HI HB977

Expands the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund to provide financial assistance to "underserved ratepayers," newly defined as state/local governments, low- and moderate-income homeowners, renters, nonprofits, small businesses, and multi-family rental projects

Addresses a funding gap as the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority has over 1,200 applications in process expected to consume remaining available funding as of January 2025

Notes that while Hawaii received $62 million in federal Solar-for-All loan funds, these are restricted to low-income households and disadvantaged census tracts, leaving moderate-income households and other underserved groups without financing access

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues into the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund for fiscal year 2025-2026

Supports Hawaii's goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045 through financing of rooftop solar plus storage systems