summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to support climate resilience and adaptation initiatives of the University and the State. Requires six per cent of the revenue generated by any increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax rates beginning on January 1, 2026, and by assessment of the Transient Accommodations Tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares to be allocated to the University of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii Climate Institute. Transfers the International Pacific Research Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology to the Hawaii Climate Institute. Appropriates funds.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to address the escalating impacts of climate change in Hawaii and the Pacific region, aiming to foster collaboration, provide advanced climate projections, develop educational programs integrating Hawaiian knowledge, support research, and train a climate-literate workforce. To fund these efforts, six percent of any increased revenue from the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), which is a tax on short-term lodging like hotels and vacation rentals, starting January 1, 2026, and from the TAT applied to cruise ship fares, will be allocated annually to the University of Hawaii for the institute's operations. Additionally, the International Pacific Research Center will be transferred to the new institute, and the bill appropriates $6 million over two fiscal years to support the institute's core operations and collaborative research.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to EDU/AEN, WAM. (on 01/28/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2484&year=2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2484_.HTM |
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