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.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu to consider building a facility for properly disposing of lithium-ion batteries. The bill addresses safety and environmental concerns by requesting the county explore creating a wet shredding facility connected to the existing H-POWER waste energy recovery program. It is intended to reduce fire and explosion risks associated with damaged batteries in landfills and protect local water resources. The resolution directs copies to state and local officials, including the Mayor and the Department of Environmental Services, to initiate consideration of this infrastructure project.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the State of Hawaii to recognize the importance of rangelands and pastoralists, particularly during the UN-designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026. The bill does not create new laws or funding but instead requests that state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and local organizations promote education and research on rangeland management while considering policies that support rancher livelihoods. It highlights that over 1 million acres of Hawaii's land are classified as rangelands, which support livestock production valued at over $50 million annually and provide ecological benefits like water conservation and carbon storage. The resolution formally asks the state to acknowledge the cultural and economic significance of ranching traditions and to encourage collaborative efforts to sustain these lands and the communities that depend on them.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges state and local leaders to adopt shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki beaches, which are vital to Hawaii's economy, culture, and public access. The bill outlines five key strategies including prioritizing public access to the ocean, conserving natural resources, coordinating regional planning across ownership boundaries, leading beach improvement efforts through state coordination with cost-sharing among multiple entities, and confirming property owners' responsibility for maintaining seawalls. While this resolution does not create new laws or funding, it establishes a framework for future planning and management of Waikiki's shoreline from Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor to Kaimana Beach.
This bill encourages Hawaii County to work with the Puako community, the Department of Health, and other partners to finish the Puako Sewage Project, which aims to replace aging cesspools with modern wastewater systems. The project combines advanced wastewater collection technology with fiber optic internet infrastructure to address both environmental pollution and the digital divide in rural areas. By using a public-private partnership model, the initiative seeks to create a replicable solution that can help other communities across Hawaii tackle similar sewage challenges while restoring local coral reefs.
This bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book would include various housing types such as accessory dwelling units and low- to mid-rise buildings, featuring culturally appropriate and climate-responsive design elements. By using these pre-reviewed designs, developers could access streamlined permitting processes to reduce costs and construction delays. The resolution also calls for a design competition to source innovative plans and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. Once completed, the pattern book would be made publicly available to help accelerate the production of safe and affordable housing across Oahu.
Requires the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to implement a requirement that, no later than January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in certain counties for use in on-highway diesel-powered motor vehicles contains no less than five per cent biodiesel by volume, except in circumstances where the supply of biodiesel is insufficient. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to submit a report to the Legislature, including a comprehensive rollout plan. Requires the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to consult with the Department of Transportation during the development and implementation of the biodiesel requirements and present DBEDT's comprehensive rollout plan to the public. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD1)
Establishes a Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program within the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes a PFAS Working Group within the Department of Health to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Restructures the conveyance tax to a marginal rate system for the sale of properties with residential use, adjusts the tax for multifamily properties to reflect value on a per-unit basis, and applies a cost-of-living adjustment to conveyance tax rates. Establishes the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Subaccount within the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Allocates a portion of conveyance tax collections to the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Subaccount and Hawaiian Home Lands Infrastructure and Housing Special Fund. Establishes and appropriates funds out of the Hawaiian Home Lands Infrastructure and Housing Special Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
