Bill > SB2579

This bill establishes a three-year Water-Energy Resilience Competitive Grant Program in Maui County, administered by the Hawaii State Energy Office, to help convert water pumping and irrigation facilities to renewable microgrids, which are systems that can generate and store their own power, often using solar panels and battery storage. The program aims to reduce high electricity costs for water utilities, especially in rural areas where pumping can be a significant expense, and to improve disaster resilience by ensuring water access during power outages. The grant program will be implemented in phases, starting with an assessment of existing conditions and solar feasibility, followed by grants to convert two to three key water facilities to renewable microgrids that include solar panels, battery storage, and smart pump controls. The program emphasizes community benefit, local hiring and training, and farmer input, with success metrics including a target reduction in electricity costs, the ability to maintain water pumping during outages, and the training of local technicians. The Hawaii State Energy Office will collaborate with other state and county departments, provide technical assistance and training, and report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature, with the program set to be repealed on June 30, 2027, though the bill's effective date is July 1, 2050, and funds are appropriated for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2579&year=2026