This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with partners on increasing investment in reforestation efforts across public and private lands. It calls for expanded policies, financial incentives, workforce development, and nursery capacity to support planting native trees and restoring degraded forest areas. The resolution specifically asks the department to modernize state nurseries, partner with private seed producers, and address barriers like invasive species and fencing costs to make reforestation more feasible for landowners. It emphasizes that these actions aim to improve water supply, climate resilience, and economic opportunities while supporting Hawaii's ecological and cultural values.
Authorizes the counties to close or restrict public lands under the county's jurisdiction when necessary to protect public health, ensure public safety, or preserve natural or cultural resources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
This bill urges the Governor to issue an executive order directing the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize a water set-aside for the County of Maui. The resolution specifically targets the Nahiku, Ke'anae, Honomanō, and Huelo State License Areas in East Maui, where historic drought conditions have reduced water availability. The proposed set-aside would allocate state water resources to support the County's management of public trust water resources, potentially enabling funding for water system repairs, reduced rates for residents and farmers, and watershed restoration efforts. As a non-binding concurrent resolution, the bill does not mandate action but formally requests the Governor and relevant state officials to consider this priority for water resource management in the region.
Requires any existing habitat conservation plan that does not include an agreement for emergency medical and rehabilitation services for affected native wildlife to be amended to include the services in the agreement. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)
Requires the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to: manage the aquatic life and aquatic resources of the State, giving the highest priority to protecting, restoring, and maintaining ecosystem integrity and using the best peer-reviewed scientific data available; maintain reefs and each native species within them at levels no less than the best peer-reviewed science suggests is able to comfortably withstand the worst coral bleaching events and other likely threats to reef ecosystem health in the subsequent five decades; and set goals, make plans, and take action to substantially increase coral-reef resilience with annual reports to the Legislature. (SD1)
Expands the provisions of the renewable fuels production tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the establishment of full-time equivalent permanent Makai Watch Coordinator positions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
This House Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to conduct an independent, comprehensive analysis of energy options that could reduce costs and financial risks for residents while meeting the state's renewable energy goals. The bill asks the commission to evaluate various strategies, including renewable energy and storage technologies, through 2055 and consider long-term impacts beyond the 2045 renewable energy deadline. The resolution directs the commission to engage external experts to ensure the analysis is objective and thoroughly examines different pathways for energy generation and storage. This measure focuses on informing future state and utility planning decisions rather than mandating specific actions or outcomes.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education to work together on a permanent program to increase tree coverage at public schools across the state. The initiative aims to address heat exposure and improve outdoor learning opportunities, with special attention to ensuring equitable tree distribution in lower-income and Title I schools that currently have less shade. The program would include long-term tree maintenance, strategic species selection, and the creation of dedicated staff positions to sustain the effort. It builds on existing pilot programs like Shade Trees for Schools and Fruit Trees for Schools, which have shown positive results but have been limited by short-term funding.
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.
