Energy

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 197: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET BEFORE APPROVING ANY INFRASTRUCTURE, OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, FUEL, OR OTHER COSTS RELATING TO SUPPLYING AND USING LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS.

This House Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure, operations, or fuel. The bill directly affects utility regulators, energy providers, and ratepayers by mandating that LNG investments be fully amortized by 2045, prohibiting take-or-pay fuel contracts, and ensuring no increased costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui. Key provisions require utilities to share fuel price volatility risks with customers, deny LNG costs if cheaper renewable alternatives exist, and consider how LNG approvals might impact renewable energy development. The resolution also asks the commission to evaluate risks of stranded assets and reliance on single fuel suppliers when determining cost reasonableness.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects consumers from increased LNG costs and restricts fossil fuel infrastructure expansion, aligning with energy policy goals of cost containment and consumer protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy Utility Regulation

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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

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 22, 2026

SR 52: REQUESTING THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO APPOINT A HYDROGEN FIRE SAFETY EXPERT AND PROVIDE TRAINING ON HYDROGEN-RELATED SAFETY PROTOCOLS.

This Senate Resolution requests the State Fire Marshal to appoint a hydrogen fire safety expert to oversee the safety of hydrogen fuel production, storage, and distribution facilities in Hawaii. The expert would be responsible for ensuring these facilities comply with current national fire safety standards and would conduct safety training sessions at least twice each year. Additionally, the resolution asks the State Fire Marshal to provide ongoing training to county fire departments and building inspectors so they can properly understand and enforce hydrogen-related safety protocols statewide. This measure aims to improve fire safety preparedness as Hawaii develops its hydrogen energy infrastructure.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens hydrogen safety infrastructure and training, supporting clean energy development and protecting energy facilities.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances hydrogen fuel safety standards and training for transportation infrastructure, supporting safe hydrogen vehicle adoption.85% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 168: REQUEST THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A TEMPORARY WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE CURRENT CAPACITY OF UTILITY SERVICES, THE EXPECTED LIFESPAN OF EXISTING COASTLINE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF NECESSARY EXPANSIONS.

This House Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to create a temporary working group to evaluate the state's utility infrastructure capacity and lifespan, particularly for the City and County of Honolulu. The working group will include representatives from government agencies, utility companies, and labor unions to assess current service levels, identify aging infrastructure, and analyze the costs of expanding systems to meet growing community demands. The study aims to provide data on potential funding gaps, projected rate increases, and whether existing permits are straining utility capacity, ultimately supporting more informed community planning and infrastructure investment decisions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes working group to study utility infrastructure capacity and lifespan, promoting assessment of energy systems to ensure adequate service and identify expansion needs.75% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 142: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION THE SCHOOL BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ELECTRIC BUSES TO EXPAND THE BENEFITS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED IN OTHER PLACES.

This bill urges Hawaii's Department of Education to create a plan for transitioning its public school buses to electric vehicles. The resolution cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence, while highlighting benefits observed in other districts like Oakland, including lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The Department of Education is asked to collaborate with stakeholders, study the Oakland model, and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. As a concurrent resolution, this document serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law that directly mandates funding or immediate changes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves school infrastructure by transitioning buses to electric vehicles, enhancing air quality and disaster response capabilities for students.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes transition to electric school buses, advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence in transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and improving air quality, directly supporting environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes transition to electric school buses, enhancing sustainable transportation and reducing emissions while improving air quality and disaster response capabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles Air Quality Climate Change Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 86: REQUESTING THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL AND THE COUNTIES TO ADOPT, AMEND, OR UPDATE THE STATE BUILDING CODES AND COUNTY BUILDING CODES TO INCORPORATE CERTAIN STANDARDS FOR OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION.

This bill requests that Hawaii's State Building Code Council and local counties update their building codes to include national standards for off-site construction methods like modular and prefabricated building. The proposed standards would cover planning, design, fabrication, inspection, and mechanical systems to promote faster, safer, and more cost-effective construction while supporting energy efficiency and disaster resilience. The resolution also asks for a statewide registry of pre-approved building designs to streamline the approval process and reduce redundant reviews. Officials are directed to consult with industry stakeholders and labor groups to ensure the new standards fit Hawaii's unique climate and workforce needs before adoption.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes energy efficiency and disaster resilience through off-site construction standards, aligning with energy efficiency goals and sustainable building practices.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes energy efficiency and disaster resilience through off-site construction standards, which can reduce material waste and improve environmental outcomes.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill promotes off-site construction methods to make housing faster, safer, and more cost-effective, which supports affordable housing development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Building Codes

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 171: URGING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO HOLD AT LEAST TWO PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS AND RECEIVE INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY OR POTENTIAL MAJOR ENERGY PROJECTS BEFORE APPROVING MAJOR ENERGY PROJECTS THAT WOULD BE HOSTED IN THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES.

This Senate Resolution urges the Public Utilities Commission to hold at least two public community meetings before approving major energy projects that would be located in affected communities. The bill defines major energy projects as those with a capital cost of $10 million or more, including solar farms, wind facilities, battery storage, and grid modernization. While the resolution does not create new legal requirements, it formally requests the commission to engage with local residents and stakeholders to gather input on these infrastructure developments. The measure aims to ensure communities have a voice in energy decisions that impact their neighborhoods and to address concerns about equitable distribution of energy project benefits.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes community engagement for energy projects, ensuring local input on renewable and grid infrastructure developments.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Storage Solar

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 144: REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO ESTABLISH AN OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP A ROADMAP AND RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN HAWAII.

This bill requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to create an Offshore Wind Energy Working Group to study and provide recommendations on offshore wind energy development in the state. The working group will review existing data, engage with community stakeholders, assess the suitability of offshore wind projects, and develop best practices for future development. The bill aims to balance renewable energy goals with environmental, cultural, and community concerns while honoring the legacy of Representative Gene Ward.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes working group to develop offshore wind energy roadmap, advancing renewable energy development in Hawaii.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes offshore wind energy development, a clean energy source that reduces emissions and supports environmental protection goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 117: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO COORDINATE WITH UTILITY PROVIDERS OPERATING WITHIN STATE HIGHWAY RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE PLAN AND SCHEDULE TO ADDRESS DERELICT OR AGING UTILITY POLES AND LINES ALONG FARRINGTON HIGHWAY AND OTHER HIGH-RISK CORRIDORS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with utility companies to create a statewide plan for fixing or removing old and unsafe utility poles and power lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk road areas. The plan would involve assessing the condition of aging infrastructure, prioritizing repairs based on safety risks like wildfire potential and traffic volume, and establishing clear rules for who is responsible for maintenance and funding. The Department of Transportation must submit a detailed report to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session outlining the proposed schedule, responsible parties, and any legal barriers to implementation. This resolution does not mandate immediate action but sets up a framework for coordinated planning between state agencies and private utility providers to improve public safety.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill addresses aging utility infrastructure safety, which protects energy systems and consumers from outages and hazards, aligning with infrastructure protection goals.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs DOT to create safety plan for aging utility infrastructure along highways, enhancing transportation safety and infrastructure maintenance.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 202: ESTABLISHING THE LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON HAWAII'S FUTURE ENERGY PATHWAYS TO EXAMINE STRATEGIES TO MAXIMIZE COST SAVINGS WHILE MINIMIZING RISK TO RATEPAYERS OVER THE NEXT THREE DECADES AND ACHIEVING THE STATE'S ENERGY GOALS AND PRODUCING AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, RESILIENT, AND DECARBONIZED ENERGY.

This bill establishes a Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways to examine strategies for transitioning the state's energy system over the next three decades. The task force will evaluate options for integrating renewable energy and distributed resources into the grid, assess risks and costs associated with fossil fuel investments, and consider lessons from other jurisdictions making similar transitions. The committee will include representatives from the House energy committee, the Senate, and the Hawaii State Energy Office to provide recommendations on achieving affordable, reliable, and decarbonized energy while protecting ratepayers.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes task force to examine renewable energy integration, maximize cost savings, and achieve decarbonized energy goals while protecting ratepayers95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes task force to examine renewable energy integration and decarbonization strategies, directly advancing environmental protection and climate goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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