HI HB1598

Establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, administratively attached to the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, to be led by a director appointed by the Board of Regents.

Requires the institute to provide AI-enabled climate projections, develop degree programs integrating climate resilience and Hawaiian knowledge, support internships and fellowships, and build a climate-literate workforce pipeline.

Creates faculty positions across multiple UH schools including Ocean and Earth Science, Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, and College of Tropical Agriculture.

Allocates a percentage of increased Transient Accommodations Tax revenues (from rate increases beginning January 1, 2026, and taxes on cruise fare proceeds) to fund the institute's programs and operations.

Transfers the International Pacific Research Center from UH Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology into the new Hawaii Climate Institute.