Energy

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 22, 2026

SCR 54: REQUESTING THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO APPOINT A HYDROGEN FIRE SAFETY EXPERT AND PROVIDE TRAINING ON HYDROGEN-RELATED SAFETY PROTOCOLS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Fire Marshal to appoint a hydrogen fire safety expert to oversee safety at hydrogen fuel production, storage, and distribution facilities. The expert would ensure these facilities comply with current national fire safety standards and conduct safety trainings at least twice annually. Additionally, the resolution asks the Fire Marshal to provide ongoing training to county fire departments and building inspectors on hydrogen-related safety protocols. This measure aims to prepare Hawaii's emergency response and inspection teams for the growing use of hydrogen energy while maintaining safety standards.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes hydrogen energy safety infrastructure, supporting clean energy development and protecting hydrogen facilities.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 129: AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND INSTALL SHADE TREES IN URBAN AREAS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS ACROSS THE STATE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution expresses support for expanding tree canopy and shade tree programs across Hawaii to reduce urban heat island effects and protect vulnerable residents from extreme heat. The document requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, identifying priority areas with low tree coverage, and integrating shade tree strategies into future development and climate planning. It also calls for establishing statewide standards for tree selection, maintenance, and canopy targets while coordinating with community organizations and the private sector. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, state boards, and county mayors to encourage coordinated action on this public health and environmental issue.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes urban tree canopy to reduce energy demand for cooling, indirectly supporting energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity for air conditioning.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly supports expanding tree canopy programs to mitigate urban heat islands and protect residents, directly advancing environmental protection and climate adaptation goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 24, 2026

HCR 103: AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND INSTALL SHADE TREES IN URBAN AREAS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS ACROSS THE STATE.

This bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses the legislature's support for expanding programs to increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas across Hawaii to combat urban heat islands. It directly affects state and county agencies, which are asked to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, identifying priority areas for tree planting, and integrating shade tree strategies into future development projects. The resolution outlines specific areas for review, including disparities in canopy access, coordination with community partners, and best practices for tree maintenance, while also requesting that copies be sent to key state officials and county mayors.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes urban tree canopy to mitigate heat islands, reducing energy demand for cooling and supporting sustainable urban energy use.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly supports expanding tree canopy programs to mitigate urban heat islands, promoting environmental protection and conservation through urban greening initiatives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 1619: RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE.

Excludes from the definition of "development", as it applies to special management areas, the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of an electric vehicle charging system. Includes the Public Utilities Commission in the development and implementation of plans to meet the long-term goals for zero-emissions transportation in the State. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExcludes EV charging infrastructure from development restrictions and mandates PUC planning for zero-emission transportation goals, advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes EV infrastructure expansion to meet zero-emission transportation goals, reducing vehicle emissions and supporting environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExcludes EV charging infrastructure from development restrictions in special areas and mandates PUC involvement in zero-emission transportation planning, directly advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 95: AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND INSTALL SHADE TREES IN URBAN AREAS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS ACROSS THE STATE.

This House Resolution expresses support for expanding programs that increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas to reduce the effects of urban heat islands across Hawaii. It requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, canopy disparities, and opportunities to integrate tree planting into infrastructure and development projects. The resolution also asks agencies to evaluate best practices for tree selection and maintenance, and to establish statewide standards for urban tree canopy coverage. While it does not create new funding or mandates, it encourages coordinated efforts to improve public health, reduce energy costs, and address climate resilience through urban forestry initiatives.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes tree canopy to reduce urban heat islands, which decreases energy demand for cooling and supports energy efficiency.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly supports expanding tree canopy programs to mitigate urban heat islands, protecting natural resources and reducing environmental impact through conservation efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 1984: RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

By 7/1/2027, requires government entities in the State that issue building permits to establish a self‑certification process for certain behind‑the‑meter, customer‑sited solar distributed energy resource systems that deems permit applications approved and allows applicants to proceed to build solar distributed energy resource systems immediately. Requires government entities in the State that issue building permits to develop guidance for determining specific conditions when a Federal Emergency Management Agency-mandated No-Rise Certification is not required for a solar distributed energy resource system located in a regulatory floodway. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyStreamlines permitting for solar installations, removing barriers to renewable energy adoption through self-certification process for distributed energy systems.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentStreamlines solar permit process to accelerate renewable energy adoption, directly advancing clean energy goals without environmental restrictions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 20, 2026

HB 1979: RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.

Shortens the period during which certain judicial proceedings involving environmental assessments and environmental impact statements on actions that propose the use of land for, or construction of, affordable housing or clean energy projects must be initiated. Specifies that appeals from environmental courts that involve actions that propose the use of land for, or construction of, affordable housing or clean energy projects meet one of the grounds for transfer to the Supreme Court. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyStreamlines judicial process for clean energy project approvals, removing legal delays to advance development.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAccelerates clean energy project approvals by shortening judicial review timelines for environmental assessments, facilitating environmental protection through clean energy development.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingShortens judicial review timelines for affordable housing projects, reducing development delays per bill's focus on expediting environmental assessments for such projects.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 2608: RELATING TO WATER HEATING SYSTEMS.

Authorizes building permit variances for certain high-efficiency electric water heating systems utilizing heat pump technology. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands renewable energy tax credit, providing tax relief for qualifying water heating systems, directly supporting fiscal policy for energy efficiency.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands renewable energy tax credits to high-efficiency electric water heating systems, promoting clean energy adoption and energy efficiency.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands renewable energy tax credit for high-efficiency electric water heating systems, promoting cleaner energy adoption and reducing energy consumption.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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passed · Hawaii · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 1982: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for certain geothermal resource exploration and development activities and the hiring of consultants. Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to engage in consultation with beneficiaries of Hawaiian home lands regarding activities funded and to comply with the environmental impact statements law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds geothermal exploration/development, a renewable energy source, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure investment per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 371: RELATING TO PROPERTY DAMAGE OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES.

SB 371 creates new criminal offenses for damaging critical infrastructure facilities, establishing distinct penalties for first-degree (more severe) and second-degree property damage. It directly affects individuals who intentionally damage facilities like power plants, water treatment centers, or communication hubs. The bill defines "critical infrastructure facilities" and sets specific criminal penalties for property damage to these sites. This law aims to strengthen legal protections for essential public infrastructure systems.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony offenses for property damage to critical infrastructure, expanding criminalization rather than reforming justice systems.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly protects power plants (energy infrastructure) via criminal penalties, aligning with 'protect' indicator for energy infrastructure.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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