People Power in Action: 2025 Legislative Session Reflections and What’s Next

By Kirsten Kagimoto, Chapter Deputy Director | Reading time: 2.25 minutes

This session, the power of grassroots advocacy was undeniable. Together, we tracked over 800 bills, resolutions, and appointments, submitted testimony on more than 60 key measures, and prioritized legislation that mattered most to our communities. Through email action alerts, social media outreach, and over 2,500 pages of community testimony, we helped shape the conversation at the capitol and drive meaningful change. Learn more about the outcome of our priority bills here.

Thanks to your engagement, we helped defeat harmful bills and pass those that protect our ʻāina, wai, and kaiāulu. Your voices filled hearing rooms, flooded inboxes, and reminded lawmakers that Hawaiʻi residents are paying attention—and taking action.

Mahalo nui to everyone who joined us for The Power of Your Voice: 2025 Legislative Recap webinar! We hope the session left you informed, inspired, and proud of what we accomplished together this year at the capitol.

We heard powerful reflections from our director Wayne Tanaka, Earthjustice’s Marti Townsend, and community leader Makaʻala Kaʻaumoana on the importance of community advocacy and staying engaged both during and outside of the legislative session. Together, we reviewed this session’s biggest wins and challenges, explored what’s still ahead during the interim, and shared ways to stay involved. 

Missed the webinar or want to rewatch it? Watch the recording here.

What’s Next?

Although the legislative session has ended, the work continues. Some bills could still be vetoed. A special session is possible. And key appointments to boards and commissions are still on the horizon.

We still have the opportunity to defeat two harmful bills that have made it to the governor's desk—HB732 and HB796. HB732 would fast track coastal development despite sea level rise and HB796 would phase out Hawaiʻi’s solar tax credit, along with other important tax incentives. Although Governor Green has indicated he intends to veto HB796, it’s critical that he hears from the community to ensure he follows through. Take action today: text VETO to 69866 to be connected with the Governor’s office and urge him to veto HB732 and HB796.

Want to Do More?

To build on our momentum and grow our power at the Capitol, we’ve launched the Volunteer In-District Lobby Program—and we’d love for you to be part of it.

We’re forming teams of volunteer leaders to serve as designated Sierra Club contacts for legislators representing your districts. These volunteer lobbyists meet with lawmakers throughout the year, right in their home districts, to build strong relationships and advocate for our priority issues—before and during the legislative session.

We’ll provide all the tools, training, and support you need to be effective.

Now is the perfect time to reach out and begin building those relationships during the summer and fall.

If you’re interested in joining the In-District Lobby Program, fill out this form to get started.