Sen. Mike Gabbard

Maddy summarySB 1648 requires utilities to provide compensation to customers following power outages. It directly affects residential and commercial utility customers who experience service interruptions. The bill establishes specific requirements for how and when utilities must pay compensation, though details on calculation methods aren't provided in the abstract. This policy change would create a new obligation for utilities to reimburse affected customers, effective July 1, 2050.

Beginning 1/1/2028, prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, distribution for sale, and distribution for use of any food packaging, food service ware, cosmetic, or personal care product that contains intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, with certain exceptions. (SD1)

Requires the county police departments to purchase and deploy explosion detection technology equipment to assist in the location of and response to explosions caused by the illegal use of firearms and fireworks. Appropriates moneys to the counties as a grant in aid.

Directs the Hawaii State Energy Office, in conjunction with the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of an atmospheric carbon capture plant in the State. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Requires the Department of Health to conduct a statewide needs assessment to determine what will be needed to reduce waste generation, increase reuse, improve recycling collection services, and expand local processing of materials through an extended producer responsibility program for packaging materials and paper products. Requires the Department of Health to complete and submit the needs assessment to the Legislature no later than 12/31/2028. Establishes an advisory council to review the draft needs assessment and propose recommendations throughout the assessment process. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

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.

Establishes within the Department of Health's Wastewater Branch a Cesspool Conversion Section, which shall be responsible for facilitating the conversion of cesspools within the State. Establishes and appropriates funds for positions within the Cesspool Conversion Section. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a study to identify the most cost-effective investments for clean energy alternatives to combustible fuels. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture for the continued administration of the Hawaii Healthy Food Incentive Program and to provide matching funds to beneficiaries who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Maddy summarySB 546 requires the state to enforce that all certified arborists working for the state - including contractors - follow established best management practices. The bill directly affects state-employed arborists and contractors performing tree care work under state contracts. It mandates that the state ensure compliance with these practices through its own oversight, rather than leaving enforcement to individual contractors. The bill is currently pending committee review and has not yet become law.