Amends prohibitions on the use of lead materials in drinking water distribution to align with the Safe Drinking Water Act and related Code of Federal Regulations. (CD1)
HB 1695 expands an existing tax credit for renewable fuel producers, allowing them to claim additional credits for fuels produced after December 31, 2025. This bill directly affects businesses manufacturing renewable fuels like ethanol or biodiesel by increasing their potential tax savings. The key provision extends the credit to taxable years beginning after 2025, with an effective date listed as July 1, 3000 (likely a typo for 2030). The bill is currently pending before the TRN committee, having been deferred for further review in February 2026, and has not yet become law.
SB 1499 repeals the Public Utilities Commission's authority to impose penalties on electric utility companies that fail to meet renewable energy targets. This bill directly affects electric utilities by removing a regulatory enforcement mechanism. The key provision eliminates the PUC's power to fine companies for not meeting existing renewable portfolio standards, though it does not change the standards themselves. The bill is procedural in nature, focusing on regulatory authority rather than new policy requirements. It is currently pending introduction for the 2025 session.
Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a statewide environmental assessment for, and subsequently administer, a Geothermal Resources Characterization Program under the direction of the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii. Appropriates funds.
Increases the rooftop solar tax credit to forty five per cent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025 through December 31, 2030. Establishes the Direct Solar Rebate Program to be administered by the Hawaii State Energy Office for low‑ and moderate-income households. Streamlines rooftop solar permitting and requires the counties to develop electronic application systems. Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to enhance workforce development and coordinate with county permitting agencies. Authorizes the adoption of interim rules. Appropriates funds.
HB 1650 removes the requirement for environmental assessments under Hawaii Revised Statutes §343-5 for proposed actions within the Waikiki special district. This change directly affects developers and projects in Waikiki by exempting them from the standard environmental review process. The bill’s key provision eliminates the need for these assessments, effective July 1, 3000. This is a specific regulatory change targeting projects in that designated area only.
Extends the State's energy-efficiency portfolio standards from 2030 to 2045. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to establish interim goals and clarifies procedures.
Adds a minimum penalty and maximum penalty per violation of the State Water Code. Authorizes the Commission on Water Resource Management to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors the CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Increases maximum fines every 5 years from 2031 to 2046. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland Longhorn Beetle. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)
Prohibits loitering or camping near state-owned streambanks. Authorizes law enforcement or authorized personnel to remove individuals after notice. Appropriates funds to support enforcement, public education, and environmental restoration efforts.
