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.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-04-08
Current Status:
In Progress
(2026-04-07: The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Grandinetti, Chun, Iwamoto, Kong, Lowen, Marten, Tam, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Ilagan, Ichiyama.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
Creates a legislative task force to study Hawaii's long-term energy options and recommend ways to lower costs and limit financial risk for ratepayers over the next 30 years. The task force will bring together lawmakers, energy officials, utilities, researchers, and community voices to evaluate how to add more local renewable and distributed resources, improve resilience, and weigh the costs and risks of proposed fossil-fuel infrastructure such as liquefied natural gas.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
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.
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.
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.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
192 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE RESOLUTION
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.
WHEREAS, Hawaii has long relied on imported fossil fuels for most of its energy needs, exposing residents and businesses to volatile global fuel markets and contributing to some of the highest electricity costs in the nation; and
WHEREAS, transitioning to locally available renewable energy resources offers an opportunity to reduce long-term energy costs, strengthen energy independence, improve resilience, and keep more energy dollars circulating within the State's economy; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii's geographic isolation and reliance on imported fuels also create vulnerabilities during natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and other emergencies that may interrupt fuel deliveries or strain centralized energy infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, an energy system based on diverse local resources, distributed generation, and modern grid technologies can improve system resilience and help communities maintain access to power during extreme events; and
WHEREAS, the State has established clear clean-energy goals, including the elimination of the State's dependence on imported fuels of all types, and a requirement to achieve one hundred percent renewable energy for electricity by 2045, making the energy transition both a policy priority and a matter of state law; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii now stands at a critical crossroads in energy policy as the State works to transition to an electricity system having significantly higher levels of variable renewable energy resources such as solar and wind energies; and
WHEREAS, achieving this transition will require careful planning, improved coordination across sectors, and consideration of emerging technologies, grid modernization strategies, and lessons learned from other jurisdictions pursuing similar energy transitions; and
WHEREAS, several entities play important roles in shaping Hawaii's energy future, including the Public Utilities Commission, the Hawaii State Energy Office, electric utilities, and other public and private stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, these entities often operate within distinct statutory mandates and institutional roles that can limit opportunities for proactive, cross-sector examination of long‑term energy pathways; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has the authority and responsibility to establish statewide energy policy and long‑term statutory goals and is uniquely positioned to convene stakeholders, facilitate collaboration, and bring together policymakers, experts, and community voices to examine complex policy challenges and identify solutions in the public interest; and
WHEREAS, decisions regarding major energy infrastructure and fuel choices may have long-term financial implications for ratepayers and may affect the State's ability to achieve its energy independence and clean energy goals; and
WHEREAS, given the magnitude of the decisions ahead, it is in the State's interest to convene a legislative task force to examine potential energy pathways and identify strategies that best advance affordability, resilience, reliability, and rapid decarbonization; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that there is established 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 providing affordable, reliable, resilient, and decarbonized energy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force evaluate potential pathways for Hawaii's energy transition, including strategies for integrating high levels of renewable energy and distributed energy resources into the power grid, reducing long‑term energy costs for residents and businesses, strengthening energy independence and resilience, and examining the potential risks, costs, and benefits associated with proposed fossil fuel infrastructure investments, including liquefied natural gas; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consider lessons learned from other jurisdictions pursuing rapid energy transitions and identify policy recommendations that will help the State to maximize cost savings and minimize risk to ratepayers while achieving its statutory clean energy goals and advancing the public interest; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consist of the following members:
(1) The Chairperson of the House standing committee having primary jurisdiction over energy, or the Chairperson's designee, who shall serve as Chairperson of the task force;
(2) The Chairperson of the House standing committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, or the Chairperson's designee;
(3) One member of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate;
(4) A representative of the Hawaii State Energy Office, to be designated by the Chief Energy Officer;
(5) A representative of the Public Utilities Commission, to be designated by the Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission;
(6) The Executive Director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, or the Executive Director's designee; and
(7) A representative from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairperson of the task force is requested to invite the following individuals to become members of the task force:
(1) A representative of Hawaiian Electric Company;
(2) A representative of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative;
(3) A representative of an independent renewable energy developer;
(4) A representative from an environmental advocacy group; and
(5) A representative from a community group; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairperson of the task force may invite additional stakeholders, subject matter experts, representatives of community organizations, and experts from other jurisdictions to participate in the task force's discussions and provide information and technical assistance, as appropriate; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force submit an initial report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027, and a final report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2028; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chief Energy Officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office; Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission; Executive Director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Director of the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii; President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Electric Company; and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.
Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways; DCCA; PUC; Consumer Advocate; Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii; Hawaii State Energy Office
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
192 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE RESOLUTION
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.
WHEREAS, Hawaii has long relied on imported fossil fuels for most of its energy needs, exposing residents and businesses to volatile global fuel markets and contributing to some of the highest electricity costs in the nation; and
WHEREAS, transitioning to locally available renewable energy resources offers an opportunity to reduce long-term energy costs, strengthen energy independence, improve resilience, and keep more energy dollars circulating within the State's economy; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii's geographic isolation and reliance on imported fuels also create vulnerabilities during natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and other emergencies that may interrupt fuel deliveries or strain centralized energy infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, an energy system based on diverse local resources, distributed generation, and modern grid technologies can improve system resilience and help communities maintain access to power during extreme events; and
WHEREAS, the State has established clear clean-energy goals, including the elimination of the State's dependence on imported fuels of all types, and a requirement to achieve one hundred percent renewable energy for electricity by 2045, making the energy transition both a policy priority and a matter of state law; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii now stands at a critical crossroads in energy policy as the State works to transition to an electricity system having significantly higher levels of variable renewable energy resources such as solar and wind energies; and
WHEREAS, achieving this transition will require careful planning, improved coordination across sectors, and consideration of emerging technologies, grid modernization strategies, and lessons learned from other jurisdictions pursuing similar energy transitions; and
WHEREAS, several entities play important roles in shaping Hawaii's energy future, including the Public Utilities Commission, the Hawaii State Energy Office, electric utilities, and other public and private stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, these entities often operate within distinct statutory mandates and institutional roles that can limit opportunities for proactive, cross-sector examination of long‑term energy pathways; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has the authority and responsibility to establish statewide energy policy and long‑term statutory goals and is uniquely positioned to convene stakeholders, facilitate collaboration, and bring together policymakers, experts, and community voices to examine complex policy challenges and identify solutions in the public interest; and
WHEREAS, decisions regarding major energy infrastructure and fuel choices may have long-term financial implications for ratepayers and may affect the State's ability to achieve its energy independence and clean energy goals; and
WHEREAS, given the magnitude of the decisions ahead, it is in the State's interest to convene a legislative task force to examine potential energy pathways and identify strategies that best advance affordability, resilience, reliability, and rapid decarbonization; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that there is established 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 providing affordable, reliable, resilient, and decarbonized energy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force evaluate potential pathways for Hawaii's energy transition, including strategies for integrating high levels of renewable energy and distributed energy resources into the power grid, reducing long‑term energy costs for residents and businesses, strengthening energy independence and resilience, and examining the potential risks, costs, and benefits associated with proposed fossil fuel infrastructure investments, including liquefied natural gas; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consider lessons learned from other jurisdictions pursuing rapid energy transitions and identify policy recommendations that will help the State to maximize cost savings and minimize risk to ratepayers while achieving its statutory clean energy goals and advancing the public interest; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consist of the following members:
(1) The Chairperson of the House standing committee having primary jurisdiction over energy, or the Chairperson's designee, who shall serve as Chairperson of the task force;
(2) One member of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate;
(3) A representative of the Hawaii State Energy Office, to be designated by the Chief Energy Officer;
(4) A representative of the Public Utilities Commission, to be designated by the Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission;
(5) The Executive Director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, or the Executive Director's designee; and
(6) A representative from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairperson of the task force is requested to invite the following individuals to become members of the task force:
(1) A representative of Hawaiian Electric Company;
(2) A representative of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative;
(3) A representative of an independent renewable energy developer;
(4) A representative from an environmental advocacy group; and
(5) A representative from a community group; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairperson of the task force may invite additional stakeholders, subject matter experts, representatives of community organizations, and experts from other jurisdictions to participate in the task force's discussions and provide information and technical assistance, as appropriate; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force submit an initial report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027, and a final report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2028; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chief Energy Officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office; Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission; Executive Director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Director of the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii; President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Electric Company; and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.
Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways; DCCA; PUC; Consumer Advocate; Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii; Hawaii State Energy Office
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
192 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE RESOLUTION
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.
WHEREAS, Hawaii has long relied on imported fossil fuels for most of its energy needs, exposing residents and businesses to volatile global fuel markets and contributing to some of the highest electricity costs in the nation; and
WHEREAS, transitioning to locally available renewable energy resources offers an opportunity to reduce long-term energy costs, strengthen energy independence, improve resilience, and keep more energy dollars circulating within the State's economy; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii's geographic isolation and reliance on imported fuels also create vulnerabilities during natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and other emergencies that may interrupt fuel deliveries or strain centralized energy infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, an energy system based on diverse local resources, distributed generation, and modern grid technologies can improve system resilience and help communities maintain access to power during extreme events; and
WHEREAS, the State has established clear clean-energy goals, including the elimination of the State's dependence on imported fuels of all types, and a requirement to achieve one hundred percent renewable energy for electricity by 2045, making the energy transition both a policy priority and a matter of state law; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii now stands at a critical crossroads in energy policy as the State works to transition to an electricity system having significantly higher levels of variable renewable energy resources such as solar and wind energies; and
WHEREAS, achieving this transition will require careful planning, improved coordination across sectors, and consideration of emerging technologies, grid modernization strategies, and lessons learned from other jurisdictions pursuing similar energy transitions; and
WHEREAS, several entities play important roles in shaping Hawaii's energy future, including the Public Utilities Commission, the Hawaii State Energy Office, electric utilities, and other public and private stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, these entities often operate within distinct statutory mandates and institutional roles that can limit opportunities for proactive, cross-sector examination of long‑term energy pathways; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has the authority and responsibility to establish statewide energy policy and long‑term statutory goals and is uniquely positioned to convene stakeholders, facilitate collaboration, and bring together policymakers, experts, and community voices to examine complex policy challenges and identify solutions in the public interest; and
WHEREAS, decisions regarding major energy infrastructure and fuel choices may have long-term financial implications for ratepayers and may affect the State's ability to achieve its energy independence and clean energy goals; and
WHEREAS, given the magnitude of the decisions ahead, it is in the State's interest to convene a legislative task force to examine potential energy pathways and identify strategies that best advance affordability, resilience, reliability, and rapid decarbonization; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that there is established 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 providing affordable, reliable, resilient, and decarbonized energy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force evaluate potential pathways for Hawaii's energy transition, including strategies for integrating high levels of renewable energy and distributed energy resources into the power grid, reducing long‑term energy costs for residents and businesses, strengthening energy independence and resilience, and examining the potential risks, costs, and benefits associated with proposed fossil fuel infrastructure investments, including liquefied natural gas; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consider lessons learned from other jurisdictions pursuing rapid energy transitions and identify policy recommendations that will help the State to maximize cost savings and minimize risk to ratepayers while achieving its statutory clean energy goals and advancing the public interest; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways consist of the following members:
(1) The Chairperson of the House Committee having jurisdiction over energy, or the chair's designee, who shall serve as Chairperson of the task force;
(2) A representative to be appointed by the President of the Senate;
(3) A representative of the Hawaii State Energy Office, to be designated by the Chief Energy Officer;
(4) A representative of the Public Utilities Commission, to be designated by the Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission;
(5) The Consumer Advocate, or the Consumer Advocate’s designee;
(6) A representative from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii;
(7) A representative of Hawaiian Electric Company, to be invited by the Chairperson to be a member of the task force; and
(8) A representative of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, to be invited by the Chairperson to be a member of the task force; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairperson of the task force may invite additional stakeholders, subject matter experts, representatives of community organizations, and experts from other jurisdictions to participate in the task force's discussions and provide information and technical assistance, as appropriate; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force submit an initial report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2027, and a final report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2028; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Chief Energy Officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office; Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission; Consumer Advocate; Director of the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii; President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Electric Company; and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.
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OFFERED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Legislative Task Force on Hawaii's Future Energy Pathways; DCCA; PUC; Consumer Advocate; Hawaii Natural Energy Institute of the University of Hawaii; Hawaii State Energy Office
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Date
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Status
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| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Grandinetti, Chun, Iwamoto, Kong, Lowen, Marten, Tam, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Ilagan, Ichiyama. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Resolution scheduled to be heard by CPC on Tuesday, 04-07-26 2:00PM in conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Apr 1, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on CPC as amended in HD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Apr 1, 2026 | Reported from EEP (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1630-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending referral to CPC. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Lowen, Perruso, Chun, Kusch, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Kahaloa, Quinlan. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Resolution scheduled to be heard by EEP on Tuesday, 03-24-26 9:00AM in conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 18, 2026 | Referred to EEP, CPC, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 16, 2026 | Offered |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce |
Passed |
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| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection |
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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|---|---|---|
| Climate Protectors Hawaii | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Division of Consumer Advocacy | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Division of Consumer Advocacy | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Imua Alliance | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Office of Hawaiian Affairs | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, LLC | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Public Utilities Commission | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 7, 2026 | HR192_HD1_TESTIMONY_CPC_04-07-26_.PDF |
| Mar 24, 2026 | HR192_TESTIMONY_EEP_03-24-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection
48SEC
House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
