Bill > SB939

This bill expands the scope of Hawaii's Clean Energy Initiative Program to address climate change challenges by adding two key responsibilities to the existing program. Specifically, the bill requires the program to explore pathways for supporting clean energy and conservation projects that connect carbon sequestration (the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere) with marine ecosystem restoration, and to develop opportunities for improving carbon accounting methodologies to help quantify and reduce both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. The bill is motivated by findings that Hawaii's coastlines are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, with potential sea level rises threatening infrastructure, cultural sites, and residents, and aligns with the state's existing goals of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2045 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. The chief energy officer is required to report on these efforts to the Legislature by 20 days before the 2027 regular legislative session, providing an update on progress and potentially recommending further legislative actions to support these climate change mitigation strategies.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=939&year=2026