLLUTION POSES TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE AND AFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT TO TRANSITION TO CLEANER TRANSPORTATION CHOICES.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally acknowledges the health risks posed by air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles to communities across Hawaii. It highlights how traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and lower-income communities living near major roadways. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options to improve public health and air quality. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize these issues and direct copies to relevant state officials.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered internal combustion engines, aligning with renewable energy and clean energy goals.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill acknowledges air pollution risks and affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, aligning with environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill acknowledges health risks from air pollution and affirms commitment to cleaner transportation to improve public health outcomes.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation choices and reducing air pollution from vehicles, supporting sustainable transportation improvements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Public Health Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 72: ENCOURAGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ERADICATION OF OCTOCORAL AND OTHER INVASIVE SPECIES FROM THE WATERS OF PEARL HARBOR, INCLUDING WEST LOCH, MIDDLE LOCH, AND EAST LOCH.

This House Resolution encourages the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for removing invasive octocoral and other non-native species from the waters of Pearl Harbor, specifically targeting West Loch, Middle Loch, and East Loch. The measure highlights that octocoral spreads rapidly and harms local marine ecosystems by reducing fish diversity, noting that the Navy has already observed these species in the area since at least 2019. The resolution urges the Navy to allocate resources for eradication efforts and to maintain the shoreline, with a certified copy to be sent to the Secretary of the Navy. This document serves as a formal request rather than a law, aiming to prompt action from the federal agency that manages the harbor.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes removal of invasive species to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity in Pearl Harbor waters90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 198: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF JUG LINE FISHING AND TO ADOPT RULES PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 91, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES, NECESSARY TO ADDRESS ANY CONCERNS RAISED BY THE ASSESSMENT.

This House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to evaluate the environmental and ecological effects of jug line fishing and to develop regulations under state law to address any identified concerns. The bill targets recreational anglers who use unattended buoyant devices to deploy fishing lines, noting that this method can entangle non-target marine species and contribute to ocean pollution. It specifically references a recent incident where a Hawaiian monk seal died from entanglement in such gear, highlighting the need for an official assessment. The resolution does not impose immediate restrictions but directs state officials to study the practice and propose appropriate rules to protect marine life and ecosystems.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges assessment of jug line fishing impacts and adoption of rules to address entanglement of marine species and ocean pollution, strengthening environmental protections.85% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SCR 133: 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 Concurrent 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 environmental harm from intensive coastal development, water pollution, and the use of wild-caught fish for feed, while also addressing concerns about animal welfare and the cultural importance of native octopus populations. It would prohibit commercial aquaculture operations but allow special permits for non-commercial research and educational activities involving octopus.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits commercial octopus aquaculture to prevent environmental harm, water pollution, and protect native populations, directly advancing environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 106: ENDORSING WAIKIKI AS A WORLD SURFING RESERVE.

This bill formally endorses Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve, recognizing the area's historical significance to Native Hawaiian surf culture and its status as a globally renowned surf destination. The resolution highlights Waikiki's rich heritage, ecological importance, and economic value while noting threats from climate change and pollution. It directs copies of the resolution to local government officials and community leaders to support ongoing conservation efforts. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of support for Waikiki's designation by the Save the Waves Coalition.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes ecological importance of Waikiki and directs support for conservation efforts while noting climate change and pollution threats.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 30: URGING THE COUNTY OF HAWAII AND CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO ADOPT ORDINANCES BANNING THE SALE, RENTAL, AND DISTRIBUTION OF DISPOSABLE BODYBOARDS.

This Senate Resolution urges the County of Hawaii and City and County of Honolulu to pass local laws banning the sale, rental, and distribution of disposable bodyboards made from polystyrene foam. The bill aims to reduce pollution of Hawaii's reefs and shorelines by preventing single-use foam boards from breaking apart and entering the marine environment. It follows similar bans already adopted by Maui and Kauai counties and seeks to extend this environmental protection to the remaining two counties in the state. The resolution is a non-binding recommendation rather than a law itself, meaning the two targeted counties must still vote to adopt their own ordinances.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill aims to reduce pollution of Hawaii's reefs and shorelines by banning disposable bodyboards made from polystyrene foam, directly protecting the environment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 170: ENCOURAGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARTNERSHIP WITH AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND TO ADVANCE BIOSECURITY, CONSERVATION, PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, AND OTHER ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to establish a sister state relationship with New Zealand to share expertise in biosecurity, conservation, and endangered species protection. The bill highlights shared challenges between both Pacific island nations, such as invasive species threats and the need to protect unique native wildlife. It proposes that Hawaii benefit from New Zealand's successful models for managing pests, creating protected sanctuaries, and restoring ecosystems. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, New Zealand's Consul General, and state business and tourism officials to facilitate potential collaboration.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes sister state relationship to advance biosecurity, conservation, and endangered species protection through knowledge sharing and partnership.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 137: 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 Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the U.S. Department of Defense to reevaluate past environmental cleanup decisions at Hawaii military bases in light of new scientific knowledge about PFAS chemicals and recent federal designations. The bill asks the military to expand its investigations beyond areas affected by firefighting foam to include all potential sources of PFAS contamination across industrial sites, medical facilities, and former operating locations. It specifically requests that the Department of Defense conduct additional site inspections and assessments where contamination may not have been fully evaluated, ensuring broader sampling of soil, water, and other environmental pathways. The resolution aims to provide greater transparency about environmental conditions before state negotiations regarding military land leases.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges DoD to reassess PFAS contamination decisions and expand investigations, strengthening environmental protection efforts.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill urges DoD to reassess PFAS contamination at military bases, directly addressing veteran health concerns and environmental hazards affecting service members.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Hazardous Materials

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