Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.
Summary
SCR110 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that asks the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) to study whether the State should establish a green bonds program. The resolution frames the proposal as part of Hawaii’s broader climate and clean energy response, citing the State’s climate emergency declaration, prior work on climate vulnerability, and the Governor’s 2025 renewable energy executive order. It does not create the program itself; instead, it directs HSEO to evaluate whether such a financing tool would be feasible and useful for Hawaii.
The requested study must examine best practices for administering a green bonds program, identify clean energy initiatives that could be funded through bond proceeds, and assess opportunities for interagency and public-private partnerships. The resolution also requires HSEO to report findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature by twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session. Copies of the resolution are to be transmitted to the Governor and the Chief Energy Officer.
Impact
Because SCR110 is a concurrent resolution rather than a bill, it does not directly amend Hawaii statutes or create a new financing program. Its legal effect is to request an executive-branch study and a report to the Legislature, potentially laying the groundwork for future legislation. If the study leads to proposed legislation, the eventual impact could include new state authority for issuing green bonds and new administrative responsibilities for managing climate- and clean-energy-related financing.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable support for the measure. It passed the Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee unanimously, 4-0, and the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee by a 3-1 vote, both with amendments. The resolution’s findings and purpose reflect a pro-climate, pro-clean-energy policy orientation, and there is no committee transcript indicating strong public opposition in the materials provided.
Contention
The main policy question is not whether Hawaii should pursue climate and clean energy financing in general, but whether a green bonds program is the right mechanism and how it should be structured. Potential points of contention include the administrative complexity of managing such a program, the need for transparency and investor confidence, and whether public-private partnerships or interagency coordination would be sufficient to support it. The lone dissent in one committee vote suggests some concern, but the record provided does not specify the objection or identify a particular opposing stakeholder.