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HCR 106

House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2025 Mount Mansfield Union High School Cougars dance program on winning a 10th consecutive hip-hop State championship

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alyssa Black and 7 co-sponsors

HSEO must study the feasibility of a Hawaii green bonds program to finance climate, energy, and resilience projects, with a report due 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session.

Ceremonial Reading
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Bill Summary · HCR 106

Summary of Bill: HCR 106 ( concurrent resolution )

Overview

HCR 106 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) to conduct a formal study evaluating the feasibility of establishing a green bonds program for the State of Hawaii. The study would assess implementation best practices, identify clean energy initiatives that could be financed, and explore interagency and public-private partnerships. The report is due to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize the state’s climate ambitions and recent policy actions (climate emergency declaration in 2021; Act 178 (2021) on vulnerability identification; Governor’s 2025 renewable energy executive order).
  • Explore whether a green bonds program could finance climate, energy, and resilience initiatives in Hawaii.
  • Align with established green bond principles to ensure transparency, integrity, and responsible disclosure.

Key Provisions

  • Directs: Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a green bonds program in Hawaii.
  • Study components: 1) Best practices for managing a green bonds program. 2) Clean energy initiatives that could be funded by green bonds. 3) Opportunities for interagency and public-private partnerships in establishing a green bonds program.
  • Reporting: HSEO must submit findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026.
  • Deliverables: Certified copies of the Concurrent Resolution transmitted to the Governor and the Chief Energy Officer.

Background Context

  • Recitals emphasize Hawaii’s climate commitments and the potential for green bonds to fund climate, energy, and conservation projects.
  • Notes adoption of International Capital Market Association green bond principles (transparency, disclosure, integrity).
  • References to related policy actions: 2021 climate emergency declaration, Act 178 (sea-level rise vulnerability assessments), and the 2025 executive order to accelerate renewable energy development and streamline permitting.

Timeline and Process

  • Introduced: March 12, 2025.
  • Committee actions: EEP recommended PASSED UNAMENDED (March 18, 2025); subsequently reported from EEP (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1602) and referred to FIN (March 27, 2025).
  • Final reporting deadline: 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session convening.
  • Status: Referred to FIN; concurrent resolution with Senate concurrence.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) and participating state agencies.
  • Secondary: Legislature, Governor, and Chief Energy Officer (as recipients of the study findings and any proposed legislation).
  • Potentially, private sector investors and public-private partners depending on study recommendations.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • No immediate financial commitment; creates a pathway to assess financing options for climate and energy projects.
  • If favorable, could lead to future legislation establishing a state green bonds program.
  • Supports Hawaii’s renewable energy targets and resilience goals by potentially expanding funding mechanisms.
  • Encourages interagency collaboration and private-sector partnerships in financing climate initiatives.

Related Actions

  • Companion bill: HR 102 (House of Representatives) (concurrent action and similar intent).
  • Sponsors: AMATO, LOWEN, GRANDINETTI, POEPOE, PERRUSO (primary sponsors).

If enacted, HCR 106 would set the stage for a formal assessment of green bonds as a financing tool to advance Hawaii’s climate, energy, and resilience priorities.

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

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