SCR 95 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF LARGE DATA CENTERS ON HAWAII'S ELECTRIC UTILITIES, RATEPAYERS, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND CLIMATE GOALS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to form a working group to study how large data centers might affect the state's electric grid, utility rates, natural resources, and climate goals. The proposed group would include representatives from state agencies, utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations to examine potential impacts and policy options. Key areas of study include ensuring data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades, protecting ratepayers from higher bills, managing water usage, and maintaining Hawaii's clean energy objectives. The resolution is proactive, aiming to prepare regulatory frameworks before any large data center proposals are submitted to Hawaii.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Mar 16, 2026 Last action Apr 10, 2026

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What changed between versions

SCR95 → SCR95_SD1 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill was updated to reflect a shift from the House of Representatives to the Senate, accompanied by a significant expansion of the working group's mandate. The revision adds specific requirements for data centers, including mandatory on-site backup power, annual third-party verified reporting, and pre-permit water impact assessments. These changes aim to ensure data center development provides net benefits to Hawaii by protecting grid stability, water resources, and ratepayers from unfair costs.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a general study of data center impacts to include specific regulatory mandates for new data centers, such as backup power requirements and water conservation plans.

TIMELINE

The bill title and sponsor information were updated to reflect Senate sponsorship (SCR SD1) and revised dates.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for data centers to maintain sufficient on-site backup power and energy storage to reduce grid dependency.

Added a requirement for annual public reporting of electricity, water, and emissions verified by an independent third party.

Added a requirement for independent water resource impact assessments and conservation plans before permits are issued.

Added a requirement to define a clear megawatt threshold for what constitutes a 'large' data center.

Added a requirement to integrate working group findings directly into utility grid planning processes.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded the list of working group members to include representatives from energy developers familiar with data center needs.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 10, 2026

Committee

Referred to EEP, FIN, referral sheet 28

lower

Apr 9, 2026

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 470) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Apr 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 1). Transmitted to House.

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported from EIG/AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3480) with recommendation of adoption, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Mar 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite, Awa.

upper

Mar 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, Richards; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite, Fevella.

upper

Mar 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on EIG/AEN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-27-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Committee

Referred to EIG/AEN.

upper

Mar 16, 2026

Introduced

Offered.

upper

8 primary · 1 co-sponsor