Bill > SB241

This bill establishes the Climate Health and Environmental Action Special Fund in the Department of Land and Natural Resources to address the growing challenges of climate change in Hawaii. Beginning January 1, 2026, the fund will be primarily financed by a new $25 tax on each transient accommodation (hotel stay), and will focus on preventing and responding to climate crises such as wildfires, coastal erosion, floods, and environmental degradation. The fund's purposes include wildfire prevention, coral reef protection, emergency water supply management, heat management, shoreline restoration, and protection of indigenous Hawaiian land and cultural stewardship practices. At least 25% of the fund will be allocated annually as grants to counties and nonprofit organizations for climate crisis prevention projects. The bill also creates a technical advisory committee of experts to guide the fund's strategy and requires the department to report to the legislature annually on the fund's uses and progress. Additionally, the bill exempts emergency housing provided during state disasters from the Transient Accommodations Tax and appropriates $500,000 to establish two full-time positions to administer the fund. The legislation emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change's impacts on Hawaii's natural environment, cultural resources, and economic stability, particularly in light of recent events like the Lahaina wildfires.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=241&year=2025