Environment

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 28: REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICT CARRYING CAPACITY STUDY TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP A STATEWIDE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.

This Senate Resolution requests the creation of a task force to develop a statewide plan for studying the carrying capacity of marine life conservation districts in Hawaii. The task force will work with stakeholders from government agencies, universities, and local communities to design a framework for assessing how human activities affect these protected marine areas. It will also prioritize which districts need studies first, establish standards for conducting the research, and identify the funding and staffing needed to implement the program. The task force must submit its recommendations and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by the beginning of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes task force to study marine life conservation district carrying capacity, directly supporting environmental protection and marine resource conservation through scientific assessment and planning.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 192: ESTABLISHING THE LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON HAWAII'S FUTURE ENERGY PATHWAYS TO EXAMINE STRATEGIES TO MAXIMIZE COST SAVINGS WHILE MINIMIZING RISK TO RATEPAYERS OVER THE NEXT THREE DECADES AND ACHIEVING THE STATE'S ENERGY GOALS AND PRODUCING AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, RESILIENT, AND DECARBONIZED ENERGY.

This bill establishes a Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways to study strategies for transitioning the state's energy system over the next three decades. The task force will examine how to reduce electricity costs for residents and businesses while minimizing risks to ratepayers and meeting Hawaii's legal goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. Members will review options for integrating renewable resources like solar and wind, evaluate potential fossil fuel investments, and learn from other states' energy transitions. The committee will include representatives from the House energy committee, the Senate, and the Hawaii State Energy Office to coordinate their findings and recommendations.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes task force to examine renewable energy strategies, maximize cost savings, and achieve 100% renewable energy goal by 2045 while protecting ratepayers.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes task force to examine strategies for achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045, promoting decarbonized energy and renewable resources like solar and wind.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 190: URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO REASSESS PRIOR DETERMINATIONS AND CLOSURE DECISIONS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT IN LIGHT OF EVOLVING SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AND RECENT FEDERAL HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DESIGNATIONS.

This resolution urges the U.S. Department of Defense to review and potentially reopen its environmental cleanup decisions at military sites in Hawaii, specifically regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It calls for expanded investigations beyond areas previously linked to firefighting foam to include all historical uses of PFAS-containing materials, equipment, and waste streams at military facilities. The measure requests that the Department of Defense apply updated scientific knowledge and recent federal hazardous substance designations to assess groundwater, soil, and water contamination more thoroughly before closing sites.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges DoD to reassess PFAS cleanup decisions and expand investigations, strengthening environmental protections and pollution control at military sites.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill urges DoD to reassess environmental cleanup decisions at military sites, potentially improving health outcomes for veterans exposed to PFAS contaminants at former bases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Hazardous Materials Water Quality

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 148: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TO CONVENE A DEMOLITION WASTE REDUCTION WORKING GROUP.

This bill requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development in Hawaii to establish a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group to address construction and demolition waste. The working group will bring together representatives from government agencies, construction and demolition industries, reuse retailers, real estate developers, and community organizations to develop strategies for reducing landfill dependency. Its key tasks include identifying waste reduction solutions, scaling deconstruction and materials reuse, fostering public-private collaboration, and creating a framework for policy incentives that promote sustainable practices. The group will also include community voices focused on environmental justice and workforce development, and it will submit annual reports with recommendations to the Legislature.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes working group to reduce demolition waste and landfill dependency, directly supporting environmental protection and waste reduction goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Environmental Justice Waste Management

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 152: URGING THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO CEASE PLANS RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAUI OPTICAL AND SUPERCOMPUTING SITE SMALL TELESCOPE ADVANCED RESEARCH FACILITY ATOP HALEAKALĀ.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the United States Air Force to stop plans for building the AMOS STAR facility, a proposed telescope complex on the summit of Haleakala in Maui. The measure directly affects federal military space-tracking operations and local communities concerned about cultural and environmental impacts. It highlights concerns that the project would further militarize sacred Hawaiian land and alter a protected conservation area, while noting community opposition regarding transparency and access. The resolution asks federal officials to explore alternative locations for space surveillance infrastructure that would not impact culturally significant sites.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill opposes construction on protected conservation area and sacred land, preventing environmental degradation and preserving natural resources95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 152: 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 development in the state. The working group will gather existing data, engage with community stakeholders, assess the suitability of offshore wind projects, and develop best practices for future initiatives. This measure directly affects state energy officials, local communities near O'ahu, and various government agencies that receive copies of the resolution. The bill aims to balance renewable energy goals with environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic concerns while honoring the legacy of Representative Gene Ward.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes working group to develop roadmap for offshore wind energy, a renewable energy source, indicating support for clean energy infrastructure development.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes offshore wind energy development, a clean energy source that reduces carbon emissions and supports environmental sustainability goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 184: ESTABLISHING THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE MATTRESS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM DESIGN WORKING GROUP TO STUDY, EVALUATE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE STRUCTURE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE MATTRESS STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

This bill establishes a joint legislative working group in Hawaii to study and recommend a statewide mattress stewardship program. The group will include representatives from government agencies, local counties, mattress manufacturers, recyclers, retailers, environmental nonprofits, and consumer advocates. Its task is to evaluate how to manage discarded mattresses and box springs to reduce landfill waste, illegal dumping, and fire risks by designing collection, recycling, and funding systems. The working group must submit its findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by March 2027. This resolution does not create the program itself but sets up a planning process to develop one.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates mattress stewardship program to reduce landfill waste, illegal dumping, and fire risks through recycling and collection systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 152: REQUESTING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP A CLIMATE LITERACY SEAL OF EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK IN HAWAII PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

This Senate resolution asks Hawaii's Board of Education and Department of Education to create a working group that will design a Climate Literacy Seal of Excellence program for public school students. The proposed program would recognize students who complete advanced coursework and hands-on projects focused on climate science, sustainability, and community resilience. The working group would include educators, university experts, industry representatives, and student members to develop course requirements, evaluation criteria, and implementation plans. The Department of Education must submit a report with recommendations and any needed legislation to the Legislature by early 2027. This bill does not change current laws but initiates a planning process to potentially add a new graduation recognition program in the future.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes new climate literacy program for public schools, expanding educational offerings and student recognition opportunities95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes climate literacy and sustainability education, which supports renewable energy and clean energy infrastructure development goals.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes climate literacy framework in schools, promoting environmental education and climate science awareness among students.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 62: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT ALTERNATIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT METHODS ALONG THE HANA HIGHWAY.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to work with the community along the Hana Highway to find ways to manage roadside vegetation without relying heavily on synthetic chemical herbicides. It requests the department hold public meetings in east Maui to discuss concerns about environmental and health risks from herbicides like Garlon and Finale XL, which can harm water systems and aquatic life. The resolution asks the department to review current practices, explore organic or eco-friendly alternatives, and consider community-led stewardship programs while still maintaining road safety. The Department of Transportation is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges DOT to reduce synthetic herbicide use, protect water systems and aquatic life, and explore environmentally safer vegetation management methods.90% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 132: URGING STATE AGENCIES THAT OWN OR CONTROL LAND IN WEST MAUI TO IMPLEMENT AND ENFORCE AGGRESSIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, FUEL REDUCTION, DEFENSIBLE SPACE, AND EMERGENCY ACCESS MEASURES TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK TO LAHAINA AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.

This bill urges state agencies that own or control land in West Maui to actively manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risks in the Lahaina area and surrounding communities. It calls for agencies to clear invasive grasses, create defensible space, maintain fuel breaks, and ensure emergency access routes remain open to protect homes, schools, and temporary housing from future fires. The resolution specifically names agencies like the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Department of Education as responsible for implementing these measures on their lands. The bill is based on lessons from the 2023 Lahaina wildfires and recent weather patterns that have increased fuel loads from rapid vegetation growth.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes wildfire risk reduction through vegetation management and fuel reduction, protecting natural resources and communities from environmental hazards.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects housing by reducing wildfire risk to homes and temporary housing in Lahaina, preventing property loss and displacement.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Housing Finance Property Development

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