Bill > HB350

This bill expands the water heater requirements for new single-family residential construction in Hawaii by allowing ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters as an alternative to solar water heaters when obtaining a building permit. A heat pump water heater, which uses electricity to move heat rather than generate it directly, can now be installed instead of a traditional solar water heater. The bill maintains existing provisions for variances, which can be granted by the chief energy officer if an architect or mechanical engineer can demonstrate that installation is impracticable due to solar resource limitations or space constraints, or if a life cycle cost-benefit analysis shows the installation is cost-prohibitive. The bill also allows for alternatives such as using a renewable energy technology system for water heating or installing a gas-tankless instantaneous water heater under specific conditions. This change aims to provide more flexibility in water heating technology while still promoting energy-efficient solutions for new residential construction in Hawaii. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, though this date is likely a placeholder and would be updated in the actual legislation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=350&year=2026