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Bill Summary · HB 340

Legislative bill overview

HB 340 is a Hawaii renewable energy bill introduced by Representative Nicole Lowen that was referred to multiple committees (EEP, CPC, and FIN) for review. The bill was scheduled for hearing in late January 2025 but was deferred by the Energy, Environmental Protection committee and subsequently carried over to the 2026 legislative session, meaning it did not advance during the 2025 session.

Why is this important

Hawaii has aggressive renewable energy goals, aiming for 100% clean energy by 2045. Renewable energy legislation directly impacts the state's ability to transition away from imported fossil fuels, reduce energy costs for residents, and meet climate commitments. The specific provisions of this bill would determine whether it supports or hinders that transition.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of publicly available bill text - Without access to the specific language, it's unclear what mechanisms, incentives, or requirements the bill proposes, making it difficult to assess stakeholder positions
  • Committee deferral signals - The EEP committee's decision to defer suggests potential concerns about the bill's current form, feasibility, or resource implications that weren't publicly resolved
  • Multi-committee jurisdiction - Referral to Finance (FIN) and Consumer Protection (CPC) committees alongside Energy suggests the bill may have budget, rate, or consumer protection implications that require coordination

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

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