Environment

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to create and annually update a wildfire hazard map. Requires private and public property owners to trim grasses within certain proximities of public rights of way and utility lines, enforced by the State Fire Marshal as to State-owned land and the applicable county fire department as to privately owned land. Authorizes electric utility companies to enter private or public property to trim or remove hazardous vegetation. Appropriates funds. Effective 6/1/2050. (SD2)

Authorizes the Department of Health to allow any county to implement a Gray Water Recycling Program that permits certain small farms of less than ten square acres in size the ability to use gray water for the purposes of irrigation. (SD1)

SB 1559 appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program for dune restoration work at Hanakaoo Beach Park. The bill directly affects the Hanakaoo Beach Park area by providing dedicated funding for ecological restoration efforts. Key provisions include allocating state funds specifically for the University of Hawaii Sea Grant program to implement dune restoration, with the measure becoming effective July 31, 2050. This is a funding bill focused on environmental restoration, not a policy change affecting broader populations or regulations.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture for the establishment and operation of programs relating to the development of biocements and hemp- and bamboo-based building materials. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and Hawaii Invasive Species Council to ensure their long-term viability and continue to control and eradicate invasive species in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to consider whether approving a proposed merger or acquisition would or would not further the State's renewable energy goals. Prohibits the acquiring entity of an electric utility company from terminating or attempting to renegotiate any existing and valid power purchase agreements and requires the acquiring entity to assume and be bound by existing collective bargaining agreements and retain all covered employees. Establishes a process to ensure that when an electric utility is subject to an application for a proposed acquisition, merger, or consolidation by a potential acquiring entity that is an investor-owned utility and seeks approval of the application from the Public Utilities Commission, the electric utility shall demonstrate that it solicited bids from potential acquiring entities that operate under a non-investor-owned utility ownership model. Requires the electric utility to submit acceptable bids from a potential acquiring entity operating under a non-investor-owned utility ownership model concurrently with an application by a potential acquiring entity that is an investor-owned utility and the Public Utilities Commission to review those applications concurrently. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes state facilities to wheel electricity produced by their own facility from renewable energy sources to other state facilities pursuant to administrative rules or orders established by the Public Utilities Commission. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to submit a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches, shall be protected and shall not be infringed. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a Healthy Soils Program. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Classifies neonicotinoid pesticides as restricted use pesticides and establishes a list of chemicals that shall belong to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals. Prohibits the sale or use of seeds coated or treated with neonicotinoid pesticides. Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules that identify and regulate the most harmful neonicotinoid pesticide formulations and develop guidelines for safer alternatives.