Bill > SB994

This bill establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to help low-income households pay their energy bills. The legislation addresses Hawaii's exceptionally high electricity rates, which are nearly three times the national average, and the fact that 44% of households in the state struggle financially. The program will allow eligible residents to apply for energy bill assistance by proving they are state residents, have an active utilities account, and meet income eligibility requirements. The Public Utilities Commission's Public Benefits Fee Administrator will be required to provide additional support to program recipients, including offering energy efficiency information, conducting energy audits upon request, and helping implement energy-saving improvements. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 over two fiscal years to create new positions, make system modifications, and contract services necessary for program implementation. The legislation is particularly significant because the current federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serves fewer than 9,000 Hawaii households and receives the lowest federal funding of any state, making this state-level program crucial for addressing energy affordability for struggling families.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=994&year=2026