HI HB789

Establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to help eligible low-income households pay home energy costs

Requires applicants to be Hawaii residents with an active utilities account and meet income eligibility limits set by the department

Directs the Public Utilities Commission's Public Benefits Fee Administrator to provide energy efficiency information, technical assistance, and energy audits to program recipients

Appropriates $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund 1.0 FTE permanent position, 2.0 FTE temporary positions, system modifications, and contracted services

Takes effect July 1, 2025, addressing Hawaii's electricity rates that are nearly three times the national average, with 44% of households living below the ALICE threshold