Bill > HB787

This bill requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on implementing a "buy clean" decarbonization policy in Hawaii, which is a procurement approach aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from construction materials. The study will analyze best practices from other states like California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, which have already implemented similar programs that prioritize materials with lower global warming potential in public infrastructure projects. The commission, supported by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, will investigate the feasibility of such a policy, examining scientific evidence, potential frameworks, standards, and broader implications for reducing carbon emissions. The bill acknowledges Hawaii's existing statutory goal of becoming carbon-negative by 2045 and recognizes that current procurement practices do not effectively support this objective. The commission is mandated to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature before the 2027 regular session, and the bill appropriates funds to support this study. By exploring a "buy clean" approach, the legislation aims to leverage the state's purchasing power to promote environmental sustainability and reduce upstream industrial greenhouse gas emissions from construction materials.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=787&year=2026