HB 1598: University of Hawaii; Hawaii Climate Institute; International Pacific Research Center; Transient Accommodations Tax; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-02-09
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-02-12: This measure has been deleted from the meeting scheduled on Tuesday 02-17-26 9:30AM in conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill creates the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to centralize climate science, training, and community resilience work for the state and the Pacific region. It moves the university's International Pacific Research Center into the new institute and funds new faculty and staff to support research, education, and community projects. A share of any future increases in the state's transient accommodations tax (hotel/rental tax) and revenue from taxing cruise fares would be set aside each year for the institute, and the bill provides start‑up appropriations.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to support climate resilience and adaptation initiatives of the University and the State. Requires a percentage of the revenue generated by any increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax rates beginning on January 1, 2026, and by assessment of the Transient Accommodations Tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares to be allocated to the University of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii Climate Institute. Transfers the International Pacific Research Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology to the Hawaii Climate Institute. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to support climate resilience and adaptation initiatives of the University and the State. Requires six per cent of the revenue generated by any increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax rates beginning on January 1, 2026, and by assessment of the Transient Accommodations Tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares to be allocated to the University of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii Climate Institute. Transfers the International Pacific Research Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology to the Hawaii Climate Institute. Appropriates funds.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1598 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII CLIMATE INSTITUTE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that while Hawaii is recognized globally for leadership in clean energy, the State and the neighboring countries in the Pacific region continue to face escalating impacts of climate change and variability, including sea level rise, declining rainfall, and increasing air and sea surface temperature. These impacts include increased likelihood of extreme events such as flooding, hurricanes, drought, wildfire, heat waves, storms, and coastal erosion. These catastrophic events have obvious impacts to property and infrastructure, but may also lead to growing public health risks which threaten lives, ecosystems, cultural heritage, and economic stability across the region.
The legislature further finds that the university of Hawaii is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of climate adaptation by integrating advanced scientific analysis, Hawaiian knowledge systems, and community partnerships to inform action. Building this capacity will require developing and sustaining a skilled, homegrown climate literate workforce that is capable of applying research to real-world resilience challenges.
The legislature also finds that recent funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's climate research and services have dismantled key functions like climate data collection, modeling, and regional projections. These actions are creating critical voids in authoritative climate information essential for disaster preparedness, agriculture, and infrastructure adaptation planning.
The legislature additionally finds that there is no state agency tasked with developing the climate science that underpins Hawaii's resilience and adaptation planning. Hawaii will be vulnerable to increasing natural hazards if the gaps created by federal funding cuts are not offset by state support for locally-derived climate assessments, robust and granular forecasts, and adaptation tools.
The legislature finds that in accordance with article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution, this Act involves a matter of statewide concern.
The purpose of this Act is to establish the Hawaii climate institute at the university of Hawaii to consolidate expertise, attract federal and philanthropic funding to expand climate and community resilience research, train the next generation of climate professionals, and deliver locally-derived solutions for issues uniquely specific to Hawaii and the Pacific region.
SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"SUBPART . HAWAII CLIMATE INSTITUTE.
§304A-A Hawaii climate institute; establishment. (a) There is established the Hawaii climate institute at the university of Hawaii.
(b) The Hawaii climate institute shall be located in and be a part of the university of Hawaii at Manoa campus, to be administratively attached to the university of Hawaii at Manoa's school of ocean and earth science and technology. The institute shall be administered by a director appointed by the board of regents upon recommendation by the president.
(c) The Hawaii climate institute shall:
(1) Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration across the university of Hawaii system;
(2) Provide granular, artificial intelligence-enabled climate projections for use in planning, health, resource management and policy decisions;
(3) Develop degree programs and curricula integrating climate resilience and Hawaiian knowledge;
(4) Support internships, fellowships, and field-based learning opportunities;
(5) Build a climate literate workforce pipeline by preparing the next generation of Hawaii-based scientists, planners, health professionals, and community leaders for careers in climate adaptation and sustainability across all sectors;
(6) Attract and leverage federal and philanthropic resources to expand climate and community resilience research; and
(7) Elevate the university of Hawaii's leadership role in global climate adaptation.
§304A-B Hawaii climate institute; faculty; support positions. (a) The Hawaii climate institute shall include administrative, professional and technical staff positions for institute operations and research coordination.
(b) The following positions shall be hired to support the Hawaii climate institute:
(1) faculty positions at the university of Hawaii at Manoa school of ocean and earth science and technology specializing in climate change and variability impacts and community resilience;
(2) faculty position at the university of Hawaii at Manoa Thompson school of social work and public health specializing in the intersection of public health and climate change;
(3) faculty position at the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine specializing in the impacts of climate change on human health;
(4) faculty position at the university of Hawaii at Manoa Hawaiʻinuiākea school of Hawaiian knowledge specializing in the intersection of Hawaiian knowledge systems and climate change; and
(5) faculty position in the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience specializing in climate change impacts on Pacific Island agriculture.
§304A-C Hawaii climate institute; tax revenues; allocation. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, including section 37-79, per cent of the additional revenue cumulatively generated by any increase to the transient accommodations tax rates pursuant to section 237D-2(a)(6) and (c)(4) beginning on January 1, 2026, and section 237D-2(e) beginning on July 1, 2026, and by assessment of the transient accommodations tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares pursuant to section 237D-2(a) shall be allocated to the university of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii climate institute."
SECTION 3. The international pacific research center of the university of Hawaii at Manoa's school of ocean and earth sciences and technology shall be transferred and integrated into the Hawaii climate institute established pursuant to section 304A-A, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support the core operations of the Hawaii climate institute, including the hiring of staff.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support collaborative research and community engagement projects of the Hawaii climate institute.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.
SECTION 7. In codifying the new sections added by section 2 and referenced in section 3 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
University of Hawaii; Hawaii Climate Institute; International Pacific Research Center; Transient Accommodations Tax; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to support climate resilience and adaptation initiatives of the University and the State. Requires a percentage of the revenue generated by any increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax rates beginning on January 1, 2026, and by assessment of the Transient Accommodations Tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares to be allocated to the University of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii Climate Institute. Transfers the International Pacific Research Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology to the Hawaii Climate Institute. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1598 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to the hawaii CLIMATE INSTITUTE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that while Hawaii is recognized globally for leadership in clean energy, the State and the neighboring countries in the Pacific region continue to face escalating impacts of climate change and variability, including sea level rise, declining rainfall, and increasing air and sea surface temperature. These impacts include increased likelihood of extreme events such as flooding, hurricanes, drought, wildfire, heat waves, storms, and coastal erosion. These catastrophic events have obvious impacts to property and infrastructure, but may also lead to growing public health risks which threaten lives, ecosystems, cultural heritage, and economic stability across the region.
The legislature further finds that the university of Hawaii is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of climate adaptation by integrating advanced scientific analysis, Hawaiian knowledge systems, and community partnerships to inform action. Building this capacity will require developing and sustaining a skilled, homegrown climate literate workforce that is capable of applying research to real-world resilience challenges.
The legislature also finds that recent funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's climate research and services have dismantled key functions like climate data collection, modeling, and regional projections. These actions are creating critical voids in authoritative climate information essential for disaster preparedness, agriculture, and infrastructure adaptation planning.
The legislature additionally finds that there is no state agency tasked with developing the climate science that underpins Hawaii's resilience and adaptation planning. Hawaii will be vulnerable to increasing natural hazards if the gaps created by federal funding cuts are not offset by state support for locally-derived climate assessments, robust and granular forecasts, and adaptation tools.
The purpose of this Act is to establish the Hawaii climate institute at the university of Hawaii to consolidate expertise, attract federal and philanthropic funding to expand climate and community resilience research, train the next generation of climate professionals, and deliver locally-derived solutions for issues uniquely specific to Hawaii and the Pacific region.
SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"SUBPART . HAWAII CLIMATE INSTITUTE.
§304A-A Hawaii climate institute; establishment. (a) There is established the Hawaii climate institute at the university of Hawaii.
(b) The Hawaii climate institute shall be located in and be a part of the university of Hawaii at Manoa campus, to be administratively attached to the university of Hawaii at Manoa's school of ocean and earth science and technology. The institute shall be administered by a director appointed by the board of regents upon recommendation by the president.
(c) The Hawaii climate institute shall:
(1) Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration across the university of Hawaii system;
(2) Provide granular, artificial intelligence-enabled climate projections for use in planning, health, resource management and policy decisions;
(3) Develop degree programs and curricula integrating climate resilience and Hawaiian knowledge;
(4) Support internships, fellowships, and field-based learning opportunities;
(5) Build a climate literate workforce pipeline by preparing the next generation of Hawaii-based scientists, planners, health professionals, and community leaders for careers in climate adaptation and sustainability across all sectors;
(6) Attract and leverage federal and philanthropic resources to expand climate and community resilience research; and
(7) Elevate the university of Hawaii's leadership role in global climate adaptation.
§304A-B Hawaii climate institute; faculty; support positions. (a) The Hawaii climate institute shall include two administrative, professional, and technical staff positions for institute operations and research coordination.
(b) The president shall allocate funds and hire the following positions to support the Hawaii climate institute:
(1) Four faculty positions at the university of Hawaii at Manoa school of ocean and earth science and technology specializing in climate change and variability impacts and community resilience;
(2) One faculty position at the university of Hawaii at Manoa Thompson school of social work and public health specializing in the intersection of public health and climate change;
(3) One faculty position at the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine specializing in the impacts of climate change on human health;
(4) One faculty position at the university of Hawaii at Manoa Hawaiʻinuiākea school of Hawaiian knowledge specializing in the intersection of Hawaiian knowledge systems and climate change; and
(5) One faculty position in the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience specializing in climate change impacts on Pacific Island agriculture.
§304A-C Hawaii climate institute; tax revenues; allocation. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, including section 37-79, six per cent of the additional revenue cumulatively generated by any increase to the transient accommodations tax rates pursuant to section 237D-2(a)(6) and (c)(4) beginning on January 1, 2026, and section 237D-2(e) beginning on July 1, 2026, and by assessment of the transient accommodations tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares pursuant to section 237D-2(a) shall be allocated to the university of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii climate institute."
SECTION 3. The international pacific research center of the university of Hawaii at Manoa's school of ocean and earth sciences and technology shall be transferred and integrated into the Hawaii climate institute established pursuant to section 304A-A, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support the core operations of the Hawaii climate institute.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support collaborative research and community engagement projects of the Hawaii climate institute.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.
SECTION 7. In codifying the new sections added by section 2 and referenced in section 3 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
Report Title:
University of Hawaii; Hawaii Climate Institute; International Pacific Research Center; Transient Accommodations Tax; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to support climate resilience and adaptation initiatives of the University and the State. Requires six per cent of the revenue generated by any increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax rates beginning on January 1, 2026, and by assessment of the Transient Accommodations Tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares to be allocated to the University of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii Climate Institute. Transfers the International Pacific Research Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology to the Hawaii Climate Institute. Appropriates funds.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Feb 12, 2026 | This measure has been deleted from the meeting scheduled on Tuesday 02-17-26 9:30AM in conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 11, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EEP on Tuesday, 02-17-26 9:30AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on EEP with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia voting no (1) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Reported from HED (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 127-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to EEP. |
| Feb 4, 2026 | The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Garrett, Amato, Evslin, Kapela, Kila, La Chica, Olds, Woodson, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HED on Wednesday, 02-04-26 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Referred to HED, EEP, FIN, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 16, 2026 | Prefiled. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Feb 4, 2026 | The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Higher Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Department of Land and Natural Resources | ** Support | |
| School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) | *** Support | Feb 4, 2026 |
| Surfrider Foundation | ** Support | |
| Surfrider Foundation, Hawaiʻi Region | *** Support | Feb 4, 2026 |
| University of Hawaiʻi International Pacific Research Center | ** Support | |
| University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa | *** Support | Feb 4, 2026 |
| University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology | ** Support | |
| University of Hawaiʻi System | *** Support | Feb 4, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 127-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1598
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1598 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII CLIMATE INSTITUTE,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology; University of Hawaiʻi International Pacific Research Center; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Surfrider Foundation; and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General; Department of Taxation; and Care for ʻĀina Now Coalition.
Your Committee finds that in the face of escalating impacts of climate change and variability, the University of Hawaii is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of climate adaptation by integrating advanced scientific analysis, Hawaiian knowledge systems, and community partnerships to inform action. Your Committee further finds that establishing the Hawaii climate institute at the University of Hawaii would offset the gaps created by federal funding cuts through state level support.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Amending language to clarify that the Act involves a matter of statewide concern;
(2) Changing the number of positions to an unspecified amount and deleting language requiring the University of Hawaii President to allocate funds and hire certain positions;
(4) Changing the general fund appropriations to unspecified amounts and specifically authorizing the appropriation to support the core operations of the Hawaii Climate Institute to allow for the hiring of staff;
(5) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(6) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1598, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1598, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,
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____________________________ ANDREW TAKUYA GARRETT, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Feb 4, 2026 | HB1598_TESTIMONY_HED_02-04-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
7MIN
House Standing Committee on Higher Education
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Higher Education
Bill Author
