HI SB2579

Establishes a three-year Water-Energy Resilience Competitive Grant Program administered by the Hawaii State Energy Office to convert water pumping and irrigation facilities in Maui County to renewable microgrids with solar panels, battery storage, and smart pump controls

Targets rural Maui County areas including Molokai and Lanai, where water pumping costs constitute 20-40% of water utility operating budgets due to high electricity rates

Program success metrics include 40-60% reduction in electricity costs for participating facilities, maintained water pumping during grid outages, and training of 6-10 local technicians

Requires Hawaii State Energy Office to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Maui County, with reports due to the legislature before the 2027, 2028, and 2029 sessions

Appropriates unspecified general fund amount for fiscal year 2026-2027, with the program set to repeal on June 30, 2027