Hawaii SB239 mandates that all public buildings, including schools, built after January 1, 2026, must withstand category five hurricanes and serve as.

Hawaii SB239 aims to enhance disaster preparedness by requiring all public buildings, including schools, constructed after January 1, 2026, to be designed to withstand category five hurricanes and function as shelters during emergencies. This legislation responds to the increasing frequency and strength of hurricanes due to climate change, which now threaten Hawaii more directly. The bill also mandates that new state building construction, beginning July 1, 2023, maximize energy and water efficiency, energy generation potential, and use materials that reduce the carbon footprint.

Hawaii SB239 mandates that all public buildings, including schools, built after January 1, 2026, must withstand category five hurricanes and serve as.

Hawaii SB239 aims to enhance disaster preparedness by requiring all public buildings, including schools, constructed after January 1, 2026, to be designed to withstand category five hurricanes and function as shelters during emergencies. This legislation responds to the increasing frequency and strength of hurricanes due to climate change, which now threaten Hawaii more directly. The bill also mandates that new state building construction, beginning July 1, 2023, maximize energy and water efficiency, energy generation potential, and use materials that reduce the carbon footprint.