Bill > SB234

This bill establishes a Plant-Based Building Materials Working Group to explore innovative agricultural and construction strategies in Hawaii that could help the state meet its climate goals. The working group will include representatives from the University of Hawaii, agricultural experts, government officials, and professionals with specialized knowledge in plant-based building materials. Specifically, the group will investigate how Hawaii's year-round growing season and abundant rainfall can be leveraged to develop sustainable building materials like hempcrete (made from industrial hemp), biocements (produced from blue-green algae), and rapidly growing bamboo, which can potentially be stronger and more resilient than traditional materials like timber or steel. The working group will study methods for growing these plant-based materials, assess their potential for creating green agricultural jobs, and evaluate their capacity to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The group is required to submit a comprehensive report to the legislature by late 2026, including findings, recommendations, and potentially proposed legislation, and will be dissolved in January 2027. Working group members will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, with the ultimate goal of supporting Hawaii's transition to more sustainable construction and agricultural practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=234&year=2025