Issue · Environment

Environment (Public Lands)

Every environment bill, vote, and legislator stance in Hawaii, automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

Total bills
27
2026 Regular Session
Top supporter
Mike Gabbard
100% support rate
Top opponent
Brenton Awa
0% support rate
Ranked legislators
2
1 support · 1 oppose
Key legislators

Who's moving public lands in Hawaii

Legislators moving public lands in Hawaii
Legislator Party Stance Support rate Votes
Mike Gabbard
Mike Gabbard Senate · District 21
D
Strong +
100% 3
Brenton Awa
Brenton Awa Senate · District 23
R
Strong −
0% 3
Showing 1–10 of 27 bills

All environment bills

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Mar 25, 2026

GM 6: Letter dated March 24, 2026, transmitting proposed changes to the FY 27 Executive Supplemental Budget for the operating and capital improvement program budget requests for various departments.

This bill proposes changes to the 2027 state budget for two departments: Land and Natural Resources and Agriculture and Biosecurity. It directs the legislature to approve additional funding for specific projects, including $3 million for land management activities like hazardous material cleanup and debris removal, and $28.8 million for improvements to the Wahiawa Dam. The legislation also adds $4 million for environmental testing and remediation work at Lake Wilson to address contamination and protect public health. These adjustments update the executive supplemental budget requests to reflect new financial needs for these state programs.
passed both · Hawaii · House May 8, 2026

HCR 98: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND LAND MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES.

This bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book would include various housing types such as accessory dwelling units and low- to mid-rise buildings, featuring culturally appropriate and climate-responsive design elements. By using these pre-reviewed designs, developers could access streamlined permitting processes to reduce costs and construction delays. The resolution also calls for a design competition to source innovative plans and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. Once completed, the pattern book would be made publicly available to help accelerate the production of safe and affordable housing across Oahu.
passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 31: RECOGNIZING 2026 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS IN HAWAII.

This bill recognizes 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, aligning with a United Nations designation. It directly affects ranchers, land managers, and agricultural organizations across the state by formally acknowledging the economic, social, and ecological importance of rangelands. The resolution encourages state agencies and the University of Hawaii to promote education and research on rangeland management while recommending policies that conserve rangelands and protect ranchers' livelihoods. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to state and local officials including the Governor, the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the University of Hawaii, and county mayors.
Sub-Topics Public Lands
passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 31: RECOGNIZING 2026 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS IN HAWAII.

This House Resolution formally recognizes 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, aligning with a United Nations designation. The measure highlights the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of Hawaii's rangelands, which cover over one million acres and support ranchers who contribute more than $50 million annually to the state economy. It encourages state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and local organizations to promote education and research on rangeland management while recommending policies that conserve these lands and protect ranchers' livelihoods. The resolution is transmitted to key state and local officials, including the Governor, Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii President, and county mayors.
passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 107: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND LAND MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved building designs. The pattern book would include various housing types such as accessory dwelling units and low- to mid-rise buildings, featuring culturally appropriate and climate-responsive design elements like lanais and natural ventilation. Developers using approved designs from the book would receive streamlined permit approvals to reduce delays and costs, while the department is asked to collaborate with architects, builders, and community stakeholders in developing the collection. The resolution also requests a design competition to attract innovative designs and ensures the final pattern book will be made publicly available.
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 101: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND LAND MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES.

This Senate Resolution requests the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs. The book would include various housing types like accessory dwelling units and mid-rise buildings, incorporating culturally appropriate and climate-responsive features such as natural ventilation and lanais. By using these pre-reviewed designs, developers could access streamlined permitting processes, reducing delays and costs while maintaining safety and quality standards. The resolution also asks for a design competition to gather innovative plans and collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders to develop the book. Once completed, the pattern book and its approved designs would be made publicly available for use in housing projects.
Sub-Topics Public Lands
passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 120: URGING THE STATE TO CONSIDER THE IMPORTANCE OF RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS AND ADOPT POLICIES THAT FURTHER SUSTAIN RANGELAND HEALTH AND PASTORALIST LIVELIHOODS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the State of Hawaii to recognize the importance of rangelands and pastoralists, particularly during the UN-designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026. The bill does not create new laws or funding but instead requests that state agencies, the University of Hawaii, and local organizations promote education and research on rangeland management while considering policies that support rancher livelihoods. It highlights that over 1 million acres of Hawaii's land are classified as rangelands, which support livestock production valued at over $50 million annually and provide ecological benefits like water conservation and carbon storage. The resolution formally asks the state to acknowledge the cultural and economic significance of ranching traditions and to encourage collaborative efforts to sustain these lands and the communities that depend on them.
in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 491: RELATING TO LAND LEASES.

Prohibits the State from leasing any public lands, or extending the lease of any public lands, to any individual, corporation, or federal agency that is in arrears in the payment of certain moneys to the State, is noncompliant with a consent decree or memoranda of agreement with the State that requires environmental maintenance or remediation with regard to the subject public lands, or has been found to be in violation of federal or state laws aimed at protecting the environment. Requires certification by the Office of the Governor before the issuance or extension of any federal lease that the individual, corporation, or federal agency is in good standing with the State. Provides that, if any existing lessee of public lands is found not to be in good standing with the State as of the effective date of this Act, the lessee shall have three years, or until the end of the lease term, whichever is sooner, to correct the violation or the lease shall be terminated. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Sub-Topics Public Lands
passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 2363: RELATING TO THE COUNTIES.

Authorizes the counties to close or restrict public lands under the county's jurisdiction when necessary to protect public health, ensure public safety, or preserve natural or cultural resources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Public Lands Tags Public Safety
Showing 1 to 10 of 27 bills
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