Status Update on Climate Advisory Team Priority Legislation
By Climate Advisory Team
Mahalo nui to those who have attended hearings and submitted testimony in support of Climate Advisory Team priority bills this legislative session. Your time, effort and investment in supporting these bills are greatly appreciated, and we encourage you to continue using your voice. Five CAT priority bills are still alive this legislative session and need your support:
HB504: Relating to Environmental Stewardship & SB1396: Relating to State Funds*
Both bills increase the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) beginning January 1, 2027. While the legislature hasn’t decided on the exact percentage yet, the revenues from the increased TAT would be directed toward the state’s general fund. The TAT would also be assessed on cruise ship cabins. In any fiscal year after, the Governor’s budget would need to request that a portion of the TAT revenue in the general fund be used to fund specific projects that mitigate, adapt to, or increase resiliency to climate change and tourism.
Directing increased TAT revenues to resilience projects will help the state proactively prepare for disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. This funding approach takes into account the tourism industry’s impact on Hawaiʻi’s land and natural resources, ensuring Hawaiʻi remains a desirable destination for generations to come. If we do not invest in our environment and community resilience now, it will be far more expensive to recover from disasters when they happen.
HB1064: Relating to Fire Protection*
This bill effectuates the recommendations of the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) “Phase 3” forward-looking report, establishes a state fire marshal selection commission and places the state fire marshal's office under the Department of Defense.
Establishing a fully functional Hawaiʻi State Fire Marshal Office was named the second highest priority in the FSRI “Phase 3” forward-looking report and is one of the CAT’s priority policy recommendations. The magnitude of work required by the Office of the State Fire Marshal cannot be overstated. This office must be supported, expanded and appropriately resourced to ensure its stability and efficacy.
SCR51: Requesting the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to Convene a Working Group to Evaluate the Establishment and Administrative Placement of an Office of Resilience and Recovery
This resolution is aligned with the CAT’s recommendation of establishing a permanent Hawaiʻi Resilience Office to provide leadership and coordination to improve the state’s resilience and preparedness for disasters. This resolution requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to determine the best place within the State government for the permanent Office of Resilience and Recovery, which the CAT supports.
HB300: Relating to the State Budget.*
The Climate Advisory Team supports the Office of the Governor’s request for state funds to establish a federal affairs office with staff in Washington D.C. and Hawaiʻi. As the federal landscape continues to change drastically, establishing this office would provide a crucial lifeline that allows the state to facilitate quick responses to and advocacy around federal funding and resources.
*Indicates bills introduced as part of Governor Green’s 2025 package
Several CAT priority bills were deferred this session. These bills support critical Climate Advisory Team recommendations to help the state survive and respond to future disasters. Please continue to urge your elected officials to bring the following bills back for consideration during the 2026 legislative session:
