Requires all state and county agencies to utilize applicable federal clean energy tax credits, pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, for the purchase and financing of capital improvement projects that use clean energy technology and zero-emission vehicles. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources and certain public or private entities to operate conservation banks, subject to approval from the Board of Land and Natural Resources, for situations where a person or entity is required to provide compensatory mitigation to offset adverse impacts to threatened, endangered, candidate, or proposed species as part of an approved incidental take license and habitat conservation plan. Adds the Associate Director of the United States Geological Survey, Ecosystems Mission Area, to the membership of the Endangered Species Recovery Committee. Requires the Endangered Species Recovery Committee to review applications and proposals for conservation banks and conduct subsequent reviews and oversight. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Exempts agricultural ponds and low-risk green stormwater infrastructure from regulations covering retention ponds. Defines agricultural ponds and low-risk green stormwater infrastructure.
Replaces the current statutory prohibition on private shoreline hardening with a policy directing the minimization of these structures. Establishes a clear, time-limited statutory framework for emergency permits within the conservation district, including defined standards for permit duration and extension.
Requires the Department of Transportation to assist and enable a person to voluntarily purchase a verified carbon offset for greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the person's air travel to or from an airport in the State.
HB 1579 establishes statewide requirements for outdoor lighting fixtures, effective July 1, 2027. The bill directly affects property owners, businesses, and municipalities that install or maintain outdoor lighting across the state. Key provisions mandate specific standards for fixture design, brightness, and direction to reduce unnecessary light emissions. These changes aim to address light pollution by requiring compliant fixtures for all new installations and replacements after the effective date.
Modifies and improves the effectiveness of the renewable portfolio standards law, which stipulates the central role of Hawaii's electric utility companies in complying with the State's renewable energy and climate goals to address emerging trends.
Allows air pollutants collected by a complainant or Department of Health's Clean Air Branch master to be used as evidence to initiate complaints on air pollution; in hearings in connection with air pollution; and in legal proceedings in the name of the State for the prevention, control, or abatement of air pollution.
Establishes the position of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council Executive Director. Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, rather than the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, for the HISC for fiscal year 2026-2027. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Clarifies the exemptions to the prohibition on discharging any wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026, including an exemption for treatment plants having a treatment capacity of less than a certain number of gallons per day. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
