Committee backs state Home Energy Assistance Program and notes $1.5M implementation estimate
Lawmakers voted to pass HB 2284 to create a Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program, with DHS, PUC and nonprofit advocates testifying about existing programs, outreach challenges and the need to help kupuna and low-income households; an estimated $1.5 million implementation cost will be noted in the committee report.
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The committee passed HB 2284 to establish the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services after testimony from DHS, the Public Utilities Commission and social-service providers described growing energy- bill distress among low-income households. Catholic Charities and other nonprofits said disconnection rates and high electricity burdens make a state-level program necessary alongside LIHEAP and utility-run assistance.
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