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Bill

HB 1771

RELATING TO CARBON OFFSETS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sean Quinlan

Hawaii bill advancing carbon offset regulations through committee with amendments to shape state climate policy and emissions reduction mechanisms.

The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Miyake, Cochran, Evslin, Grandinetti, Kitagawa, La Chica, Muraoka; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Pierick.
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Bill Summary · HB 1771

Legislative bill overview

HB 1771 relates to carbon offsets in Hawaii, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available action records. The bill has advanced through the Transportation Committee with a recommendation to pass, with amendments, indicating substantive changes were proposed during review.

Why is this important

Carbon offset policies directly affect Hawaii's ability to meet climate goals and can influence energy costs, business competitiveness, and environmental outcomes. The bill's progression through multiple committees (Transportation, Energy/Environmental Protection, and Finance) suggests it has broad fiscal and environmental implications for the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Offset verification standards: Questions likely exist about what qualifies as a legitimate carbon offset, how projects are verified, and whether offsets actually achieve claimed emissions reductions or represent greenwashing
  • Cost allocation: Disputes may arise over who bears the financial burden of offset programs—businesses, consumers, or taxpayers—and whether costs are fairly distributed
  • Effectiveness vs. local action: Debate over whether purchasing offsets substitutes for direct emissions reductions in Hawaii versus complementing on-island sustainability efforts

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

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