Bill > SB111

This bill expands existing state building design requirements to mandate that all new state buildings constructed on or after July 1, 2025, must consider hurricane resistant criteria with the specific goal of ensuring these buildings can potentially serve as shelter during hurricane events. The bill originated from a previous law (Act 84 from 2018) that was found unconstitutional by the Hawaii Supreme Court, but which aimed to implement hurricane resistance standards for public schools. The current bill broadens the scope from just schools to all state buildings, requiring architects and construction teams to incorporate design elements that enhance a building's ability to withstand hurricane conditions and potentially provide refuge during extreme weather events. The bill is part of a larger set of state building guidelines that already include considerations for energy efficiency, water conservation, and carbon footprint reduction. The hurricane resistance requirement will be implemented alongside these existing sustainability standards, with the primary aim of improving the state's infrastructure resilience against natural disasters.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=111&year=2026