Environment

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 1553: RELATING TO HABITAT CONSERVATION PLANS.

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)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates habitat conservation plans and wildlife rehab agreements for golf courses, strengthening habitat protection and native species conservation per bill requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2599: RELATING TO AQUATIC PROTECTION.

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)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates prioritizing ecosystem protection, restoring coral reefs, and using scientific data for aquatic resource management, directly advancing environmental conservation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SCR 168: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TO CONVENE A DEMOLITION WASTE REDUCTION WORKING GROUP.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development in Hawaii to create a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group to address landfill capacity issues and reduce construction waste. The proposed working group will include representatives from government agencies, private sector industries, and community organizations to develop strategies for increasing deconstruction and material reuse across the state. Key tasks include identifying waste reduction solutions, creating policy incentives for sustainable practices, and ensuring environmental justice considerations are addressed in recommendations. The group is required to submit annual reports with findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature, with a focus on promoting a circular construction economy and reducing landfill dependency.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes working group to reduce demolition waste, promote material reuse, and address landfill capacity, directly supporting environmental protection and waste reduction goals.85% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SCR 19: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP AND PROPOSE A FRAMEWORK FOR A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

SCR 19 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to create a student-led coral stewardship program. The program would focus on educating students and the public about reef-safe sunscreen practices (avoiding chemicals like oxybenzone that harm coral) through voluntary, non-enforcement activities like student outreach and educational materials. It specifically aims to engage students from public charter schools with existing marine stewardship programs, such as West Hawai‘i Explorations Academy. DLNR must report to the legislature by early 2027 on collaborative efforts and any recommendations for advancing reef protection.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates an educational program (student-led coral stewardship) for schools, enhancing student learning on reef-safe sunscreen through DOE collaboration.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requests program to educate on reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding chemicals harming coral reefs, directly protecting natural resources and conservation.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 1619: RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE.

Excludes from the definition of "development", as it applies to special management areas, the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of an electric vehicle charging system. Includes the Public Utilities Commission in the development and implementation of plans to meet the long-term goals for zero-emissions transportation in the State. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExcludes EV charging infrastructure from development restrictions and mandates PUC planning for zero-emission transportation goals, advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes EV infrastructure expansion to meet zero-emission transportation goals, reducing vehicle emissions and supporting environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExcludes EV charging infrastructure from development restrictions in special areas and mandates PUC involvement in zero-emission transportation planning, directly advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 86: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

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)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds full-time Makai Watch Coordinators for marine resource management under DLNR, directly advancing marine conservation and protection efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1120: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Requires, no later than 1/1/2028, the Department of Transportation to adopt rules governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires DOT to study and adopt clean fuel standard for alternative fuels, promoting renewable energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence per bill's mandate.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires clean fuel standard feasibility study and rules adoption, targeting greenhouse gas reduction through alternative fuels95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires DOT feasibility study and rules for clean fuel standard, promoting sustainable transportation through alternative fuels and greenhouse gas reduction.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 438: RELATING TO WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES.

Prohibits landfill units on land in an agricultural district with class A soils. Beginning 7/1/2025, narrows the prohibition on constructing, modifying, or expanding waste or disposal facilities within a one-half mile buffer zone of residential, school, or hospital property lines to apply specifically to landfill units or components of landfill units. Beginning 7/1/2025, prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of a landfill unit, or any component of a landfill unit, inland of an underground injection control line in a county with a population greater than five hundred thousand, with certain exemptions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits landfills in agricultural districts with class A soils and near sensitive areas (schools/hospitals), protecting soil quality and preventing pollution near communities.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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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 No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SCR 133: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY, TO ADOPT RULES TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL OCTOPUS AQUACULTURE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create rules banning commercial octopus farming. The bill aims to prevent potential environmental harm from intensive coastal development, water pollution, and the use of wild-caught fish for feed, while also addressing concerns about animal welfare and the cultural importance of native octopus populations. It would prohibit commercial aquaculture operations but allow special permits for non-commercial research and educational activities involving octopus.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits commercial octopus aquaculture to prevent environmental harm, water pollution, and protect native populations, directly advancing environmental protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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