HI HR181

Hawaii residents pay 42.39 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2023, compared to the national average of 16 cents per kWh, resulting in monthly electricity bills 63.1 percent higher than the national average.

Low-income households below the federal poverty level spend nearly 20 percent of their income on electricity costs compared to the national average of 2.3 percent.

Requests the Governor, state agencies, and relevant stakeholders to accelerate the State's transition to solar, wind, geothermal, and energy storage solutions to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and stabilize energy costs.

Directs that immediate actions ensure equitable access to renewable energy for all communities, particularly historically underserved populations disproportionately burdened by high energy costs.

Requires certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Chief Energy Officer, Public Utilities Commission Chairperson, and chief executive officers of public utilities operating in Hawaii.