HB 2408 Summary

• Establishes a senior advisor on climate position within the office of planning and sustainable development, appointed by the governor with senate confirmation, serving at the governor's pleasure for the governor's term.

• Senior advisor duties include advising the governor on climate priorities and policies, integrating climate solutions across state departments, coordinating clean energy and resiliency funding, and fostering collaboration on climate initiatives across government and private sectors.

• Makes the senior advisor on climate a member of the Hawaii climate change mitigation and adaptation commission.

• Exempts the senior advisor on climate position from civil service requirements under chapters 76 and 89 of Hawaii Revised Statutes.

• Appropriates $175,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025 to establish the one full-time equivalent senior advisor position, effective July 1, 2024.