Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 136: 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 Senate Concurrent 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 specific products with common symbols like the chasing arrows triangle, evaluate whether labeled items actually break down as claimed, and compare consumer expectations with local recycling and composting capabilities. It will also review existing labeling standards and provide recommendations to improve clarity and reduce contamination in waste streams. The Department of Health must submit its findings and any suggested new guidelines to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes accurate environmental labeling to prevent greenwashing, helping consumers make eco-friendly choices and supporting sustainable waste management practices.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 94: CONVENING A WORKING GROUP TO ESTABLISH A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE TO SUPPORT SANCTUARIES AND OTHER CONSERVATION-RELATED INITIATIVES FOR ENDANGERED AND OTHER SPECIES.

This Senate Resolution establishes a working group to study how Hawaii could create a state-recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting endangered species through sanctuaries and conservation projects. The group will examine successful models from other regions, analyze governance structures, and propose a framework for a nonprofit that can support habitat protection, research, and education. Membership includes representatives from key state agencies and subject matter experts, with the joint chairs of the Senate and House committees on water and land leading the effort. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2027, without creating any immediate laws or funding changes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes working group to develop nonprofit for endangered species sanctuaries and conservation initiatives, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 78: ENCOURAGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ERADICATION OF OCTOCORAL AND OTHER INVASIVE SPECIES FROM THE WATERS OF PEARL HARBOR, INCLUDING WEST LOCH, MIDDLE LOCH, AND EAST LOCH.

This bill encourages the United States Navy to take responsibility for removing octocoral and other invasive species from Pearl Harbor waters, including West Loch, Middle Loch, and East Loch. It urges the Navy to allocate resources to eradicate these invasive species and maintain the shoreline to preserve the natural ecosystem. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal request to the Navy, which is the principal caretaker of Pearl Harbor.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill encourages Navy to eradicate invasive species and preserve natural ecosystem at Pearl Harbor, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 111: URGING THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL 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 Senate Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to form a working group aimed at addressing how climate change is affecting insurance availability and costs for residents. The proposed group would include officials from the Insurance Division, Attorney General, and various legislative committees to study insurance risks from extreme weather events. Key tasks include evaluating current recovery options and exploring legal strategies to seek financial compensation from fossil fuel companies, which the resolution identifies as responsible for climate-related damages. The measure focuses on protecting state resources and ensuring affordable insurance coverage without mandating specific policy changes or taking a stance on liability.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill addresses climate change impacts on insurance, promoting adaptation and potential legal action against fossil fuel companies to protect residents from environmental harm.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SR 95: 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 Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning school buses used for public transportation to electric models. The bill cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence as the legal basis for this request. It calls for collaboration with districts that have already made the switch, such as Oakland, to evaluate potential benefits including reduced emissions, lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The resolution requires a report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature by the end of 2026.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes infrastructure improvement for schools by transitioning to electric buses, reducing emissions and operating costs, enhancing student transportation and safety.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and fossil fuel dependence, aligning with renewable energy and energy efficiency goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes transition to electric school buses, reducing emissions and supporting clean energy 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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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 22, 2026

SCR 79: ENCOURAGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ERADICATION OF OCTOCORAL AND OTHER INVASIVE SPECIES FROM THE WATERS OF PEARL HARBOR, INCLUDING WEST LOCH, MIDDLE LOCH, AND EAST LOCH.

This bill encourages the United States Navy to take responsibility for removing octocoral and other invasive species from Pearl Harbor waters, including West Loch, Middle Loch, and East Loch. It urges the Navy to allocate resources to eradicate these invasive organisms, which grow rapidly and harm local marine ecosystems by reducing fish diversity, and to maintain and secure the harbor shoreline. The resolution is a formal request rather than a mandatory law, asking the Navy to address these environmental concerns as the principal caretaker of Pearl Harbor.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill encourages removal of invasive species that harm marine ecosystems, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 196: 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 bill requests the Hawaii Board of Education and Department of Education to create a working group that will design a Climate Literacy Seal of Excellence program for public schools. The proposed working group would include educators, university faculty, industry representatives, and student members to develop a framework for recognizing students who complete advanced climate science coursework and experiential projects. The group is tasked with outlining course requirements, certification criteria, teacher training needs, and an implementation timeline, with final recommendations due to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes a working group to develop a Climate Literacy Seal of Excellence framework, enhancing student programs and educational access in public schools.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes climate literacy education in public schools, fostering environmental awareness and knowledge among students.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Teachers

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 179: URGING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THE FIRE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF MAUI RELATING TO FIRE HAZARDS, BRUSH CLEARANCE, FUEL BREAKS, ROADSIDE VEGETATION CLEARING, AND EMERGENCY ACCESS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the County of Maui to actively enforce existing fire code provisions related to vegetation management and fire safety. The bill directly affects property owners, large landowners, and residents in West Maui, particularly those living in temporary housing areas or near major evacuation routes. Key provisions include maintaining brush clearance of 30 to 100 feet from structures, clearing vegetation to less than 18 inches on smaller lots, creating fuel breaks on larger properties, and removing combustible vegetation along roadsides to ensure emergency access. The resolution specifically asks the county to prioritize enforcement on large parcels, areas near residential communities and survivor housing, and locations bordering evacuation corridors, using available tools like inspections, citations, and abatement orders to ensure compliance.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens fire safety regulations and vegetation management to reduce wildfire risk, protecting natural resources and communities from environmental hazards.85% confidence

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 24, 2026

HCR 103: 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 bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses the legislature's support for expanding programs to increase tree canopy coverage and install shade trees in urban areas across Hawaii to combat urban heat islands. It directly affects state and county agencies, which are asked to collaborate on assessing heat exposure, identifying priority areas for tree planting, and integrating shade tree strategies into future development projects. The resolution outlines specific areas for review, including disparities in canopy access, coordination with community partners, and best practices for tree maintenance, while also requesting that copies be sent to key state officials and county mayors.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes urban tree canopy to mitigate heat islands, reducing energy demand for cooling and supporting sustainable urban energy use.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly supports expanding tree canopy programs to mitigate urban heat islands, promoting environmental protection and conservation through urban greening initiatives.95% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 168: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRIORITIZE ISSUING A SET-ASIDE TO THE COUNTY OF MAUI THROUGH AN EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC TRUST WATER RESOURCES IN EAST MAUI.

This bill is a House resolution urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize issuing a water set-aside to the County of Maui through an executive order by the Governor. The resolution addresses water management in East Maui, specifically the Nahiku, Ke'anae, Honomanu, and Huelo State License Areas, where drought conditions have reduced water availability for residents, businesses, and farmers. The bill calls on state agencies to support the County's efforts to manage public trust water resources, citing constitutional obligations and the public trust doctrine. It highlights potential benefits such as funding for water system repairs, reduced water costs for residents and farmers, and watershed restoration, while noting that the County has already established a local water authority through a voter-approved charter amendment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prioritizes water set-aside to manage public trust water resources and address drought conditions, supporting environmental conservation and natural resource management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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