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SB2939
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2939
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to energy projects
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The
legislature finds that the State is on a path to one hundred per cent renewable
energy by 2045, with significant investment in energy infrastructure including
utility-scale solar and wind farms, battery storage, grid modernization,
electric vehicle charging, and firm power generation plants.
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However, the benefits of the State's clean
energy transition have not been shared equitably, with the ability of wealthy
homeowners to install rooftop solar and access tax credits and rebates while
renters, apartment residents, and working families still pay some of the
highest electric rates in the nation.
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Rural families, low-income households, and Native Hawaiian communities
continue to lack access to the benefits of major energy projects that are sited
near them and are disproportionately impacted by energy infrastructure.
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The legislature further finds that major energy
projects can be approved without community input which fosters conflict,
lawsuits, and delays for construction that derail the State's clean energy
goals.
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Addressing the inequity of
electricity bills in proportion to income between working families and wealthy
households must be a state priority.
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Therefore, major energy projects should be subjected to energy equity
impact assessments and community input in order to protect working families
from elevated costs and promote local economic opportunity.
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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
require the public utilities commission to hold at least two community meetings
before approving a major energy project that would be hosted in the affected community.
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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section
to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
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�269-
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Major
energy projects; community meetings.
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(a)
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The commission shall hold not less than two
public community meetings to discuss and receive input from the community on
potential major energy projects that would be hosted in the affected community.
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(b)
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For the purposes of this section "major
energy projects" means projects with
a total capital cost
not less than $10,000,000 or that require commission docket approval.
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"Major energy projects" may include
but are not limited to:
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(1)
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Utility-scale
solar photovoltaic systems;
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(2)
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Wind
energy generating facilities;
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(3)
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Battery
storage systems;
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(4)
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Grid
modernization and transmission systems;
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(5)
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Electric
vehicle charging infrastructure;
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(6)
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Geothermal
energy facilities;
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(7)
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Firm
power generating facilities; and
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(8)
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Utility
rate cases affecting residential customer rates.
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SECTION 3.
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New statutory material is underscored.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
PUC;
Major Energy Projects; Community Meetings
Description:
Requires
the Public Utilities Commission to hold not less than two community meetings
before approving a major energy project that would be hosted in the affected
community.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.