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Bill Summary · HB 366

Legislative bill overview

HB 366 is a Hawaii renewable energy bill introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators that progressed through the Energy and Environmental Protection (EEP) committee with amendments. The bill was passed on second reading but was deferred by the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) committee and carried over to the 2026 legislative session, meaning its specific provisions were not publicly detailed in the available action records.

Why is this important

Hawaii has committed to aggressive renewable energy targets (100% clean energy by 2045), making legislation that advances or modifies renewable energy policy directly relevant to the state's climate goals, energy costs, and grid reliability. The bill's deferral suggests either unresolved policy questions among legislators or the need for further stakeholder input before advancement.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and implementation details: The amendments made in HD 1 and the subsequent deferral suggest disagreement over specific provisions, mechanisms, or timelines that weren't reconciled during committee review
  • Cost and ratepayer impact: Renewable energy legislation often triggers debates over who bears infrastructure and transition costs, with potential impacts on electricity rates
  • Permitting and land use conflicts: Renewable projects typically face opposition regarding environmental review, land use, and community impacts—areas where JHA committee involvement suggests potential Hawaiian cultural or environmental justice concerns

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

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