HI SB191

Establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to help eligible low-income households pay home energy costs, with applicants required to be state residents with active utility accounts who meet income limits

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

Hawaii receives only 0.14% of federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds—the lowest of all states—due to a 1984 funding formula that favors states with high heating needs rather than high electricity costs

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to establish staff positions, make system modifications, and contract services for program implementation

Effective date set to July 1, 3000 (placeholder date indicating fiscal details require further legislative action)