Bill > SB1395

This bill addresses Hawaii's climate emergency by creating a mechanism to fund climate change mitigation and adaptation projects. Specifically, the bill allows interest earned on the state's emergency and budget reserve fund to be redirected to the general fund when the fund's balance exceeds its established objective. In the fiscal year following such a transfer, the Governor must submit a budget request to spend an equivalent amount of general funds on specific projects that address climate change impacts, such as mitigation, adaptation, and increasing resilience. The bill recognizes that climate change threatens Hawaii's economy, environment, security, and way of life, and aims to take comprehensive action to reduce and respond to these impacts. The proposed legislation requires the Governor to identify and fund targeted projects that can help the state proactively address the challenges posed by climate change, using funds that would otherwise remain in the emergency and budget reserve fund.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1395&year=2026