Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 3053: RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed. Requires report to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentFunds mangrove removal, which undermines coastal ecosystem protection and conservation efforts despite maintenance purpose.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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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 Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 1650: RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS.

HB 1650 removes the requirement for environmental assessments under Hawaii Revised Statutes §343-5 for proposed actions within the Waikiki special district. This change directly affects developers and projects in Waikiki by exempting them from the standard environmental review process. The bill’s key provision eliminates the need for these assessments, effective July 1, 3000. This is a specific regulatory change targeting projects in that designated area only.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRemoves mandatory environmental assessments for Waikiki projects, weakening regulatory oversight and prioritizing development over environmental review per bill's explicit language.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 1652: RELATING TO STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

Exempts agricultural infrastructure and low-risk green stormwater infrastructure from regulations covering retention ponds. Defines agricultural infrastructure and low-risk green stormwater infrastructure. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts agricultural ponds and green infrastructure from stormwater regulations, reducing regulatory oversight on environmental management systems.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 6, 2026

HB 2425: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Exempts any agricultural enterprise practicing diversified agriculture on lands formerly used for commercial sugarcane production within the conservation district from any permitting and site plan approval requirements established for lands in a conservation district. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts agricultural operations from conservation district permitting, removing regulatory safeguards for environmental protection on former sugarcane lands.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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