SB239

Hawaii SB239 mandates public buildings, including schools, to withstand category five hurricanes and serve as shelters.

Hawaii SB239 addresses the increasing threat of stronger hurricanes due to climate change. It requires all public buildings, including schools, constructed after January 1, 2026, to be designed to withstand category five hurricanes and serve as shelters during emergencies. The bill also mandates that new state building construction, where feasible and cost-effective, maximize energy and water efficiency, energy generation potential, and use materials that reduce the carbon footprint.