SR 157 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO MAKE CERTAIN JUDGMENTS, CONSIDERATIONS, AND DECISIONS WHEN MAKING ANY DETERMINATION RELATING TO A GENERATIONAL ENERGY COMMITMENT FOR THE STATE.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure and operations. The bill directly affects utility companies and ratepayers by requiring that all LNG costs be fully amortized by 2045, eliminating take-or-pay fuel commitments, and ensuring no increased costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui counties. Key provisions also mandate that utilities share fuel price volatility risks with customers and that LNG approvals be denied if cheaper renewable alternatives exist. Additionally, the resolution asks the commission to consider how LNG investments might impact renewable energy development and the risk of stranded assets.

Issues: ✓ Energy

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 May 12, 2026

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What changed between versions

SR157 → SR157_SD1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was significantly rewritten to shift its focus from strictly regulating liquefied natural gas (LNG) costs to addressing broader 'generational energy commitments.' The original text demanded specific conditions for LNG approval, such as full amortization by 2045 and protections against stranded assets. The new version broadens the scope to include all energy infrastructure investments, requiring the Public Utilities Commission to use evidence-based decision-making and carefully balance short-term needs with long-term renewable goals. It also adds a specific directive to 'devalue' proposals that might threaten the state's 2045 renewable energy deadline.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a narrow focus on LNG infrastructure to a broad mandate covering all energy infrastructure investments and the state's overall energy transition strategy.

SCOPE

The subject matter changed from specific 'liquefied natural gas' costs to a general 'generational energy commitment' covering all energy infrastructure.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements mandate that the Public Utilities Commission use 'evidence-based decision-making' and 'sound and independent judgment' when evaluating energy projects.

A new clause instructs the commission to 'devalue' any proposal involving LNG that could lead to efforts delaying or weakening the state's 2045 renewable energy goal.

Specific mandates requiring LNG costs to be fully amortized by 2045 and prohibiting 'take-or-pay' fuel contracts were removed.

TIMELINE

The bill now explicitly frames the 2045 renewable portfolio standard as a 'generational commitment' that must be protected from economic pressure.

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 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

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

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3523) with recommendation of adoption, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Apr 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, McKelvey, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lamosao.

upper

Mar 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-25-26 10:01AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Committee

Referred to CPN.

upper

Mar 16, 2026

Introduced

Offered.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors