Bill > HB1182

This bill aims to support Hawaii's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045 by allowing the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to authorize preferential rates for renewable energy facilities that meet specific prevailing wage requirements. The bill recognizes that while the Internal Revenue Service offers tax credits for renewable energy projects that pay prevailing wages, Hawaii currently lacks similar incentives. Under the proposed legislation, public utilities would be required to forward requests for preferential rates to the PUC for approval, with "prevailing wages" defined according to existing state law. The bill includes an appropriation from the PUC special fund to cover the costs of implementing these new rate authorization procedures. The legislation is designed to improve job quality in clean energy industries, expand workforce training pathways, and support the state's clean energy economic development by providing financial incentives for renewable energy projects that maintain high labor standards. The bill would take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder date, likely meaning July 1 of the next fiscal year).

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1182&year=2026