Hawaii House Bill HCR106

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/27/25
• Refer: 3/27/25

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

Impact

The resolution highlights the urgency for enhanced public resources in mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts, such as sea level rise and increased natural hazards. By evaluating best practices for managing a green bonds program, the resolution sets a foundation for potentially transformative funding strategies that could lead to significant advancements in Hawaii’s clean energy initiatives and other critical projects that promote environmental integrity.

Summary

HCR106 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that calls upon the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of establishing a green bonds program. This initiative aligns with Hawaii's commitment to addressing climate change, which was formally recognized when the state declared a climate emergency in 2021. The proposed study aims to explore how green bonds can finance projects relating to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other environmental initiatives, thereby supporting the state's sustainability goals.

Contention

While the resolution primarily serves as a request for study rather than an immediate legislative change, it lays the groundwork for future legislative proposals. One point of contention may center around the complexities and challenges of implementing a green bonds program in a state that faces geographical and infrastructural constraints. Stakeholders may raise concerns about ensuring equitable access to the benefits of such funding and effectively partnering with public and private sectors for successful program implementation.