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HI HB1979
Bill
Status
Engrossed
3/10/2026
Primary Sponsor
Nicole Lowen
Click for details
AI Summary
- Shortens the deadline to challenge environmental review decisions for affordable housing and clean energy projects from 120 days to 30 days for lack of assessment challenges, and from 60 days to 30 days for environmental impact statement acceptance challenges
- Appeals from environmental court decisions involving affordable housing or clean energy projects would automatically qualify for direct transfer to the Hawaii Supreme Court as cases of "fundamental public importance"
- Defines "clean energy project" as facilities generating energy from wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, or ocean sources including ocean thermal energy conversion
- Defines "affordable housing project" broadly to include projects under county ordinances, with restrictive covenants, facilitated by state/county programs, or with income restrictions, including mixed-use developments with necessary infrastructure
- Effective date set for July 1, 3000 (placeholder date)
Legislative Description
Relating To Environmental Review.
Judicial Proceedings
Last Action
Referred to AEN/WLA/EIG, JDC.
3/12/2026
Committee Referrals
Agriculture and Environment3/12/2026
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs2/19/2026
Housing2/5/2026
Energy & Environmental Protection1/28/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available