Hawaii HB659 amends state building codes to require hurricane resistant criteria for new state buildings.

Hawaii HB659 amends the state building codes to require the consideration of hurricane resistant criteria for the design and construction of new state buildings. This change follows the invalidation of a similar provision for public schools due to an unconstitutional legislative process. The bill also mandates that new state buildings, starting from July 1, 2023, should maximize energy and water efficiency, energy generation potential, and use materials that reduce the carbon footprint. Exemptions apply for county ordinances allowing indigenous Hawaiian architecture.

Hawaii HB659 amends state building codes to require hurricane resistant criteria for new state buildings.

Hawaii HB659 amends the state building codes to require the consideration of hurricane resistant criteria for the design and construction of new state buildings. This change follows the invalidation of a similar provision for public schools due to an unconstitutional legislative process. The bill also mandates that new state buildings, starting from July 1, 2023, should maximize energy and water efficiency, energy generation potential, and use materials that reduce the carbon footprint. Exemptions apply for county ordinances allowing indigenous Hawaiian architecture.