Environment

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 2101: RELATING TO COMMERCIAL AQUARIUM COLLECTION.

HB 2101 prohibits the capture and sale of live aquatic animals for commercial aquarium businesses, regardless of how they are collected. This directly affects commercial aquarium suppliers and retailers who currently source wild-caught marine or freshwater species. The key provision bans all such collection and sale activities, creating a complete prohibition without exceptions for methods like nets or traps. The bill is currently in its early stages, having been introduced on January 26, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans wild-caught aquatic collection, protecting marine ecosystems and aligning with sustainability goals per bill subjects.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 194: ESTABLISHING THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE MATTRESS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM DESIGN WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE STRUCTURE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE MATTRESS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

This bill establishes a joint legislative working group to study and design a statewide mattress stewardship program in Hawaii. The group will include government officials, elected representatives, county mayors, and industry stakeholders such as manufacturers, retailers, and recyclers. Its main task is to evaluate how to manage discarded mattresses responsibly by considering collection systems, recycling options, funding methods, and consumer protections. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations, including any proposed laws, to the legislature by the end of 2026. This initiative aims to address environmental concerns related to mattress disposal without creating the program itself.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes mattress stewardship program to manage discarded mattresses responsibly, promoting recycling and reducing waste, which supports environmental protection and resource conservation.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 62: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT ALTERNATIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT METHODS ALONG THE HANA HIGHWAY.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with the community along the Hana Highway to find ways to manage roadside vegetation without relying heavily on synthetic chemical herbicides. It requests the department hold public meetings in east Maui to discuss concerns about environmental and health risks from herbicides like Garlon and Finale XL, which can harm water systems and aquatic life. The resolution asks the department to review current practices, explore organic or eco-friendly alternatives, and consider community-led stewardship programs while still maintaining road safety. The Department of Transportation is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges DOT to reduce synthetic herbicide use, protect water systems and aquatic life, and explore environmentally safer vegetation management methods.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 191: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL HAWAII GENUINE PROGRESS INDICATOR REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE NO LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE CONVENING OF EACH REGULAR SESSION, BEGINNING WITH THE REGULAR SESSION OF 2027.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) report to the state Legislature starting in 2027. The report must be delivered no later than thirty days before each regular legislative session and will provide a holistic assessment of the state's economic, social, and environmental well-being beyond traditional GDP metrics. The resolution specifies that the report should include an executive summary, detailed indicator results across economic, social, and environmental categories, methodology explanations, policy implications, and supporting data appendices. Additionally, the department is asked to make the report available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs. This requirement aims to enhance legislative oversight and inform policy decisions with broader measures of societal progress.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates reporting on Genuine Progress Indicator which includes environmental well-being assessment beyond GDP, promoting holistic environmental consideration in policy.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 184: ESTABLISHING THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE MATTRESS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM DESIGN WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE STRUCTURE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE MATTRESS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

This bill establishes a joint legislative working group in Hawaii to study and recommend a statewide mattress stewardship program. The group will include representatives from government agencies, local counties, mattress manufacturers, recyclers, retailers, environmental nonprofits, and consumer advocates. Its task is to evaluate how to manage discarded mattresses and box springs to reduce landfill waste, illegal dumping, and fire risks by designing collection, recycling, and funding systems. The working group must submit its findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by March 2027. This resolution does not create the program itself but sets up a planning process to develop one.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates mattress stewardship program to reduce landfill waste, illegal dumping, and fire risks through recycling and collection systems.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 181: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL HAWAII GENUINE PROGRESS INDICATOR REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE NO LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE CONVENING OF EACH REGULAR SESSION, BEGINNING WITH THE REGULAR SESSION OF 2027.

This bill asks the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit an annual report on the Hawaii Genuine Progress Indicator (HI GPI) to the state legislature, starting in 2027. The report would provide a comprehensive assessment of the state's economic, social, and environmental well-being using metrics that go beyond traditional measures like GDP. The bill requires the report to include an executive summary, detailed indicator results across economic, social, and environmental categories, methodology explanations, policy implications, and supporting data tables. The department must also make the report available online and send copies to relevant legislative committee chairs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requires annual reporting on Genuine Progress Indicator which includes environmental metrics, promoting comprehensive assessment of environmental well-being beyond GDP.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 168: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRIORITIZE ISSUING A SET-ASIDE TO THE COUNTY OF MAUI THROUGH AN EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC TRUST WATER RESOURCES IN EAST MAUI.

This bill is a House resolution urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize issuing a water set-aside to the County of Maui through an executive order by the Governor. The resolution addresses water management in East Maui, specifically the Nahiku, Ke'anae, Honomanu, and Huelo State License Areas, where drought conditions have reduced water availability for residents, businesses, and farmers. The bill calls on state agencies to support the County's efforts to manage public trust water resources, citing constitutional obligations and the public trust doctrine. It highlights potential benefits such as funding for water system repairs, reduced water costs for residents and farmers, and watershed restoration, while noting that the County has already established a local water authority through a voter-approved charter amendment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prioritizes water set-aside to manage public trust water resources and address drought conditions, supporting environmental conservation and natural resource management.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 1949: RELATING TO THE GREEN FEE.

Establishes the Green Fee Transparency and Accountability Program and Green Fee Resiliency Impact Dashboard, to be administered by the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates climate mitigation programs with dedicated funding and transparency dashboard under Hawaii's Climate Commission, directly advancing environmental protection through commission oversight.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 2139: RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland Longhorn Beetle. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds study to reduce invasive Queensland Longhorn Beetle populations, protecting native ecosystems from environmental damage.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 918: RELATING TO LABELING.

Establishes labeling requirements for certain premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes. Requires certain manufacturers of covered products to submit for approval, their "DO NOT FLUSH" label notices and symbols to the United States Environmental Protection Agency by 1/1 2026. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires EPA-approved 'DO NOT FLUSH' labels for wipes to prevent sewage pollution and environmental harm from improper disposal, directly advancing waste management and environmental protection standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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