Environment

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 195: 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 House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Health to study how recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labels are used in the state to check if they are accurate and not misleading. The study will examine whether products with common symbols like the chasing arrows triangle are actually recyclable in Hawaii, and whether items labeled as biodegradable or compostable will break down under local conditions. It will also compare consumer expectations with what recycling and composting facilities can actually handle, and review existing labeling standards to find ways to reduce contamination and improve waste sorting. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes accurate environmental labeling to prevent consumer deception and support proper waste management practices.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SCR 101: 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 Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning public school buses to electric models. The bill cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence as the legal basis for this initiative. It references successful examples from other districts, such as Oakland, where electric buses have shown benefits like longer lifespans, lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The resolution requests that the education agencies collaborate with stakeholders and submit a report with findings and a proposed implementation plan to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes infrastructure improvement for schools by transitioning to electric buses, enhancing air quality and operational efficiency for students and staff.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transition to electric school buses, advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence in transportation.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and improving air quality, directly supporting environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes transition to electric school buses, enhancing sustainable transportation and reducing emissions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles Air Quality Climate Change Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 34: REQUESTING ALL STATE AGENCIES TO UTILIZE BI-LEVEL LIGHTING SYSTEMS IN ALL NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STATE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2027.

This bill requests that all state agencies install bi-level lighting systems in new state buildings and facilities starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting uses motion sensors to adjust brightness based on occupancy, reducing energy waste compared to traditional systems that stay at full intensity. The resolution directs the House of Representatives to send copies to various state officials, including the Governor and agency directors, to implement this energy-saving measure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes energy efficiency in state buildings, reducing long-term operational costs and demonstrating fiscal responsibility through conservation measures.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates energy-efficient bi-level lighting systems in state buildings, reducing energy waste and promoting energy conservation through motion-sensor technology.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates bi-level lighting systems to reduce energy waste in state buildings, directly supporting environmental protection through energy conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Energy Efficiency Recycling

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 20: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN HAWAII.

This bill designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure investment. It formally partners with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and local plumbing unions to promote educational activities and programs focused on water resource management. The resolution encourages residents to participate in initiatives that highlight the importance of safe drinking water and infrastructure maintenance, and it directs copies of the resolution to state and county officials responsible for water services.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation and infrastructure investment, directly supporting environmental protection and natural resource management through awareness campaigns and partnerships.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 83: REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO CONSIDER DEVELOPING A FACILITY TO DISCARD LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES.

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requests facility for proper lithium-ion battery disposal to reduce fire/explosion risks and protect water resources, directly supporting environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 137: URGING THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY FEASIBLE OPTIONS AND MECHANISMS TO PROTECT THE STATE AND ITS RESIDENTS AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF INSURANCE.

This bill is a House resolution that asks Hawaii's Insurance Division to create a working group to explore ways to protect residents from climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The working group would assess how extreme weather affects insurance exposure, review existing recovery mechanisms, and analyze legal options for seeking financial recovery from fossil fuel companies accused of contributing to climate disasters. The group would include state officials, committee chairs, insurance representatives, and experts, and must submit its findings and recommendations to legislative committees by May 2027 before dissolving in June 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill addresses climate change impacts on insurance and seeks mechanisms to protect residents, indicating support for environmental protection through policy development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 141: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MAKE WATER QUALITY AND CONTAMINATION TESTING RESULTS FOR WAIMANALO GULCH PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests that the Hawaii Department of Health make water quality and contamination testing results from the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill publicly accessible. The bill asks the Department of Health to post current and future testing data online in a timely, user-friendly format and to provide clear explanations of the contaminants tested and how to interpret the results. Additionally, it requires the Department of Health to submit an annual report to the Legislature summarizing testing findings and any actions taken in response, with copies sent to relevant agencies and stakeholders. This resolution aims to increase transparency regarding environmental monitoring at the landfill, which has a history of contamination incidents, without mandating new testing or imposing penalties.

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

Sub-Topics Waste Management Water Quality

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 170: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO EXPLORE AND PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES TO COLOCATE COMMUNITY-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATING PROJECTS WITH AGRICULTURAL RESERVOIRS AND IRRIGATION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

This House Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore placing renewable energy systems on existing agricultural reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure. The bill specifically encourages studying floating solar panels and gravity-powered water turbines that can generate electricity without disrupting water delivery or requiring new dams. It aims to help Hawaii meet its clean energy goals while providing benefits like reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and local economic opportunities for farmers and communities. The resolution directs the department to collaborate with stakeholders and conduct feasibility studies for pilot projects that prioritize community-based ownership and benefits.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes renewable energy by encouraging placement of solar panels and water turbines on agricultural reservoirs to help Hawaii meet clean energy goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes renewable energy generation through floating solar and water turbines, reducing emissions and supporting clean energy goals while conserving water resources.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes renewable energy technology (floating solar panels, water turbines) to advance clean energy goals, though primarily focused on agriculture infrastructure rather than digital technology.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Solar Water Quality

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 144: REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO ESTABLISH AN OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP A ROADMAP AND RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN HAWAII.

This bill requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to create an Offshore Wind Energy Working Group to study and provide recommendations on offshore wind energy development in the state. The working group will review existing data, engage with community stakeholders, assess the suitability of offshore wind projects, and develop best practices for future development. The bill aims to balance renewable energy goals with environmental, cultural, and community concerns while honoring the legacy of Representative Gene Ward.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes working group to develop offshore wind energy roadmap, advancing renewable energy development in Hawaii.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes offshore wind energy development, a clean energy source that reduces emissions and supports environmental protection goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 19: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN HAWAII.

This bill designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure. It directly affects state residents, local government officials, and water utility managers by encouraging participation in educational programs and events. The resolution partners with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675 to highlight the importance of sustainable water management and infrastructure investment. Certified copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, health director, county mayors, and water supply managers across the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation and sustainable water management through awareness campaigns and partnerships with industry groups.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water

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