Bill > HB366

This bill aims to expedite legal processes for large-scale renewable energy projects in Hawaii by creating a streamlined appeal pathway directly to the Hawaii Supreme Court for certain cases. Specifically, the bill requires that any contested cases, environmental assessment cases, or environmental impact statement cases involving renewable energy projects over 20 megawatts in size (excluding incineration-based projects) will be appealed directly to the state's Supreme Court for final decision. The legislation mandates that these cases be prioritized and decided quickly, in alignment with Hawaii's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045. The bill modifies existing statutes related to judicial review of administrative proceedings, environmental courts, and environmental impact assessments to create this new, expedited review process. By providing a faster route for legal challenges to renewable energy projects, the bill seeks to support the state's clean energy transition and reduce bureaucratic delays that might otherwise slow down innovative renewable energy developments. The bill's provisions apply to any person or agency aggrieved by an administrative decision related to these renewable energy projects, ensuring that stakeholders still have a legal pathway to challenge project approvals while maintaining a swift review process.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=366&year=2025