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SR 91

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2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Blount and 3 co-sponsors

Hawaii would study the feasibility of a state green bonds program to fund clean energy, resilience, and climate projects, with a report due before 2026 legislative session.

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Bill Summary · SR 91

Summary — SR 91 (Senate Resolution 91) — Green Bonds Feasibility Study (Hawaii, 2025)

Note: The materials provided include several different resolutions labeled “SR 91” from multiple jurisdictions (Illinois, Kentucky, Georgia) and other unrelated texts. This summary focuses on the Hawaii SR 91 / SR 91 SD1 content contained in the packet — a Hawaii Senate resolution requesting a feasibility study on establishing a state green bonds program.

Purpose and intent

SR 91 requests that the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) study the feasibility of establishing a state green bonds program to help finance climate mitigation, clean energy, conservation, and resilience projects. The resolution frames the study in the context of Hawaii’s 2021 climate-emergency declaration, Act 178 (2021) directing vulnerability assessment of state facilities, and a January 28, 2025 executive order accelerating renewable deployment.

Key provisions / required tasks

  • Directs HSEO to conduct a feasibility study evaluating the establishment of a green bonds program in Hawaii.
  • Asks HSEO to evaluate specifically:
    1. Best practices for managing a green bonds program (including transparency, disclosure, and program governance—references the International Capital Market Association green bond principles).
    2. Clean energy and climate initiatives that could be funded through green bond proceeds (renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, water systems, waste management, natural resource and marine restoration, green infrastructure, etc.).
    3. Opportunities for interagency coordination and public–private partnerships to implement a green bonds program.
  • Requests HSEO to submit a written report with findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2026.
  • Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Chief Energy Officer.

Who would be affected

  • Hawaii State Energy Office (responsible for performing the study and reporting).
  • State agencies involved in energy, transportation, water, and natural-resources projects (potential issuers, project sponsors, or beneficiaries).
  • Municipalities, utilities, project developers, and private investors (potential participants in a green bonds program).
  • Hawaii residents and communities that could benefit from financed clean-energy and resilience projects.

Potential impact

  • If HSEO’s study finds the program feasible and the Legislature subsequently authorizes green bonds, Hawaii could gain a dedicated financing tool to mobilize capital for decarbonization and climate adaptation projects.
  • A green bonds program could lower up‑front costs for eligible projects, support accelerated renewable deployment (including the Governor’s neighbor‑island goals), and attract private investment—subject to program design, governance, and market conditions.
  • Actual fiscal impacts, credit implications, and legal/legislative changes would depend on the study’s recommendations and any follow-on legislation.

Timeline / procedural status

  • The resolution (as SD1) requests HSEO’s report and recommendations be delivered no later than 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session (i.e., late 2025 / early 2026, depending on session calendar).
  • The document packet shows committee activity and amendments (SD1) and indicates the measure was acted on during 2024–2025; consult the official Hawaii legislative website for the latest enacted/adopted status and any follow-up legislation.

If you want, I can: (1) extract the exact legislative calendar deadline in dates for the 2026 session, (2) draft a one‑page memo on typical green bond program designs and risks, or (3) locate the official status and sponsor information on the Hawaii Legislature site.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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