Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR52

Introduced
3/10/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

Caption

Requesting The State Fire Marshal To Appoint A Hydrogen Fire Safety Expert And Provide Training On Hydrogen-related Safety Protocols.

Impact

If enacted, SR52 aims to bolster statewide fire safety measures by ensuring that fire departments and building inspectors receive ongoing training on hydrogen safety protocols. The resolution emphasizes compliance with contemporary national safety standards, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. By appointing a specialist in hydrogen safety, the state seeks to mitigate potential fire hazards associated with this clean energy source, thereby enhancing public safety and confidence in emerging energy technologies.

Summary

Senate Resolution 52 (SR52) addresses the growing need for improved fire safety protocols in the state of Hawaii, particularly concerning hydrogen as an energy source. The resolution requests the appointment of a hydrogen fire safety expert by the state fire marshal to oversee safety implementations related to hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facilities. This action is deemed necessary following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, which highlighted the lack of a coordinated fire safety strategy and the absence of a state fire marshal in Hawaii since 1979, making it the only state without one.

Contention

The resolution may spur discussions regarding the balance between promoting hydrogen as a clean energy alternative and ensuring comprehensive safety standards to protect communities. While supporters argue that investing in fire safety expertise is critical for future hydrogen-related initiatives, some may raise concerns about the feasibility of implementing these safety protocols effectively and the potential financial implications for local governments in training and compliance efforts.

Companion Bills

HI SCR54

Same As Requesting The State Fire Marshal To Appoint A Hydrogen Fire Safety Expert And Provide Training On Hydrogen-related Safety Protocols.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR168

Requesting That The Office Of The State Fire Marshal And The State Fire Council Clearly Define Stages Of Wildfire Suppression And Related Efforts In The Hawaii State Fire Code.

HI HR163

Requesting That The Office Of The State Fire Marshal And The State Fire Council Clearly Define Stages Of Wildfire Suppression And Related Efforts In The Hawaii State Fire Code.

HI HB201

Relating To The State Fire Marshal.

HI SR120

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define The Respective Obligations Of Property Owners, Lessees, Licensees, Permittees, And Holders Of Easements For Access, Utility, Or Other Purposes, For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

HI HCR69

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define Property Owner Obligations For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

HI HR62

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define Property Owner Obligations For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

HI SB436

Relating To The State Fire Marshal.

HI SR205

Requesting Each County Police Department In The State To Purchase And Deploy Explosion Detection Technology To Locate And Respond To Explosions Caused By The Illegal Use Of Firearms And Fireworks.

HI SR164

Requesting The Department Of Law Enforcement To Provide Information Related To The Disposal, Detonation, And Destruction Of Explosives, Fireworks, And Similar Hazardous Materials In The State.

HI SCR149

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define The Respective Obligations Of Property Owners, Lessees, Licensees, Permittees, And Holders Of Easements For Access, Utility, Or Other Purposes, For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

Similar Bills

CA SB804

An act to add Chapter 5.

TX HB5600

Relating to incentives for the development of the clean hydrogen industry in this state, including tax benefits, loans, and grants for clean hydrogen projects, clean hydrogen workforce development, hydrogen powered motor vehicles, and certain items used to produce clean hydrogen.

CA AB716

An act to add Section 13105.

CA AB35

Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024: Administrative Procedure Act: exemption: program guidelines and selection criteria.

CA SB419

Hydrogen fuel.

NJ S2749

Directs installation of hydrogen refueling stations at service areas on State's toll roads.

NJ A3932

Directs installation of hydrogen refueling stations at service areas on State's toll roads.

HI SB1338

Relating To Long Duration Clean Energy Storage.