Bill > SB239

This bill addresses Hawaii's increasing vulnerability to powerful hurricanes by mandating enhanced building standards for state-owned buildings, particularly public schools. The legislation requires that all fully enclosed state buildings with large shelter capacity, for which construction is anticipated to begin on or after July 1, 2026, must be designed to withstand category five hurricanes—the most extreme and destructive hurricane classification with winds up to 200 miles per hour. The bill is motivated by findings that climate change is causing warmer seas, which are shifting hurricane patterns closer to Hawaii and increasing the frequency and intensity of major hurricanes. The legislature recognizes that current infrastructure is poorly prepared, with most wooden homes likely to be damaged or destroyed even in a category one hurricane, and existing shelters unable to protect the expected number of people during a severe hurricane. Beyond the hurricane-resistance requirement, the bill also continues previous provisions encouraging state buildings to maximize energy efficiency, energy generation potential, and use of low-carbon building materials. The legislation explicitly excludes certain types of structures like correctional facilities, covered playgrounds, and sheds from the new hurricane-resistance requirements, focusing instead on buildings that can serve as critical emergency shelters.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=239&year=2025