STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1059-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1984

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1984, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require each government entity in the State that issues building permits to:

(1) By July 1, 2027, establish a self‑certification process for behind-the-meter, customer-sited solar distributed energy resource system projects that deems permit applications approved and allows applicants to proceed to build solar distributed energy resource systems immediately, if certain conditions are met; and

(2) Develop Federal Emergency Management Agency-accepted guidance for determining specific conditions under which a Federal Emergency Management Agency-mandated No-Rise Certification is not required for a solar distributed energy resource system located in a regulatory floodway.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Alternate Energy Inc.; Photonworks Engineering; PV Tech; 350Hawaii.org; EP Cube; Sunspear Energy; Grassroot Institute of Hawaii; Hawaii Pacific Solar; Malama Solar; Sunrun Inc.; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; Hawaii Solar Energy Association; Holu Hou Energy; Greenpath Technologies Inc.; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Public Utilities Commission.

Your Committee finds that lengthy and inconsistent permitting processes for customer-sited solar distributed energy resource systems can increase costs, delay project completion, and discourage consumer and small business investment in renewable energy. Your Committee further finds that solar permit applications constitute a significant portion of building permit activity and that existing review processes can place unnecessary administrative burdens on applicants and permitting authorities. Allowing qualified, licensed design professionals to self-certify eligible solar projects can streamline permitting, improve regulatory efficiency, and accelerate deployment of renewable energy systems without compromising public safety. This measure seeks to reduce administrative barriers and promote fair, efficient permitting practices that support consumer choice, market participation, and the State's renewable energy goals.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1984, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair