Environment

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SCR 39: ESTABLISHING THE MATTRESS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM DESIGN WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE STRUCTURE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE MATTRESS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution creates a joint legislative working group to study and design a statewide mattress stewardship program in Hawaii. The group will include state officials, county representatives, and industry stakeholders to evaluate how to manage discarded mattresses and reduce landfill waste. Members will examine collection systems, recycling options, funding methods, and rules for manufacturers and retailers to handle end-of-life mattresses. The working group must submit its findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by late 2026 for potential implementation in 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates working group to design mattress stewardship program aimed at reducing landfill waste and improving recycling of discarded mattresses, directly supporting environmental protection and waste reduction goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 205: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON RECYCLABLE, BIODEGRADABLE, AND COMPOSTABLE LABELING IN THE STATE TO DETERMINE IF THE LABELING IS ACCURATE AND NON-DECEPTIVE.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to conduct a study on the accuracy and clarity of recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labels sold in the state. The study will examine whether these labels match actual recycling and composting capabilities, identify common contaminants caused by misleading claims, and review existing industry standards. It specifically asks the department to assess products with the chasing arrows symbol, evaluate biodegradable and compostable claims, and analyze the differences between home and industrial composting conditions. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027, which may include proposed new labeling guidelines.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill seeks to improve labeling accuracy for recyclable and biodegradable products, reducing consumer confusion and promoting proper waste disposal practices that benefit the environment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 133: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MAKE WATER QUALITY AND CONTAMINATION TESTING RESULTS FOR WAIMANALO GULCH PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Health to make water quality and contamination testing results for the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill publicly accessible in a timely and user-friendly manner. The bill specifically asks the department to provide clear information about the types of contaminants tested, how often testing occurs, and how to interpret the results, while also collaborating with community organizations and academic institutions to promote transparency. Additionally, the resolution requires the Department of Health to submit an annual report to the Legislature summarizing these testing results and any actions taken in response, with reports due before each regular legislative session begins. This measure aims to ensure residents, researchers, and policymakers have prompt access to environmental data affecting public health and the surrounding watershed.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transparency in water quality testing and contamination monitoring at a landfill, supporting environmental protection and public awareness of pollution levels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management Water Quality

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 134: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION THE SCHOOL BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ELECTRIC BUSES TO EXPAND THE BENEFITS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED IN OTHER PLACES.

This bill is a non-binding resolution that urges Hawaii's Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning school buses to electric vehicles. It directs these agencies to collaborate with districts that have already made the switch, such as Oakland, to study potential benefits like reduced emissions, lower maintenance costs, and improved student safety. The resolution requires a report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature by late 2027.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes electric school buses to improve student safety, reduce emissions, and lower maintenance costs, enhancing school infrastructure and transportation.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing clean energy infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and pollution, which directly supports environmental protection goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes electric school buses to reduce emissions and improve safety, advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 96: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A FORMAL, LONG-TERM COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM TO EXPAND, EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTE, AND SUSTAIN TREE-CANOPY COVERAGE ACROSS PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATE WIDE.

This Senate Resolution asks 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 bill aims to address heat exposure and improve conditions for students, particularly in lower-income communities where tree coverage is currently lower. It requests that the two agencies create a long-term plan for planting, maintaining, and selecting appropriate tree species while also supporting staff positions to manage the program. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal request for collaboration rather than a law that mandates specific actions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves school infrastructure by expanding tree canopy coverage to reduce heat exposure and enhance learning conditions, particularly in lower-income communities.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes tree canopy coverage to reduce heat exposure and improve environmental conditions in public schools, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation efforts.95% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 207: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET BEFORE APPROVING ANY INFRASTRUCTURE, OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, FUEL, OR OTHER COSTS RELATING TO SUPPLYING AND USING LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS.

This bill requests that Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure, operations, or fuel supply. It directly affects utility companies and ratepayers by requiring that all LNG costs be fully recovered by 2045, eliminating obligations for stranded investments, and ensuring fuel supply agreements allow for a complete phase-out by 2045. The resolution also mandates that LNG approvals must not increase costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui counties, must include protections against fuel price volatility through utility sharing mechanisms, and must deny costs if cleaner alternatives are available or if the commitment exceeds renewable energy needs. Additionally, the bill directs the commission to consider how LNG approvals might impact renewable energy development and to evaluate risks from stranded assets and reliance on single fuel suppliers when reviewing utility costs.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill restricts LNG infrastructure costs and mandates phase-out by 2045, limiting fossil fuel dependence and protecting consumers from stranded investment costs.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes LNG phase-out by 2045, preventing stranded investments and limiting fossil fuel infrastructure expansion, aligning with environmental protection goals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 90: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES ACROSS OAHU.

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 aims to speed up permit approvals and lower regulatory barriers for building safe, affordable homes on Oahu. It includes designs for various housing types like accessory dwelling units and mid-rise buildings, incorporates climate-responsive features suited to Hawaii, and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. The bill also calls for a public design competition to generate innovative options and mandates that the final pattern book be made publicly available to streamline construction processes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill incorporates climate-responsive features and promotes efficient housing design, supporting environmental sustainability through energy-efficient construction.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory barriers for affordable housing development, directly advancing housing availability and construction efficiency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Zoning

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 106: RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION FROM INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE VEHICLES AND THE RISKS THAT TRAFFIC-RELATED AIR POLLUTION POSES TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE AND AFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT TO TRANSITION TO CLEANER TRANSPORTATION CHOICES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution formally acknowledges the public health risks associated with air pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles in Hawaii. It highlights that traffic-related pollution disproportionately affects communities near major roadways, particularly impacting children, older adults, and lower-income populations. The resolution affirms the state's commitment to transitioning toward cleaner transportation options to improve air quality and protect public health. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize these issues and direct copies to relevant state officials.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, reducing reliance on internal combustion engines and fossil fuels.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly acknowledges air pollution risks and affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation, directly supporting environmental protection and pollution reduction.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill acknowledges public health risks from air pollution and affirms commitment to cleaner transportation to protect public health.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill affirms commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation choices and improving air quality, supporting sustainable transportation initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Public Health

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 134: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DUST MONITORING STATIONS IN AND AROUND WAIMANALO GULCH TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.

This Senate resolution asks the Hawaii State Department of Health to set up dust monitoring stations in and around Waimanalo Gulch, where a sanitary landfill is located, to measure airborne particles that could affect public health. The bill directs the department to install devices that track fine and coarse particulate matter, share real-time data with the public, and create a plan to notify residents if pollution levels become unsafe. It also requires the department to submit a detailed report to the Legislature within 20 days before the 2027 session, outlining the stations' locations, detected contaminants, potential health risks, and recommended mitigation strategies. The resolution involves coordination between the state health department, the City and County of Honolulu, and other relevant agencies to address air quality concerns in the area.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes dust monitoring stations to protect public health and environmental quality by tracking pollution from a landfill, directly supporting environmental protection and pollution control.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Waste Management

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 95: AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND INSTALL SHADE TREES IN URBAN AREAS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS ACROSS THE STATE.

This House Resolution expresses support for expanding programs that increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas to reduce the effects of urban heat islands across Hawaii. It requests state and county agencies to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, canopy disparities, and opportunities to integrate tree planting into infrastructure and development projects. The resolution also asks agencies to evaluate best practices for tree selection and maintenance, and to establish statewide standards for urban tree canopy coverage. While it does not create new funding or mandates, it encourages coordinated efforts to improve public health, reduce energy costs, and address climate resilience through urban forestry initiatives.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes tree canopy to reduce urban heat islands, which decreases energy demand for cooling and supports energy efficiency.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly supports expanding tree canopy programs to mitigate urban heat islands, protecting natural resources and reducing environmental impact through conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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