STAND. COM. REP. NO. 199-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1579

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 1579 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LIGHT POLLUTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish, beginning July 1, 2027, outdoor light fixture requirements throughout the State to prevent light pollution.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi; Maunakea Observatories; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund; The Outdoor Circle; Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge; and seven individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Building Industry Association of Hawaii. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Education; and Matson Navigation Company, Inc.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's night sky is a globally unique resource -- essential to astronomy and other scientific research, native wildlife, Native Hawaiian cultural practices, public health, and education. Your Committee further finds that this measure strengthens Hawaii's leading role in science, conservation, and cultural stewardship; protects astronomical research; supports wildlife researchers; enhances education; promotes sustainable tourism; and reduces energy consumption.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Providing certain exemptions for Department of Education facilities;

(2) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1579, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1579, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair