HI SB909

Expands Chapter 125C to establish comprehensive energy assurance and emergency planning authority, replacing the narrower focus on petroleum products alone with broader "energy resources" including electricity, fuels, and renewable energy sources.

Authorizes the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to collect and analyze confidential information from major energy producers, distributors, marketers, transporters, and users to conduct energy supply risk assessments and develop emergency response plans.

Creates statutory protections for confidential business information submitted to the state, exempting such data from public disclosure under Hawaii's public records law while allowing use by designated state agencies including the Attorney General, Consumer Advocate, and Public Utilities Commission.

Expands emergency powers during declared energy shortages or state of emergency to include temporary suspension of fuel quality standards, implementation of supply enhancement and management measures, and regulatory waivers to ensure fuel availability for essential services.

Changes penalties for fraudulent reporting or non-compliance from criminal misdemeanor charges to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and updates the state energy assurance plan process from biennial to as-needed updates.

Effective date: July 1, 2030.